Analysis of Stakeholders’ Perception of the Role of Development Communication: Disturbing Tales from the Niger Delta

Abstract

Extant literature and critical observation indicate that the Niger Delta has grappled with developmental challenges for decades. The underdevelopment has often been referred to as a paradox in relation to the abundant natural resources domiciled in the region. This research is, therefore, initiated to explore the role communication plays in the development of the Niger Delta and most importantly, analyse the way the stakeholders perceive development communication. Leveraging a qualitative, exploratory and phenomenological approach and working with 53 participants drawn from 6 different communities in the Niger Delta, this study utilised focus group discussions and digital ethnography to extract answers to the research questions. Findings reveal a high level of dissonance between the people and the government, attributed to the style and forms of communication, and the apparent lack of participation of the people in developmental plans. The study argues that these result in a negative perception of communication from the government and other developmental agencies while affirming positively the centrality of the participatory model of development communication in the development of the region.