Corporate Social Responsibility and the role of Rural Women in Sustainable Agricultural Development in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from the Niger Delta in Nigeria

Low productivity among female farmers when compared with their male counterparts is considered an outcome of limited access to agricultural land and inputs. The objective of this investigation was to assess the impact of multinational oil companies’ (MOCs’) CSR on rural women access to modern agricultural inputs in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. A total of 700 rural female farmers were sampled across the region. Results from the use of a logit model indicated that CSR recorded significant success in agricultural development generally, but has undermined equality. This implies that if a woman’s agricultural productivity is continuously hindered by unequal access to agricultural resources (or opportunities) and widespread inequality will limit poverty reduction efforts in Nigeria. The results also showed that women depended on CSR of MOCs for policy dialogue and advocacy for women’s access to agricultural land and inputs. Supporting agricultural initiatives that focus on empowering women would boost food security in sub-Saharan Africa

Sustaining cultural tourism through higher female participation in Nigeria: the role of corporate social responsibility in oil host communities

This paper adds to the gender discourse in sustainable African tourism development from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) perspective. Specifically, we examine the impact of CSR on the development of rural women in cultural tourism. A total of 600 rural women were sampled across the Niger Delta. Results from the use of a logit model indicate a significant relationship between CSR and cultural tourism development in oil host communities in Nigeria. This implies that CSR of a multinational oil company (MOC) is a critical factor for sustaining cultural tourism. The findings suggest increased female participation in General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) interventions of MOC and the need to pay close attention to which extent the participation of rural women in the GMoU projects may be limited by cultural and traditional obstacles

Rethinking the role of corporate social responsibility in the Nigerian oil conflict: The limits of CSR

The widespread adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by oil multinational corporations (MNCs) in Nigeria supposedly marked a watershed in corporate-community relations in the Niger Delta. This is because, after decades of initially rejecting such responsibilities, oil MNCs reversal of attitude towards CSR was expected to at least tamper the scale and intensity of violence. However, despite such widespread claims of adherence to the ideals of CSR, corporate-community conflict has remained unabated and oil companies continue to be accused of familiar misdemeanour. This paper argued that structural and systemic deficiencies inherent in CSR practices limit the effectiveness of CSR as a vehicle for conflict prevention and reduction in the Niger Delta. The paper concludes by considering the implications for CSR-conflict nexuses in the Nigerian oil industry. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Partnering with the state for sustainable development: Shell's experience in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

There is now growing consensus that moves towards sustainable development should involve constructive inputs from business, government and civil society. This paper critically examines the emerging partnership for human, institutional development and provision of physical infrastructure between the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Nigeria. It argues that although SPDC is undertaking partnership with NDDC as part of its overall CSR strategy for the region its success will be influenced by four key challenges. These are political support for NDDC, funding constraints, public perceptions and expectations of NDDC, as well as institutional priorities. The implications of the findings for current debates on partnership and the role of business in society are highlighted. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.