DEVELOPMENT IN WADI RUM? STATE BUREAUCRACY, EXTERNAL FUNDERS, AND CIVIL SOCIETY

2001 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie A. Brand
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Democratic Transitions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Local Participation ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
State Bureaucracy

One of the most important lessons development agencies claim to have learned over the past decades is that the absence of local participation at various stages of project planning and implementation leads to what at best can be termed “inferior results.”1 The conclusion that community participation is necessary (if not sufficient) for project success has developed concomitantly with the belief in the halls of power that the state is not the ideal executor of a variety of tasks previously deemed its proper realm. Both of these changes in development thinking converged in practical terms beginning in the 1980s in the emergence of a greater stress on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Not only were NGOs and other civil-society actors (including the private sector) seen as untainted by the rent-seeking behavior attributed to state bureaucracies; they were also seen as products of more local or community-based and -interested organizing, a critical vehicle for local participation that so many development projects had lacked. Some of this literature also regarded such institutions as the forerunners of and central to democratic transitions.2

The Maoist people's war and conservation in Nepal

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 2-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabin Baral ◽  
Joel T. Heinen
Keyword(s):  
Civil Wars ◽  
Wildlife Trade ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Military Force ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Maoist Insurgency ◽  
Developed Nations

Civil wars are frequent in lesser-developed nations, wherein is harbored a disproportionate share of the world's biodiversity. These wars have had serious detrimental effects, direct and indirect, on conservation programs. From 2001 to 2005, we conducted site visits, personal interviews, and document searches bearing upon this problem as exemplified by Nepal's ongoing Maoist insurgency. Cases of insurgents usurping full control of several protected areas have come to light, as has a rapid increase in poaching and illicit wildlife trade nation-wide. Staff and infrastructure of conservation agencies and non-governmental organizations have been attacked. The Nepalese situation invites reassessment of traditional “fortresses-and-fines” conservation strategies as well as more modern “community-based” approaches that require local governmental offices to remain functional. Also called into question is the role of military force in the protection of parks and reserves. In times of civil strife, we conclude, robust conservation may most likely be achieved by nongovernmental organizations that are politically neutral and financially independent.

scholarly journals Civil Non-State Actors in Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in West Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 313-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abu Bakarr Bah
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Community Organizations ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
State Actors ◽  
Post War

This paper advances the notion of civil non-state actors in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Using Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire as cases studies, the paper identifies three kinds of civil non-state actors in war-torn countries: international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based NGOs, and ad hoc community organizations. In addition, it argues that civil non-state actors play a critical problem-solving role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding and complement the role of state actors. The paper examines the role of civil non-state actors through their dialectical affinity with state actors in the peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes. It further expands the notion of non-state actors in peacekeeping and peacebuilding to encompass community-based NGOs and ad hoc community organizations. Moreover, it points to the positive role of civil non-state actors and the wide range of activities they perform, especially in peace mediation and post-war reconstruction.

Religion and Sustainability in Global Civil Society

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan Berry
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Global Politics ◽  
Religion And Ecology ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Ethnographic Interviews ◽  
Fields Of Study ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Role Of Religion ◽  
Religious Actors

This paper presents basic empirical research about the role of religion and religious actors in the global politics of sustainability. Drawing on insights from three overlapping fields of study—environmental politics, religious transnationalism, and religion and ecology—this study analyzes data gathered through ethnographic interviews with representatives of religious non-governmental organizations at the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio+20. These interviews asked respondents to discuss their understanding of the meaning, role, and position of religion within civil society efforts to address sustainability concerns. Content analysis of interview responses suggests that religious actors hold divergent views about the salience of religion to global sustainability politics. The central finding is that the boundary between religious and secular civil society groups is a permeable one.

scholarly journals AID FOR AFRICA AS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY POLISH NGOs: LEGAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH

MEST Journal ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-81
Author(s):  
Marek Stych ◽  
Beata Pawlica ◽  
Malgorzata Kmak
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Legal System ◽  
Humanitarian Aid ◽  
International Aid ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Sociological Approach ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The People

