A Critical Examination of the State versus Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Policy Sphere in the Global South: Will the State Die as the NGOs Thrive in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia?

Obiyan, A. Sat

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Title:	A Critical Examination of the State versus Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Policy Sphere in the Global South: Will the State Die as the NGOs Thrive in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia?
Author:	Obiyan, A. Sat
Year:	2005
Periodical:	African and Asian Studies
Volume:	4
Issue:	3
Pages:	301-325
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Subsaharan Africa Asia
Subjects:	NGO State-society relationship Politics and Government Economics and Trade
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1163/156920905774270475
Abstract:	This paper examines the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in service provision with a special focus on sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. First, it reviews conceptual and taxonomic issues related to NGOs. It then proceeds to examine the performance of NGOs in a number of countries, including Kenya and Nigeria. It notes the increased relevance of NGOs in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and outlines the strengths of NGOs as well as their constraints. It shows that any expectation that NGOs will supplant the State in service provision is likely to be utopian. It argues that just as we have government failure and market failure, we can also have third sector failure. The paper further argues for an appropriate balance between the State and NGOs in meeting the needs of the poor. It concludes that while it may be necessary to continue to strengthen the private sector and the third sector, it would be useful to continue to inquire into how the State can be effective. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]