Relief or development? An analysis of the outcome of NGO community development interventions in Marange communal area of Zimbabwe.
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Date
2011
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University of Fort Hare
Abstract
Development is a critical aspect of individuals, groups, communities or nations.
Community development is even more critical aspect of development as it purportedly
leads to self reliance. Huge amounts of funds, time, and resources, just but to mention a
few have been continuously channeled towards communities over time in a bid to
facilitate community development. Unfortunately, results of such actions and
interventions by NGOs, governments and a host of development agencies have so far
largely proved elusive. Contrary to NGO expectations and popular opinion, target
communities continuously demand, request and expect increased direct support from
development agencies. Solving acute community problems and challenges, the focus of
most NGO development interventions has been less successful. Target problems have
largely graduated and turned to chronic levels. All this is unfortunately worsening
against the background of increased donor and NGO support. Deteriorating and
widening community challenges are also taking place against general claims by NGOs
to the application of community development ideals in communities as a successful
development alternative. Contrastingly, rather than being self reliant, communities have
become more dependent on donors. In addition, NGO target communities continue to
grapple with short-lived changes, limited participation by the majority, reversal of past
successes and dwindling self representation and reliance. Inequalities have widened.
This is to the detriment of ongoing NGO claims and efforts at promoting community
development.
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This study focused on understanding the various discrepancies and discords that are
increasingly becoming evident about NGO work and the change taking place in target
communities. Detailed understanding of the various nuances that possibly explain the
ongoing mismatch between NGO actions and results have been drawn and outlined
along the different sections of this study. An analysis of the practical outcomes of NGO
efforts and interventions in as far as community development is concerned has also
been made. Furthermore, the study intends has built a platform for understanding the
various factors that underpin successful accomplishment of community development. In
the process, the study has implicitly examined the extent to which community
development ideals can be successfully shaped into practical realities. The study looks
at how NGOs have fared in as far as the roll out of community development is
concerned.
Key findings emerging from this study were that NGOs provided just but part of some of
the components essential for accomplishment of community development. Issues of
participation, decision making, inclusiveness, sustainability and the ability to promote
lasting and irreversible change can only be guaranteed if there is an enabling macro
environment. Second, the study noted the need for common appreciation of the concept
of community development by development partners. Additionally, NGOs and other
development players should be holistic in their approach, looking beyond certain
exclusive development sectors for community development to succeed. NGOs in
Community development should strive to openly influence the government to craft and
enact policies and procedures that provide an enabling environment for community
development to thrive and succeed.
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Keywords
Community, development, improvement, facilitation, transformative, relief, community development