An Investigation On The Use Of Digital Advocacy By Non-Governmental Organizations Serving Refugees In Dadaab

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the impact of digital advocacy by nonprofit organizations serving refugees in Dadaab. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to establish the extent to which NGOs in Northern Kenya employ digital advocacy; investigate the effects of digital advocacy as used by NGOs in highlighting the plight of refugees in Dadaab Refugee Camp, and to determine the influence of digital advocacy on NGOs funding. The study will also be helpful to researchers and scholars as it will add value to the body of knowledge and also act as the future source of reference for other scholars. The study considers theoretical grounds from the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Dragon Fly Model to understand the impact of digital advocacy as new tool used by NGOs in their day-to-day activities. The study used Descriptive survey research designs to gather information, summarize, present and interpret for the purpose of clarification. The target population was employees of two NGOs based at Dadaab Refugee Camp, that is, CARE International and Danish Refugee Council, with a total population of 121. The study employed the use of census sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data that was aided by the analytical tool SPSS Version 23.0. The study revealed that a majority of the respondents (86%) strongly agreed that digital advocacy enhances NGOs credibility and legitimacy as an advocate by promoting its public image and visibility. The study findings established that majority (35.5 %) of the respondents agreed that the use of digital advocacy influenced the funding of the NGOs. The study recommends that future studies should focus on analyzing the role of digital advocacy on donor refugee funding.