It is estimated that one billion people, or 15% of the world’s population experience some form of disability; and disability prevalence is higher for developing countries.
In Nigeria, the major problem confronting persons with disabilities is social exclusion which is further complicated by poverty. Other challenges such as discrimination, stigma, rights abuse, lack of access to basic education and unemployment, are widespread.
In August 2020, RedAid Nigeria, with support from DAHW Nigeria, embarked on a community-based inclusive development project which aims to promote the social inclusion of persons with disabilities by empowering disabled persons organizations (DPOs) through networking with relevant stakeholders. The project was implemented in Awgu and Aninri Local Government Areas of Enugu State. Five (5) communities were selected from each of the two LGAs – Awgu LGA (Awgu, Mgbowo, Ugbo, Agbogugu, and Obeagu) and Aninri LGA (Nnenwe, Oduma, Ndeaboh, Mpu, and Okpanku). A survey was carried out to profile persons living with disabilities in these communities, identify their needs, opportunities, and threats to social inclusion.
The results of the survey in these 10 communities are mind-boggling; the prevalence of disability was as high as 15.5 per 10,000 population in at least, one of the rural LGAs. Children make up over 12% of persons with disabilities. The most common disability type was visual impairment, and low quality of life was the major challenge expressed by PWDs.
Global awareness of disability-inclusive development is increasing, more also there is a need to explore and mobilize local resources to address the unmet needs of PWDs. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) promotes the full integration of persons with disabilities into society. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development further states that disability cannot be a reason or criterion for lack of access to development programming and the realization of human rights.
For more information on the survey carried out in these LGAs, see the factsheet below.