Dependence on oil exploitation has meant consequences on the health and environment. A 2014 baseline assessment of the impact of oil production on communities in Upper Nile and Unity States by Cordaid found that the perception

of the communities in the three oil-producing counties is shaped by high expectations, lack of information and false information, bad experiences, and deep frustration. The people met in all three counties feel that the losses and problems caused by the production of oil far outweigh the benefits. According to the same research, oil production pollutants are suspected by communities to have caused many new health problems, namely increased infertility in women and a high number of miscarriages, eye pains, eye infections and even blindness, and skin problems. The role of the media in advocating environmental protection and land use alongside oil exploitation is crucial.