The Role Of Communication In Enugu State Nigeria Erosion And Watershed Management Project (Ens-Newmap) Sustainable Delivery

Abstract

 This paper is aimed at x-raying the roles of communication in development project delivery with special focus on Enugu State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (ENS-NEWMAP) sustainable delivery. This is a multi-sectorial project financed by the World Bank, Global Environment Facility, Special Climate Change Fund, and the Government of Nigeria. The project was designed to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds. This was targeted initially at improving environment and living conditions of people in seven states; namely Anambra, Abia, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo. However, following the successful story of NEWMAP, the project has been replicated to many other states bringing them to a total of 23 States. The benefits that accrued to majority of the populations of the participating states include reconnected transport corridors, cisterns and structures for community rainwater harvesting, support for improved storm water planning, reduced flooding, improved disaster risk preparedness and enhanced agricultural activities especially in Enugu State. Data utilized in this study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The results were presented in planning communication forms such as maps, photographs and qualitative analysis facts of the project delivery. In achieving the success story, the communication officer worked closely with the environmental/social livelihood and complementarities of the civil works constructions and livelihood options especially those that would ensure the sustainability of the project. In other words, success of the integrated watershed approach relied so much on effective communication.