Engendering Transparency In Value Determination of Wetlands In Nigeria's Niger Delta: A Case For An Abductive Approach

Abstract

Reviews of previous investigations into the causes of restiveness and economic deprivation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria reveal that the payment of inadequate compensation for acquired landed assets has contributed immensely to this incidence of the se circumstances. Whereas several studies have sought to investigate the reasons for such complaints, a paucity of studies seeking to conduct such investigation from a theory development praxis has been noted. This study is prompted by this observation. A parallel convergent mixed method research design was deployed for data elicitation. Data was obtained through a mix of interviews and questionnaire surveys. The information sought was premised on the need to understand the approaches used by valuers and to determine if any research approach was applied during the process. The emergent data was using descriptive statistics. Findings from the study indicate that the dominant method for valuation of wetlands for compensation purposes; the pre determined compensation rates method, was predicated on the deductive approach. After a review of the four approaches available, the paper recommends the adoption of an abductive research approach for value determination in such instances due to the inherent principles associated with the approach.