Importance Of NGO-s In developing Countries

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is an organisation that is not directly part of the structure of government. Various definitions for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been pronounced depending on the context in which the term is used. The World Bank defines NGOs as “private organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering and promote the interests of the poor.” Examples of NGOs are BRAC, Durnibar Foundation, LIVESTRONG, Action Aid.

There are three stages or generations of NGO evolution. First, the typical development NGO focuses on relief and welfare, and delivers relief services directly to beneficiaries. Examples are the distribution of food, shelter or health services. The NGO notices immediate needs and responds to them. NGOs in the second generation are oriented towards small-scale, self-reliant local development. At this evolutionary stage, NGOs build the capacities of local communities to meet their needs through “Self reliant local action”

It should be noted that the problems of development in developing countries are not new. Since independence, third world countries have been attempting to develop in one way or the other but these efforts have been met by certain challenges-poverty, malnutrition, ill health among others-that have punctuated the development process. These nations such as Bangladesh cannot be solely developed by the mere aid of government organizations. With the countries’ economical state and the high debts to be paid, the government struggles at a daily basis to provide sufficient resources required to maintain the development, let alone make improvements.

That is when the role of NGOs comes to play. NGOs perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions; bring citizens concerns to governments, monitor policy and various other tasks that the government fails to carry out perfectly, or at all. These organizations are not present to put up a competition against those set up by the government. Instead, they provide a “helping hand” to the nation and make the best use of its resources to ensure maximum development. NGOs often hold an interesting role in a nation’s political, economic or social activities, as well as assessing and addressing problems in both national and international issues, such as human, political and women’s rights, economic development, democratization, healthcare or the environment. 

NGOs in developing country face a challenge to meet up the proper requirements needed to provide aid in situations betrayed by nature such as famine, droughts, earthquakes, cyclones and etc. Also includes scenarios of economical disasters such as insufficient agriculture production to feed the nation, national bankruptcy due to huge amount of pending debt, or the closing down of major firms in a state. Normally, NGOs provide services that are in line with current incumbent governmental policy, acting as a contributor to economic development, essential services, employment and the budget. In a wider approach, NGOs are also the source and centre of social justice to the marginalized members of society in developing countries or failed states. NGOs are often left as the only ones that defend or promote the economic needs and requirements for developing states, often bringing cases to the International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization and World Bank. Developing nations and NGOs often find allies in one another when opposing legislation, economic terms or agreements from global institutions.

The role of NGOs has also been criticized, as many international experts estimate that much of the work done by NGOs is not harmonized to the countries preferences and needs causing the quality of aid to suffer. This is estimated because many believe that major NGOs regulate the nation’s system and disable competition which reduces the urge of improving or being more efficient. Democracy is at its best with the presence of NGOs and a sensible government would surely nurture these organizations for its own benefits in times of emergencies.

The governments of these countries have not adequately addressed these problems. Although these governments have devised policies and treaties aimed at enhancing development, they have been aided by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). These organizations have been very committed to a host of issues related to the development goals and strategies of their societies. NGOs see their work as explicitly situated in the context of a wider concern for progressive social development and change in society. They might also take up the course of certain aggrieved groups or classes in society. 

Some will prefer to remain at a distance, by monitoring, publicizing, and criticizing in cases where companies fail to take seriously their impacts upon the wider community. However, many are showing a willingness to devote some of their energy and resources to working alongside business, in order to address corporate social responsibility. Deducing from the facts above, one can clearly realize what an important role the NGOs play in developing a nation. Together with the government, the NGOs give out their best efforts to see that the nation climbs uphill and is not hindered by any lacking that prevent development. Big differences evolve from small steps and the NGOs aim to prove this by their constant effort and efficiency.