MITIGATING GULLY EROSION AND LANDSLIDE IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA THROUGH PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Soil erosion is one of the prominent features in southern Nigeria, especially in Anambra and Imo States and has destroyed roads, homes and farmlands. In Oko community of Anambra State, landslides have added to the misery of the community. While government responsiveness is growing compelling, it is important to galvanise community initiatives. In this respect, many government apparatuses worldwide have increased obligations to develop frameworks for minimum formal opportunities for the public to talk their way through. This expository paper captures the causes, and consequences of erosion in Anambra State, Nigeria. The paper, anchoring on Behaviour Change and Multi Track Models, is of the view that government agencies should integrate the people’s initiatives as a key component of the strategy for change, aimed at mitigating gully erosion. The paper identified some erosion sites in the state and offered remedies to the menace. Pursuant to the remedies, the paper proffered participatory communication as an important component of change, aimed at mitigating the menace of erosion and landslide in the environment.