Strong local NGOs are not an option, but a necessity. iMPACT direct explores the road ahead
By Richard Yeboah & Inemarie Dekker, board members of iMPACT direct.
The one goal that we should have – as the development cooperation sector – is to strengthen locally-led civil society around the world. Especially in our current times, with shrinking civic space and limitations to fundamental democratic rights in favour of governments, multinationals and radical movements. As the first to respond and last to leave, locally-led NGOs are vital to tackle social injustices.
So far, probably no one would disagree.
Then the question is: How could we – as the development cooperation sector – do better in supporting and strengthening locally-led civil society actors?
The problem: Strong experts in weak organisations
Director of MDF West Africa Richard Yeboah has seen that capacity-building efforts through the development sector have resulted in many strong, educated and experienced experts. However, they operate in an environment without strong local institutions and networks, so it is difficult for them to become driving forces for change or take local development into their own hands.
Why? There are many reasons. First of all, and perhaps most important, locally-led initiatives hardly have any decision-making power. For example, currently, only 2% of the global budget for development aid goes directly to local NGOs in Africa, Latin America or Asia. These organisations have little to no room for sustainable growth via institutional funding and the indirect funds they receive from northern NGOs often are used for the implementation of the day-to-day project activities.
But it goes beyond funding. Ato Kwamina Addo, director of the Ghanaian NGO Agriculture and Climate Empowerment Centre (ACEC), notes that donors and traditional INGOs operating in Ghana often determine the technical knowledge and skills needed, and then use a one-size-fits-all training course.
In addition, capacity strengthening efforts of (traditional) INGOs mostly appear to address how locally-led NGOs can comply with the control regulations and priorities of northern NGOs.
And that just seems contrary to the very objective that we have or rather, should have as a sector.
The truth is, there is a pervasive perception that local experts in Africa do not exist and that local NGOs in the continent are not to be trusted. Is that a cynical thought? We would like to think so, but there are many examples of how the relation between nothern and African organisations is based on control, rather than on trust. For example: During the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many international experts moved back to their countries of origin, and many INGOs stopped operating or minimalised operations using only their local staff. The world feared that now Africa would collapse, based on the perception that local institutions and systems are not strong enough to manage the magnitude of this tragedy. Although Africa is not yet out of the woods, the past months have shown that local capacitated organisations are well-positioned to take up these envisioned roles.
The solution: Local experts in the lead
As a sector aiming for a strong civil society, we have to recognise that the best we can do is to start supporting these locally-led organisations to stand on their own two feet, to become strong entities, bringing social and economic change in their communities.
But how can we do that?
What we need to do first is change the way we make decisions about funding, especially access to institutional funding. The team of iMPACT direct is already working on that. We provide direct unearmarked funding to local NGOs that already have great solutions that work for their specific needs. And we hope that others follow suit.
And as Kwamina argues, we need to trust that local organisations are in the best position to identify and address specific capacity areas. This could be related to development interventions or elements within the organisations needing improvement. If we support them, we are both promoting local ownership and increasing the quality of capacity strengthening efforts.
This requires working together on an equal basis. As local NGOs have always been challenged to demonstrate sufficient capacity before they can get funding, assessing capacity and strengthening needs can be perceived as a due diligence exercise. A safe space to actually and regularly discuss needs is a prerequisite. And this can only be achieved in partnerships based on trust.
Moreover, capacity strengthening does not only involve money or training. Capacity areas can go beyond technical knowledge and skills building. Another key element is facilitating access to other organisations and institutions that can expand the network and knowledge base of local NGOs.
And if training is required, then we should always look at the local pool of experts first. We know they are there. Although in some settings it may be a good solution to include an external agent for specialist expertise, this should always be embedded in the local context. And that again is something that local organisations are best equipped to do so given their local knowledge and networks.
Ready for action
From September 2021 onwards, iMPACT direct will start exploring what capacity strengthening means for our African NGO partners. Together we’ll explore needs and develop how we can tackle those needs with expertise from within our partners and team, and beyond.
We’re happy to keep you posted on our journey and findings! And do keep an eye on our stories!
About the writers:
Richard Yeboah and Inemarie Dekker are board members of iMPACT direct. Both have years of experience in and outside the sector. Richard as director of the training and consultancy firm MDF West Africa. Inemarie as a project designer for social solutions, working for many (I)NGOS in the past.
Part of the article is based on the findings of an interview from Lori Cajegas with Ato Kwamina Addo. Lori has years of experience in the development sector. The interview was a part of a training with INTRAC on Partner Capacity Strengthening. Kwamina is the director of the Ghanaian NGO Agriculture and Climate Empowerment Centre (ACEC). Alba León edited the article.
iMPACT direct connects a large group of donors to underfunded locally-led NGOs. We strengthen these impactful nonprofits by making donating simple, direct and affordable. Together we are building a community that identifies solutions, multiplies impact and thrives.
How do we do that? Experts in Ghana and Kenya carefully select local NGOs with impactful projects. Donations are unconditional, as we believe that local organisations make better local solutions AND realise impact with smaller budgets.
Find out more about iMPACT direct: https://impactdirect.eu