The Truth About NGOs: Part One: Malawi
Allan Little investigates allegations of NGO inefficiency, political bias and lack of transparency.
Allan Little investigates allegations of NGO inefficiency, political bias and lack of transparency.
This has been the decade of the NGOs (Non-Governmental Organsiations). Their numbers, influence and range of activities have grown enormously.
Many are now multi-million pound organisations. While many NGOs conduct themselves well, there are increasing worries about the accountability of NGOs and the extent to which the work they do is appropriate in the host countries.
In this series Allan Little looks at the work of NGOs in Malawi, India and Haiti, to consider some key concerns: why, for example, does there seem to be so little co-ordination between NGOs in a place like Haiti?
Why, despite the vast effort and resources that flowed after the earthquake two years ago, are people still living in tents without basic amenities?
In Malawi we look at the political influence wielded by NGOs. Is their job really to behave as the de facto opposition to the government? Should their role include an ambition to change people鈥檚 ideas on issues such as women鈥檚 rights and gay marriage?
Are NGOs causing a 鈥榖rain drain鈥� in countries such as Malawi, by attracting well-educated young people with the high salaries they can afford to pay?
Many people think that NGOs and the way they are set up, funded and made accountable for their work, is now overdue for reform.
We consider what a better future might mean for NGOs.
