Access to reliable and adequate energy is crucial as an enabling condition for achieving sustainable development. Hence the use of sustainable hydropower development as a reliable tool for growth and sustainable development of any nation such as Nigeria was shown in this work. Hydropower accounts for the large majority of existing renewable power generation and there is significant potential to increase hydroelectricity supply in Nigeria. Hydropower has long been the dominant source of electricity production and will continue to play an important role in the transition toward a low-carbon use economy. As strategy for sustainable hydropower development and management in Nigeria, the study assessed the flow characteristics of Amanyi stream (a case study of hydropower potentials even at rural levels) for a mini hydropower development for Neke Uno, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu state, Nigeria. The stream has a maximum flow discharge (Q_max.) of 8.5 m³/s, average discharge (Q_av) of 6.9 m³/s, minimum dependable discharge (Q_min) of 4.21 m³/s and a selected design discharge (Q_d) of 6.37 m³/s. The topography survey and plant layout showed a head of 3.63m (low head) which is possible for mini hydropower generation. It was also determined that for the available head and selected design discharge, a power output of 154KW is achievable. This power can meet 83% of power required for Neke Uno Community near the hydropower plant. It is recommended that the hydropower development of Amaiyi stream be given serious consideration under private agreement with some financial assistance from various international agencies for development to make it feasible for the rural communities. This pilot hydropower supply source could be a model for rural areas that have similar streams and topography.

Keywords: Hydropower, Sustainable Development, Discharge, power output, hydropower development, Stage (head), Small scale hydropower.