Pipelines and Promises: Reassessing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Socio-Economic Transformation in Oil-Rich Melut County, South Sudan
Author (s)
Abraham Padiet Deng Alony & Prof. Dr. Maxwell Adea
Abstract
The extractive industry, particularly oil, is a primary revenue source for South Sudan, yet host communities like Melut County continue to experience profound socio-economic challenges. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by oil operating companies are promoted as a mechanism for sustainable development and conflict mitigation. This study critically assesses the implementation and socio-economic impact of these CSR programs in Melut County. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a household survey (n=300), key informant interviews (n=25), and focus group discussions (n=6). Findings reveal a significant disparity between community expectations and CSR outcomes. While companies report substantial investment in health (22%) and education (18%), 78% of community respondents expressed dissatisfaction, citing poorly maintained infrastructure and lack of local employment. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.723, p<0.01) was found between community participation in project design and perceived project success. Environmental concerns, particularly water contamination, remain a critical, unaddressed issue. We conclude that current CSR practices are largely ineffective and philanthropic, failing to catalyze meaningful socio-economic transformation. A paradigm shift towards rights-based, participatory, and legally-enforced CSR frameworks is urgently needed to align corporate activities with sustainable development goals in post-conflict South Sudan.
Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Extractives, Oil and Gas, Community Development, South Sudan, Sustainable Development, Melut Basin.
| Title: | Pipelines and Promises: Reassessing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Socio-Economic Transformation in Oil-Rich Melut County, South Sudan |
|---|---|
| Author: | Abraham Padiet Deng Alony & Prof. Dr. Maxwell Adea |
| Journal Name: | International Journal of Science and Business |
| Website: | ijsab.com |
| ISSN: | ISSN 2520-4750 (Online), ISSN 2521-3040 (Print) |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.58970/IJSB.2557 |
| Media: | Online |
| Volume: | 44 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Issue publication (Year): | 2025 |
| Acceptance Date: | 20/09/2025 |
| Date of Publication: | 25/09/2025 |
| PDF URL: | http://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/2557.pdf |
| Free download: | Available |
| Page: | 91-99 |
| First Page: | 91 |
| Last Page: | 99 |
| Paper Type: | Research paper |
| Current Status: | Published |
Cite This Article:
Alony, A. P. D. & Adea, M. (2025). Pipelines and Promises: Reassessing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Socio-Economic Transformation in Oil-Rich Melut County, South Sudan, International Journal of Science and Business, 44(1), 91-99. https://doi.org/10.58970/IJSB.2557
Retrieved from http://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/2557.pdf
About Author (s)
Abraham Padiet Deng Alony, Department of Business Management, University of Juba, Juba, South Sudan. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6451-6102
Prof. Dr. Maxwell Adea, Deputy Principal, Supervisor and Examiner of Doctor of Philosophy Candidates, University of Juba, South Sudan. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6050-3769
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/IJSB.2557
This Post Has Been Viewed 533 Times
Summarize this article with:
