Determinants of Obong Victor Attah International Airport, Akwa Ibom State on the Employment Status of the Host Communities

Art Human Open Acc J. 2019; 3(4):175‒188

14 Pages Posted: 29 Jul 2019

See all articles by Ihuoma Blossom Adindu

Ihuoma Blossom Adindu

University of Uyo (UNIUYO)

Morufu Olalekan Raimi

Federal University Otuoke; Niger Delta University (NDU) - Department of Community Medicine

Joseph C. Udoh

University of Uyo (UNIUYO) - Faculty of Social Science

Date Written: July 24, 2019

Abstract

The aviation industry has a vital role to play in achieving sustainable development in austerity nations like Africa, particularly in Nigeria. Interestingly, Africa accounts for just 2% of world GDP but hosts 13% of its population. As a result, GDP per capita in Africa is the lowest of the world’s regions. The general picture is one of underdevelopment, political instability, economic volatility and pervasive poverty. While there is a major opportunity to improve living standards, quality of life and alleviate poverty through sustained economic growth. This research work measured the contributions of the Obong Victor Attah International Airport to the social and economic life of host communities of Uruan, Okobo and Nsit-Atai. LGA’s in Akwa-Ibom State. Employment is one of the major parameters used in measuring these contributions. A buffer was used to demarcate the study into zones and a systematic sampling technique was employed in selecting the households to be sampled. The sample size composed of 400 respondents and this was determined from the population of the host communities using the Taro Yamane formula. Data needed for this study was obtained from questionnaires administered to the 400 respondents. Secondary data was collected from Ibom International Airport Development Company now known as Obong Victor Attah International Airport Development Company. Data collected were analysed using; percentages, charts, maps and simple linear regression statistical tools. The hypothesis formulated was tested using simple linear regression analysis, the null hypothesis which stated that airport does not significantly impact employment generation was accepted for employment. Results from the analysis revealed that 10% and 13% of the total number employed in 2013 and 2017 respectively were from the host communities. From this result it is here inferred that, Obong Victor Attah International Airport is not the major determinant of employment in the study area. It was recommended that the Government should create more employment opportunities for the host communities to improve their socio-economic well-being through the expansion of the nature-based tourist industry, which could offer not only a significant source of employment and income growth but also an effective mechanism to improve the sustainability of the environment, while also helping to protect the long-term sustainability of the tourism product in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general.

Keywords: employment status, sustainability, economic volatility, pervasive poverty, host communities, sustainable development, nature-based tourist industry, determinants

Suggested Citation

Adindu, Ihuoma Blossom and Raimi, Morufu Olalekan and Udoh, Joseph C., Determinants of Obong Victor Attah International Airport, Akwa Ibom State on the Employment Status of the Host Communities (July 24, 2019). Art Human Open Acc J. 2019; 3(4):175‒188, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3426507

Ihuoma Blossom Adindu

University of Uyo (UNIUYO) ( email )

Ikpa Road
P.M.B. 1017
Uyo, AK Akwa Ibom State 1234
Nigeria

Morufu Olalekan Raimi (Contact Author)

Federal University Otuoke ( email )

Department of Environmental Management and
Toxicology
Bayelsa
Nigeria

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.growkudos.com/profile/morufu_raimi

Niger Delta University (NDU) - Department of Community Medicine ( email )

Nigeria
07038053786 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Morufu_Raimi

Joseph C. Udoh

University of Uyo (UNIUYO) - Faculty of Social Science

Nigeria

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