This article tackles the issue of aid for African states. Africa is one of the poorest continents, with many people living on the verge of poverty and suffering from malnutrition or famine. Hence, the humanitarian aid provided to the people of this continent is of particular importance. In Poland, such aid activities undertake entities defined in the Polish legal system as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). NGOs also conduct many other kinds of activities. The Act on public benefit and volunteer work is an example of creating legal mechanisms for the functioning of civil society in the legal system to provide international aid to those it needs. Assisting other societies is important for modern civil society the same as political or economic cooperations are. The role of NGOs operating in health protection, education, or entrepreneurship areas is crucially important. The authors of this paper discuss the issue of the said aid provided by selected Polish NGOs. The article aims to determine the extent and scope of the assistance to African countries provided by the NGOs, based on the respondents' experiences, whether such assistance is necessary, and what form it should take.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Local and International Organizations and Community Development

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Manal Farouk Sayed Ali
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Social Services ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
The Past ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Self Reliance ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The Relationship

Although there are numerous definitions and theories of the concept of development, many developing countries continue to suffer from problems associated with lack of development and environmental degradation. It seems that states in developing countries are not effectively facing the increasing requirements for development. In response, institutions and organizations of civil society stepped-up to promote the realization of social development and self-reliance among the citizens. In consequence, the past twenty years witnessed the birth of many national and international non-governmental organizations which started to deliver social services to the population. However, and with reference to Egypt, conflicting opinions questioning the relationship between these organizations and the development of civil society have started to emerge. This paper attempts to investigate first the role of these societies in the development of civil society and review the controversy over this role. The attempt will also touch upon and evaluate several studies which relate to the role of these organizations in the development of civil society in Egypt.  

scholarly journals The Role of UNESCO in Contemporary Global Cultural Processes

2021 ◽  
pp. 153-158
Author(s):  
Lamia Askar Guliyeva
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Social Structures ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
World Today ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Problems ◽  
Cultural Processes

The article examines the role of UNESCO in the modern global cultural processes, with the specific focus on Azerbaijan. The mankind owes awakening of a genuine interest in key global problems of a new rank at the turn of the 20th–21st centuries primarily to the leading social structures. While the entire civil society of the world today is being challenged, it is gratifying to know that some structures accept and respond to such challenges. In our opinion, UNESCO, being a representative, authoritative, and prestigious organization, isthe most striking example ofsuch effective response. The paper examines the permanent public forums in the field ofscience, culture, and education that are directly supervised by the largest international non-governmental organizations, namely, UNESCO.

scholarly journals The Role of Non-governmental Organizations in Community-based COVID-19 Education: A Qualitative Study in South Africa and Zambia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Johnston ◽  
Kelly Zhang Aluri ◽  
Kira-Leigh Kuhnert ◽  
Nophiwe Job ◽  
Charles Prober
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundEnsuring access to accurate and actionable health information is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in low-resource settings. Among marginalized groups, there are disparities in access to information, along with significant mistrust of government sources. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in community-level health education can play an important role in bridging mistrust and targeting information to reach vulnerable populations. There is a lack of research on the experiences and needs of organizations involved in disseminating health information during the pandemic. MethodsThis study uses a qualitative approach to investigate the current strategies, challenges, and needs of community-based organizations involved in COVID-19 public education. From May to June 2020, we conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with leaders of organizations in South Africa and Zambia. Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions in three domains: 1) the impact of the pandemic on the communities served by the organization, 2) their COVID-19 response, and 3) organization needs and challenges during the pandemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Coding and analysis were conducted by four study authors and every interview was independently coded by 2 separate authors to maximize internal validity and consistency.Results5 themes relevant to the roles and challenges of locally active NGO’s were identified: (1) they intimately understand community needs during the pandemic; (2) they adapt to pandemic constraints to continue supporting vulnerable populations; (3) they play a unique role in educating the public about COVID-19 due to established access and trust within communities; (4) they are able to customize health education and information to address nuanced needs of local communities served; and (5) they need external support to effectively respond to the pandemic.ConclusionsOverall, our study contributes a deeper understanding of the role of NGOs in providing needed support and customized health education for vulnerable communities during a global public health crisis. To maximize their ability to support their communities, NGO’s would benefit from access to educational resources designed to be easily modified, support in navigating technological and safety challenges during the pandemic, and sustainable funding.

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