AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of development communication techniques in addressing socio-environmental constraints in Degema community of Rivers state. Three research objectives and three corresponding questions guided the study. The study anchored on development media theory. It adopted survey research design. A sample size of 384 was drawn from a population of 140,898 residents of Degema community using Krejcie and Mogan sampling template. Questionnaire structured on the modified four point Likert scale was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated using face and content validity method while the test-retest method was adopted for reliability of the instrument. Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient was utilized to test the reliability of the instrument and it yielded an index of 0.82. Analysis was done using mean statistics. The findings revealed that infrastructure development, education, health care services, economic development and skill development are areas of developmental needs in Degema community; and that the use of media as a tool for promoting social and environmental awareness, participatory and inclusive approaches involving collaborations with key stakeholders and training in areas such as community mobilization, advocacy, and many others are ways development communication strategies can be deployed for development in Degema community. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, development communication can help empower the community members to overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable development. It was recommended among others that government and other stakeholders should invest in the construction of roads, bridges, schools, training centers, healthcare facilities and the training of medical personnel; plan awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of preventive healthcare measures. This will not only improve access to essential services for residents but also stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities in the community.