Adekola, Josephine, Fischbacher-Smith, Moira, Fischbacher-Smith, Denis and Adekola, Olalekan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9747-0583 (2016) Health risks from environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 35 (2). pp. 334-354.

Preview

Text 0263774x16661720.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (699kB) | Preview

Abstract

Local communities within oil producing countries in Africa often face formidable environmental challenges that generate conflicts and concerns around exploitation, environmental impact, and health risks. A key feature of these concerns has been the paucity of effective risk communication mechanisms and the impact this has on the public understanding of risk. Risk communication has been identified as a significant factor in explaining why the health consequences of environmental degradation remain unabated in oil producing communities. This paper evaluates health risk communication in the oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study is based on sixty-nine interviews conducted in the Niger Delta region. The paper argues that the health of the local population is being impaired by risk incidences relating to oil and gas exploration activities, the effects of which are amplified by inadequate communication of health risks to the public. The study argues for and suggests ways in which health risk communication processes can be improved in the Niger Delta. A multi-dimensional framework for public health risk communication is developed as a means of advancing understanding, practice and policy.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1177/0263774X16661720
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
School/Department:	School of Humanities
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/2801

University Staff: Request a correction | RaY Editors: Update this record