Strengths and weaknesses of NGOs

Increased concern with participatory approaches to development has characterized donor agendas in recent years. In practice, this has meant increased support for non-government organizations (NGOs). A major study undertaken by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in London, draws on over 70 case studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America to examine the roles of NGOs in this new climate. Focusing on sustainable agricultural development, it assesses the performance of NGOs in strengthening resource-poor farmers' capacities to make demands on external institutions and to organize their development initiatives, as well as their performance in promoting appropriate technological change and in interacting with government research and extension services. The study highlights not only the diverse range of NGOs, but also their strengths and weaknesses. Shortcomings include limited technical capabilities a preoccupation with action and short-term results and a disinclination to reflect upon, and share, their experience. However, on balance these short comings are outweighed by the number of successes in developing participatory methodologies and approaches which, in some cases, have been taken up by governments. Some NGOs have successful' developed new technologies, but more often they have developed approaches to strengthening local organizations as a means of facilitating change. The study is published by Routledge in four volumes: Reluctant partners? non-governmental organizations, the state and sustainable agricultural development, John Farrington and Anthony Bebbington with Kate Wellard and David J Lewis. Non-governmental organizations and the state in Asia: rethinking roles in sustainable agricultural development, edited by John Farrington and David J Lewis. Non-governmental organizations and the state in Africa: rethinking roles in sustainable agricultural development, edited by Kate Wellard and James G Copestake.Reluctant partners? non-governmental organizations, the state and sustainable agricultural development, John Farrington and Anthony Bebbington with Kate Wellard and David J Lewis. Non-governmental organizations and the state in Asia: rethinking roles i