Many studies in the rural communities in Imo State 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. 540 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 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 is the adoption of the participatory development model by the donor agency in project
execution.