International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Role of NGOs in Rural Development

 Dr. Dennis Kuyenda Lembani, Ph.D.
Department of Adult & Extension Studies-Pst.Grad.TM., School of Education, The University of Zambia
Author; Former Program Manager-Heifer International Zambia

Abstract: The genesis of this study was from the realization that little was known about roles of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in rural development and this article basically examines conceptually the role of NGOs in rural development. It looks at the meaning of NGOs, the various classifications of NGOs, areas of involvement of NGOs, their role and mode of operation and their sources of funds. This desk study was necessitated by the reports coming from the rural areas and other renowned scholars and academic institutions on the miniature information about the roles of NGOs in rural development. Through the usage of desk study, the researcher’s interest was to look through literature on the experiences of different areas in the role of NGOs in rural development. Few NGOs activities in countries specifically Zambia have been cited; but are not limited to, education, agriculture & livestock, democratic governance, environmental, socio-economic, advocacy and human rights’ work and they work to promote social or political change on a broad scale or very locally. NGOs play a critical part in developing society, improving communities, and promoting citizen participation. The paper concluded and recommended among others that there is need for NGOs to thorough review and establishment of criteria for NGOs to secure required standards of management skills and quality in their project implementation in rural areas.

Keywords: Non- Governmental Organizations, Development, Rural, Rural Development. Roles of NGOs in rural Development.

I.THE CONCEPT OF NGOS

According to (Pearce et al, 2020) NGOs are group of organizations which are distinct from government institutions and business organizations. Their distinct feature is that they are formed to complement, supplement and offer alternatives to government development efforts. The United Nations (2014), describe an NGO as: any non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national or international level and is task-orientated and driven by people with a common interest.
In its broadest sense, the term “Non-Governmental Organization” refers to organizations (i) not based on government; and (ii) not created to earn profit (Lembani, 2019).
The terminology of an NGO varies itself: for example, in the United States of America they may be called “private voluntary organizations,” and most African NGOs prefer to be called “voluntary development organizations.
The diversity of NGOs strains any simple definition. They include many groups and institutions that are entirely or