Improving the Standards of Living Using Petroleum Revenue: The Case of Koch County, Unity State, South Sudan

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
This study sought to determine the extent to which petroleum revenue had been used to improve the standards of living in Koch County, Unity State, South Sudan. The study was guided by four specific objectives which were to determine the extent to which 2% state share of petroleum revenue has been used to improve the standards of living; explore the extent to which 3% community share of petroleum revenue has been used to improve the standards of living; examine the extent to which Community Development Fund from petroleum revenue has been used to improve the standards of living; and discuss the extent to which Community Compensation Package from petroleum revenue has been used to improve the standards of living. The study adopted a descriptive research design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data. The target group for this study was Koch County. The sample size for the study composed of 371 heads of households, 33 officials from the county government and 17 managers from Sud Petroleum Operating Company. The research used purposive sampling. Data collected was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed to generate information of what respondents answered based on open and closed-ended questions in questionnaires which were administered to them. Qualitative data was systematic organized into manageable units and coded under particular themes as per the objectives of the study. Quantitative data was coded, analysed and summarized using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and tables. Several indicators were identified as guiding principles towards measuring the objectives. The study found out that the main cause to lack of implementing the state share of petroleum revenues is the weak systems of governance characterized by political instability, lack of political will, rampant corruption and social injustices. Therefore, the study proposes a transformative action plan to address petroleum revenue. To promote accountability and transparency in the management of petroleum revenue, all stakeholders must be involved. The government must be sensitized to encourage community participation in decision making processes. The government at all levels must ensure that petroleum policies are disseminated among the people living in the petroleum producing states and that awareness training on safety has been achieved. Seminars, trainings, workshops, visibility campaigns, research and advocacy is the action plan.
Description
Keywords
Standards of Living, Petroleum Revenue
Citation