Impact of Petroleum Production on Livestock Production in Upper Nile State, South Sudan

Author (s)

Yohana Mayol De Pach Aok

Abstract

This study examines how oil production and the pollution it causes affect livestock farming in the Upper Nile State of South Sudan. The focus is on major oil-producing areas, such as Paloch, to show the serious consequences on both animal and human health. These include high livestock deaths, birth defects in animals and children, and a general drop in the well-being of the community. Although these impacts are significant, the actions taken by the responsible authorities are not enough to address the problem. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating both numerical data and personal narratives. Secondary data spanning from 2008 to 2025 was gathered from reports detailing the impacts of oil production and petroleum pollution on livestock in the Upper Nile State. Primary data was collected through questionnaires completed by individuals directly involved in livestock management in oil-affected areas. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26 version for both basic and advanced statistical analyses. A purposive sampling method identified 78 participants, including herders, farmers, and local officials. Quantitative data assessed animal health, productivity losses, and signs of petroleum poisoning, such as bloating, respiratory issues, and decreased milk and meat production. Qualitative data from interviews and group discussions provided insights into community experiences, coping strategies, and challenges faced. The findings show that oil pollution, mainly from damaged pipelines, leaking storage tanks, and poor waste management, has damaged grazing areas, polluted water supplies, and reduced soil quality. The findings indicate that oil contamination, primarily from corroded pipelines, leaking terminals, and improper wastewater disposal, has degraded grazing lands, polluted water sources, and reduced soil fertility, thereby undermining the foundation of agro-pastoral livelihoods. This threatens the basic ways of life for agro-pastoral communities. The study calls for stronger environmental protection measures, better enforcement of current rules, and effective ways to hold people accountable to reduce the harm caused by oil production on livestock, human health, and the communities living in South Sudan. This study underscores the urgent necessity for implementing robust environmental safeguards, enforcing existing policies, and establishing effective accountability mechanisms to mitigate the detrimental effects of petroleum production on livestock, human health, and pastoral communities in South Sudan.

Key words: Oil Production, Oil Pollution, Livestock Production, Environmental Degradation, Water Contamination, Human Health, Birth Defects, Greater Upper Nile, South Sudan.

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Cite This Article:

Aok, Y. M. D. P. (2025). Impact of Petroleum Production on Livestock Production in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, Journal of Scientific Reports, 11(1), 13-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1132

About Author (s)

Yohana Mayol De Pach Aok, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Botswana, Botswana & Senior Lecturer in Animal Nutrition, Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, Bor, Jonglei State, South Sudan.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1132

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