, QUESTION 1: Lesson 7 The prescribed reading ‘Sustainable development
and environmental health problems in Africa: A critique’ (2015) “was written by
Abiodun Ogunbodede who at that stage was a student in the Department of
Sociology/Anthropology at the University of Uyo, Nigeria. His paper is about
the impact of multinational companies, particularly those in the oil (petroleum)
industry, on the lives of the affected communities and what he as an African
anthropologist from a people-orientated African approach recommends as a
possible solution. It is important to note that researchers might have different
solutions to the same problems, but by reading different opinions we become
more informed on a particular topic, and we grow to become thorough critical
readers and make informed choices about possible solutions. The main aim of
this reading is to focus on the contents – there is a lot to be learned from his
approach, explanations, and solution. It should be pointed out that through
publications, human issues, and possible solutions are made known to the
world and can assist in the implementation of positive changes for humanity.”
(APY:40) Critically discuss the reasons and consequences of, as well as
possible solutions to overexploitation and pollution of a community, society,
and nation’s natural environment as identified by Ogunbodede (2015). (Do not
exceed approximately 750 words)
In Abiodun Ogunbodede’s 2015 paper, he provides an in-depth critique of the environmental and
social challenges caused by multinational oil companies in Africa, particularly in the Niger Delta
region. As an African anthropologist, Ogunbodede adopts a people-oriented approach,
emphasizing the severe consequences of overexploitation and pollution on local communities,
and offering solutions based on African values and sustainable development principles.
Reasons for Overexploitation and Pollution
1. Corporate Profit Maximization: A primary reason for overexploitation of natural
resources is the drive for profit by multinational oil companies. These corporations
extract oil at an unsustainable rate, with little regard for environmental regulations. The
extraction processes, including oil drilling and refining, cause significant environmental
harm through oil spills, gas flaring, and deforestation. Since these companies are
primarily concerned with their bottom line, they often neglect the social and ecological
consequences of their operations.
2. Weak Regulatory Frameworks: Many African nations, including Nigeria, lack strong
regulatory frameworks to control the activities of multinational companies. Governments,
often influenced by the economic benefits of oil revenues, may turn a blind eye to
environmental degradation. Corruption and inadequate enforcement of environmental
protection laws allow these corporations to evade responsibility for the pollution they
cause, leading to unchecked exploitation of natural resources.
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