A Comparative Analysis of Productivities in Shellfish Collection in Oil Spill and Non-Oil Spill Communities of River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study compares the incomes generated from periwinkle and dog-winkle catch amongst farmers in oil spill- affected and non-oil -spill-affected areas in Gokana and Khana Local Government Areas, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected and data were collected using structured questionnaires and personal interviews. Analytical tools used included descriptive statistics, net income model, T- test and regression analysis model. Results indicated that income realized by the farmers from shellfish sales in non-oil spill-affected Local Government was higher than that of the oil spill-affected Local Government Area per annum and was estimated as ₦407,812.79.00 and ₦182,485.00 respectively. The level of profit recorded among the farmers in the two areas was significantly different with a T-value of 14.42. The null hypothesis was rejected. The regression model employed three functional forms; linear, semi log and double log. Linear model was chosen as the lead equation because of the highest R2 of 59%. Cost of labor and transportation had significant effect on the level of profit. Cost of labor positively influenced profit while cost of transportation negatively influenced the profit. It is recommended that government intervention programs provide a cheaper means of transportation in the area.