Introduction To MPP6

The Niger Delta is the main oil-producing area of Nigeria.  It provides most of the 95% of government revenues deriving from crude oil production. However, many communities in the area are amongst the least developed in the country.  In December 1999, the EC adopted a Micro-Projects Programme (MPP3) for three states of the Niger Delta: Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States. The current programme is for a further Micro-Projects Programme (MPP6) to cover the region’s remaining six States: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Imo and Ondo.

MPP6  provides support to rural populations to improve living standards.  Through the development of a process approach and the active participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organization (CBOs) - the project supports civil society engagement in development and the practice of democratic principles.  The specific purpose of the programme is to establish a range of sustainable community-based micro-projects.  Beneficiaries provide at least 25% of project cost in labour, cash and/or kind.  The programme works in partnership with local experts and contractors, in addition to the above-mentioned CSOs and CBOs. It seeks co-operation with State’s programmes where objectives and activities overlap and where policy dialogue suggests that the involvement of MPP6 can contribute to making the State’s programme effective at achieving those objectives.  The majority of the micro-projects establish basic infrastructure in the health, education, water and sanitation and rural transport sectors.  It  also responds to requests for support in the area of income generation and micro finance.

The budget is E 42 million from EDF, in addition to approximately E 9 million from beneficiaries and local institution.  There may be as many as 3000 micro-projects across the six participating states. They will range in terms of cost from about E 1,000 to E 35,000.  The Niger Delta region is characterized by a very complex web of often competing interests around the environment and development.  These tensions have become entrenched over time and now frequently manifest themselves in the form of conflict.  In this context, the programme is demonstrating to a range of civil society, Local Government Areas (LGA) and State stakeholders, the value added (in terms of positive development outcomes and inclusive social processes) of innovative, participatory approach to development

RUFARM is the CSO  implementing MPP6 projects in Owan West LGA since 2004. So far, RUFARM has supervised the drilling of 2 boreholes in Umaza in Ovia S.W. and Evboro in Ovia N.E., construction of - one six-classroom block in Ivbieleke, renovation of secondary school hall in Oke and one health centre in Ohia - Iuleha, all in Owan West LGA. 

The construction of six classroom block in Ivbieleke, Owan West Local Government Area

The commissioning of the six classroom block in Ivbieleke by Mr J.J. Owa, Co-ordinator, RUFARM, assisted by community members.

The community engagement through PRA in Avbiosi in Owan West Local Government.