ABSTRACT
The prevalence of artisanal refineries in the South-South geo-political zone is attested to by the sheer dramatic rise in the incidences of crime as well as the reduction in property development and other economic activities in the area. The study examines the social effect of artisanal refining activities on property development among the communities in South-South, Nigeria. The survey research method was adopted for the study through the use of a questionnaire; three (3) states (Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta), six (6) LGAs, and eighteen (18) communities were selected, leading to 427 respondents selected for the study. Data was analysed using frequency counts, response percentages, mean values, and spearman rank correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that respondents agreed that artisanal refining activities have fostered insecurity and violence, leading to heightened social tension adversely affecting property development (Rivers-51.9%, Bayelsa-49.8%, Delta-58.2%). Also, prevalence of social vices such as theft, violence, cult activities, and kidnapping has created considerable challenges for property development and affected the ease of development (Rivers-58.9%, Bayelsa-67.8%, Delta-70.1%). The findings showed a statistically significant relationship between property development and various social effects variables due to illegal Artisanal refining activities in the study area (where p ≤ 0.05, r ≥ 0.5). In conclusion, artisanal refining activities have caused social repercussions in the communities, such as insecurity and violence, adversely affecting property development and affected developers’ willingness to invest in real estate.
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