Impacts of Short-Term Oil and Gas Upstream Activities on the Welfare of People in Buliisa District

Abstract

This study was carried out to find out the impacts of short-term oil and gas upstream activities on the welfare of the residents in Buliisa District. The study was carried out to achieve the 3 specific objectives which were; to assess the socio-economic status, to determine the effects of oil and gas exploration and drilling on the welfare of the local communities and to explore the measures put in place by the responsible bodies to reduce on the negative impacts of oil and gas activities in Buliisa District. A descriptive research design was employed involving both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study involved 123 local community members, 2 oil company representatives, 11 leaders and 7 district officials. Questionnaires were used to collect data from local community members and interview guides were used to collect qualitative data. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed. Data analysis for quantitative data was by use of SPSS version 20 and qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Results from the study revealed that Most of the people in Buliisa are involved in businesses, farming and fishing and are of low economic status. 60.98% had not seen any benefit from these activities taking place in their areas. Some benefits highlighted were in terms of construction of good roads, employment and jobs, compensation from the government, increment in income and attainment of scholarships. Negative impacts were environmental degradation, increased cases of land grabbing, pollution, and decline in crop yields, high costs of living.