In Uganda alone there are over 3,500 registered NGOs, many of them locally run. Some argue that the overwhelming number of NGOs in developing nations today hinders their ability to be effective, while others say that rampant corruption goes unchecked in national NGOs, creating an environment with little accountability, transparency or even staff competency.

But ideally, shouldn't nationals be the visionaries and leaders in their own communities? Don't they understand their own country more accurately and the myriad of intricate layers that comprise the problems NGOs are created to combat better than an outsider?

Theoretically, yes, but what can occur in developing nations that do not have not the stringent accounting practices that the U.S., does, for example, is that local NGOs can be set up with no one who actually knows what they are doing leading the charge. And this creates a dangerous environment where people can be taken advantage of and these NGOs can actually make people's lives WORSE, not better.  And even though this sounds harsh, the quandry remains.

How can the wisdom of nationals best be harnessed and funneled effectively for NGO work, while not imposing Western ideologies and practices, and at the same time creating some sort of harmonious partnership which captilizes on both parties' assets? That is the question to be debated.

With millions of dollars pouring into national and international non-governmental organizations every year, shouldn't we be diligent that it is used most effectively?

• 04/12/2007 11:29
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