Non-governmental organisations and poverty reduction in Africa: the need for a paradigm shift

Mwansa, Lengwe-Katembula

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Title:	Non-governmental organisations and poverty reduction in Africa: the need for a paradigm shift
Author:	Mwansa, Lengwe-Katembula
Year:	2007
Periodical:	Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:	22
Issue:	1
Pages:	53-70
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	community participation poverty reduction NGO Economics, Commerce Non-governmental organizations poverty Paradigms (Social sciences) Community organization Africa--Economic conditions
Abstract:	Africa entered the 21st century as the poorest and least developed continent, with growing numbers of people living in abject poverty. Non-governmental organizations have become significant players in poverty alleviation. However, NGOs have not performed well in terms of poverty reduction in Africa and their efforts so far have not met the expectations of the beneficiaries, governments or development agencies. Moreover, the poor themselves no longer see NGOs as institutions that can bring about meaningful change. A paradigm shift is required. The new paradigm must focus directly on those living in poverty. It must incorporate such features as client-based power (power base to shift from NGOs to the poor), client-driven processes, client-centred benefits, accountability and control of the organization by the poor. There must be no 'middle men' organizations involved. A community-based approach is seen as offering an alternative to the poverty reduction strategies that have been employed by the NGOs. Community-based natural resource management projects such as exist in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe are an example of how community-based organizations can be enabled to become viable institutions that can intervene in poverty reduction. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]