Analysts have opined that the most vital key to successful implementation of any project is the vibrancy and efficacy of the Communication component. This is because Communication is an essential tool of cross ideology; negotiation community mobilization and sensitization. It is also an integral part of information dissemination, enlightenment and education.
For the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), designed to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds and to also improve physical environment and living conditions in its project states, the project is expected to have wider impact on the affected communities by providing economic livelihoods to the poor and affected people, and address flooding and poor management of solid waste. Therefore, the project Communication component needs to be oiled regularly with periodic workshop and capacity upgrade. Other project components would consider issues of governance especially with regard to the management and use of information systems for development planning, building capacity of officials for improved delivery of service and effective management of project through stakeholder participation.
Thus recently in collaboration with Aries Concept Limited, the project communication firm and IFEHS, the project Non-Governmental Organization a workshop was organized for Communication and Livelihood Officers in Cross River State with the objectives to enhance the capacity of Communication/Livelihood Officers and other project teams towards up scaling the visibility of the Project and to clearly pass across its vision and expected outcomes among key primary stakeholders (community), Government Officials and the general public as well.
The sessions comprised of plenary discussions and working groups on Social mobilization and accountability for sustainable development. This Workshop was also to develop a Communication strategy, and follow-up, including actions to be taken by the states focal NGOs (SFNGOs to ensure that they deliver as signed. The participants all had opportunity to engage in a first-hand practice, of all what they have learnt, with a community in a project site.
According to Mr. Salisu Dahiru, NEWMAP National Project Coordinator who spoke to participants during the exercise, “Communication is all about visibility, image making, behavioral change, awareness creation and managing expectations of the affected communities to ensure that the understand NEWMAP’s mode of operations.”
He noted that strategic communication and community mobilization in NEWMAP has become necessary to deal with issues that might jeopardize successful implementation of the project. He said issues such as youth threats, lack of trust, lack of ownership and participation are resolved through effective communication plan.
Also at the workshop is Dr. Amos Abu, the Task Team Leader NEWMAP from the Work Bank who commended the participants for their commitment and zeal towards successful project delivery charged the officers to create an identity for NEWMAP because communication is the face of the project and it can make or mar the image of NEWMAP? He noted that identity is making sure that the public did not perceive NEWMAP as other failed projects and this could be achieved through strategic communication and mobilization which will generate community ownership, acceptance and participation.
Speaking on the importance of communication, the Cross River state project Coordinator, Mr. Fidelis Anukwa said communication and community mobilization was the key to NEWMAP project success. He said that one of the components of this project is poverty alleviation that is, making a noticeable impact on the economy of the affected communities. He also stated that “the project cannot possible impact on the lives of these communities without communicating to them and that is why communication is very important for the success of this project.” He therefore urged the communication and livelihood officers to drive the process of communication and community mobilization.
The Communication and Community Mobilization Specialist, Dr. Adebayo Thomas in his remarks commended the project for bringing in the giant consultants IFEHS, NEWMAP umbrella Non-Governmental Organization and Aries Concept Ltd, NEWMAP Communication firm to track all activities involve in communication and community mobilization. Why stressing that communication and community mobilization are key to the success of this project, he said that the issue of social accountability is very important to this project and advised participant to ensure that the objectives of the workshop was achieved through the successful implementation of communication activities of the NEWMAP project.
He equally appreciated the states for the onboarding of focal NGO because they are very important in the area of mobilization/sensitization and awareness creation.
The primary objectives of the workshop include:
- To enhance the capacity of the SFNGOs to deliver on their services of Social mobilization and Accountability for NEWMAP states and mainstream effective Community engagement for the success of NEWMAP. Towards this end, the workshop is a tailored one as identified during the capacity need assessment for the SFNGOs. It will also harmonize the states work plan with the UNGO and M&E work-plan to ensure logical sequencing between the SFNGO/UNGO and M&E activities, identify existing obstacles and capacity challenges, exchange experiences and share good practices among staff
- To enhance the capacity of Communication/livelihood Officers and other project teams to scale up the visibility of the NEWMAP Project and clearly pass across its vision and expected outcomes among key primary stakeholders (community), Government Officials as well as the general public;
- To develop the capacity of Project staff to effectively design their Communications action plans and timelines in line with the Projects Communication Needs Assessment(CNA);
- To share ideas and experiences with Project staff on communications related activities in the spirit of peer learning; and
- To learn from experiences of best practices on how to accelerate the pace of NEWMAP Project implementation through strategic and effective communication and Livelihood activities.
Expected Deliverables:
- Improved knowledge about NEWMAP, the processes, institutions and structures required for effective social mobilization and accountability for NEWMAP
- Improved knowledge of capacity development and technical assistance needed to achieve integrated sustainable development programmes;
- Well-articulated and harmonized work plan for FONGO and livelihood Officers
- Enhanced awareness of integrated approaches for the development and implementation of Social mobilization, Social accountability and engendered programmes for NEWMAP
- Improved Officer’s knowledge on livelihoods interventions, community empowerment interventions and mechanisms for increased accountability in view of impact evaluation.
- Project staff capacity developed to effectively design their Communications action plans and timelines in line with the Projects Communication Needs Assessment(CNA);
- Enhanced smooth project delivery. The FPMU would develop their own communication activities with action plans and timelines.
