|
Bayelsa State, Niger Delta: Background
LENF has been working with communities in Bayelsa State since 1998.
Bayelsa State is located in the heart of the Niger River Delta on the southern coast of Nigeria. It is one of the most important areas in Nigeria, in terms of biodiversity. The mangrove forest of the Delta is the largest in Africa and the third largest in the world. |
|
The discovery of oil (in 1956) has meant that seismic lines, oil pipelines and roads, along with the influx of immigrants, have created great pressure on the Delta's exceptionally wet natural environment. This fragile environment presents a challenge to the continued development of transportation and other infrastructures.
Bayelsa is densely populated - over two million people live in villages among the swamps. The forests, mangroves and fisheries are vital to the livelihoods of these communities. Women, in particular, rely on the non-timber forest products for subsistence as well as cash incomes.
Due to the continued influx of people to the area and the ever-increasing population growth, there is an undue pressure and unsustainable demand and exploitation of natural resources in the area. As the renewable natural resources become over exploited and degraded, livelihoods related to these resources have come under pressure and people in the communities are finding it harder to make a living.
Find out more about the programmes that Living Earth Nigeria Foundation and Liing Earth Foundation (UK) have carried out in this region by clicking on the links below:
Living Earth Environmental Action Programme (LEEAP)
Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods (PSL)
|
|
|
Nigeria in a Nutshell
Bayelsa State
Fishing is vital to livelihoods of Bayelsa communities
Mangrove swamp, Bayelsa State
back to top
|
Living Earth Nigeria Foundation
PO Box 8060, 10A Railway Close D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Tel/Fax: (234) 84 231 714
E-mail: lenfoundation@yahoo.co.uk
All content copyright © Living Earth Foundation 2009 | |
