NGOs in development: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Over the past two decades, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have increased in number, size and scope and established themselves in pivotal positions in social, economic and political landscapes across the globe. Their role in the development world specifically has been transformed. Originally situated on the periphery of the development community and often directly opposed to its mainstream, NGOs are now central to contemporary development discourse and practice. They have also been heralded as new agents with the capacity and commitment to make up for the shortcomings of the state and the market in promoting development. In this context, this paper examines the evolving role of NGOs in the changing development landscape, the main strengths and weaknesses of the sector and its latent opportunities and constraints. A case study analysis of the involvement of an international NGO in rural community development projects in Lebanon is also presented, documenting the developmental roles of a specific NGO and the operational and qualitative impacts of NGO developmental interventions in a developing country context.