By Abdullahi Lukman
Anambra State is facing an environmental crisis, as no fewer than 160 out of its 179 communities are currently threatened by gully erosion, according to the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA).
The warning was issued by the agency’s Managing Director, Prof. Philip Phil-Eze, during a one-day sensitisation workshop held in Awka last Friday.
The workshop, themed: ‘Local Knowledge to Combat Erosion,’ was organised by the Environment Development Initiative for Africa (EDIA), a non-governmental organisation focused on environmental sustainability, in collaboration with ANSEWCCA.
It brought together government officials, environmental experts, community leaders, and other stakeholders to explore how indigenous practices and local participation can be harnessed to address the growing menace of soil erosion in the state.
Presenting a paper titled: ‘Expanding Interventions in the Control of Soil Erosion in Anambra State Through Local Action,’ Prof. Phil-Eze described the situation as dire, stating that Anambra remains one of the most environmentally degraded and erosion-ravaged landscapes in Africa.
He emphasized that erosion in the state is driven by a combination of natural and human factors, and called for a shift in both policy and public behavior to address the crisis effectively.
“Natural causes of erosion include intense rainfall, flood and surface runoff, loose soil types, hilly terrain, and sparse vegetation cover,” he explained.
“However, these are made worse by human activities such as indiscriminate tree felling, sand mining, poor waste disposal, modern roofing styles that increase water runoff, unplanned urban development, and a general lack of environmental awareness among the populace.”
Prof. Phil-Eze also noted that in many cases, poorly executed infrastructure projects, such as drainage channels that are wrongly terminated or diverted, have exacerbated erosion in both urban and rural areas.
He emphasized the need for early interventions, education, and stronger collaboration with local communities, who often possess valuable knowledge about managing their environment.
“The culture of negligence and failure to involve local communities in erosion control efforts has contributed significantly to the worsening situation,” he observed, maintaining, “It is crucial that we take proactive steps to mitigate the risks before they spiral out of control.”
The workshop served as a platform for capacity building, encouraging knowledge exchange between scientists, policymakers, and local residents.
Prof. Emma Ezenwaji, Director of Research and Publication at EDIA, stressed the importance of grassroots engagement in sustainable environmental management.
Also speaking at the event, Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, praised the initiative as a “timely intervention” in the face of growing environmental concerns.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Tochukwu Obodogha, the commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to prioritising environmental sustainability.
“The government of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is deeply committed to environmental protection and is actively encouraging best practices that prevent erosion and other ecological disasters,” he said.
“We believe that prevention is always better than cure, and we will continue to support collaborative efforts like this to safeguard the future of our communities.”
Participants at the workshop agreed that a multi-stakeholder approach—one that combines scientific research, government policy, and local knowledge—is vital to reversing the erosion crisis.
They also called for increased public awareness campaigns, improved urban planning, and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations.
As erosion continues to destroy farmlands, homes, roads, and livelihoods across Anambra State, the urgency to act has never been greater.
The workshop renewed calls for action at all levels of the society to protect the state’s fragile environment from further degradation.
