Many studies in the rural communities in Nigeria have revealed that the levels of water and sanitation services are generally
unsatisfactory. This has led to high prevalence of many diseases associated with water scarcity and poor hygiene. This study
examined the role of the European Union Micro-Projects Program in water and sanitation in the reduction of the incidence of some of
these diseases in the rural areas of Imo State. Five hundred and forty subjects were randomly selected and interviewed in 15 rural
communities that benefited from water and sanitation projects between 2003 and 2007. Impacts were evaluated in the areas of water
supply and sanitation in terms of quality, quantity, incidence of diseases and their rate of reduction among the local population.
Results showed considerable improvements in the quantity and quality of water supply (62%), sanitation (52%), as well as reduction
in the incidence of diseases (40%). The success recorded in this externally funded program resulted from many factors, of which the
most important was the adoption of the participatory development model by the donor agency in project execution.