THE ROLE OF NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN HUMANITARIAN AID IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

The events of the First World War have not only increased the number, scope and categories of NGOs, but the complexity of their operations and service delivery mechanisms. In Sudan, there are numerous NGOs operating in various parts of the country, working in different programmatic activities. ACF is one such NGO, with different programs in different parts of the country. Since the inception of its programming, no independent study has been conducted to determine the level of its result and the impact of it achievements on the beneficiaries.

This study therefore sets out to investigate ACF operations in Sudan, with specific case study of its Income Generation Activities Program in Juba, with the view of determining its result and impact on the beneficiaries.

The data used were both secondary and primary, and the study adopts both qualitative and quantitative methodologies of analysis. Primary data were analyzed through quantitative statistical test, while secondary data derived from documentations and field observations were analyzed qualitatively for making inferences.

Based on the data and analysis, prominent among the findings were the fact that the ACF income generation activities achieved its results and made impact on its beneficiaries. However, the level of impact made remains debatable, and beyond the scope of this study. This main finding tends to support the test of the hypotheses. Other findings include the acceptability of income generation activities as a positive means of poverty reduction in rural communities.

On the other hand, the study also found four important problems, which provided some obstacles in the income generation activities smooth operations. The first is the lack of marketing facilities. This constitutes a serious problem, since one of the overall aims of the program is to sell for income. The second is poor communication between ACF staff on the one hand, and within the groups on the other hand. This led to suspicions and some group’s disintegration. The third is social norms of the communities and people. The long training period and hours hampered the domestic work of most women. This was one of the main reasons for the high dropouts in some of the programs. Fourth, and lastly, the limited role of government, through the local and community leaders was another problem, which the beneficiaries noted.

In the wake of the above findings, the study recommended few points to be considered in the future implementation of income generating activities by ACF and other humanitarian organizations. Some of hese recommendations include the design and implementation of income generation activities that take into account the local needs and available facilities; concentration of some activities on vegetable training and production for self consumption and income; conduct of a thorough assessment that will address social and cultural norms of the community; and, increased and improved communication between the local authorities and the humanitarian organization on the one hand, and between and amongst the beneficiaries and the humanitarian organization on the other hand. As this study is limited in scope and analysis, the study recommends further studies in this area, especially with other income generation programs of other NGOs.