Poverty reduction strategies utilized by non-governmental organizations (NGOs): The case of Kisumu district, Kenya
Abstract
This study is about strategies employed by NGOs in poverty reduction. The main objective of this study is to examine the suitability of these strategies in tackling poverty. The study discusses how these strategies are formulated and the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing poverty. The study answers the following principal question: what strategies do NGOs utilize for the purpose of poverty reduction and what constraints do they face in this regard. The study also seeks to know the nature of the relationship between NGOs and other stakeholders and its implication for poverty reduction strategies. The study tests three main hypotheses among others. The first hypothesis states that NGOs poverty reduction strategies are derived from their goals, mission and vision. The second hypothesis states that the strategies utilized by the NGOs are dependent on the local conditions and the third hypothesis states that the suitability of strategies employed by NGOs depend on their linkages with other partners.
The data for this study was collected using both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources comprised field interviews with officials of NGOs operating in Kisumu district. The secondary sources comprised relevant NGOs, government and World Bank documents and reports on poverty.
Study findings show that poverty reduction strategies are crucial in reducing poverty levels and that partnership between NGOs and other development partners is important in ensuring
the effectiveness of NGOs strategy. The findings listed at the majority of NGOs derive
their poverty reduction strategies from their vision and mission statements among other factors. The study findings further points out that NGOs face a number of constraints that determine the choice of their poverty reduction strategies. The study concludes that NGOs utilize a variety of strategies that have the potential of tackling poverty and that the strategies utilized are based on the needs of the poor. Secondly, partnership is at he core of poverty reduction strategies and all development partners need to work together to effectively address poverty. Third, the linkage between the organizations poverty reduction strategies to their
mission, vision and goals is vital in order to adequately address poverty. Fourth, a number of factors such as financial constraints, institutional capacity, government policies among others affect the choice of poverty reduction strategies thereby hinder the achievement of expected outcomes of poverty reduction strategies employed by NGOs.
The study recommends that the partnership between NGOs and other development partners needs to be strengthened if poverty is to be addressed effectively. A cordial relationship will ensure formulation and adoption of sustainable strategies to tackle poverty. The NGOs should have clear strategies and realistic vision, mission and goals linked to their poverty reduction strategies. The study also recommends the need for further research to examine poverty reduction strategies by other development actors such as the private sector.
Citation
Master of Arts in Development StudiesPublisher
University of Nairobi Intitute of Development studies