Abstract:
Non-governmental organizations playa crucial rolein local developments. However, NGOs contribution
to the local development is highly challenged due to problems related with negative attitude, operational
problem and collaboration.The purpose of this study is to assess the stakeholder’s perception on the role
of NGO’s in local developmentof Ambo District. A descriptive research design, which involved
quantitative and qualitative research approach, was employed. The study is based on primary data
collected from 142 sample selected at random using questionnaire. The primary data was also obtained
from key informant interview. The collected data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Version 23 statistical
software. A descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to
summarize the data collected on stakeholder’s perception on the role of NGO’s in local development in
Ambo district. The result of the study revealed that the current status of NGOs contribution to the local
developments were in the areas of health, water and energy, women and children, agricultural,
environment and educational sectors. Empowering women and children’s, capacity building to the local
communities were the among the contribution of NGOs to local development. However, the level of
service delivery in the district was not adequate because there are many people’s needing support from
NGOs. The findings also indicated stakeholder’s perception on NGOs role in local developments in Ambo
District. Accordingly, majority of the beneficiaries and the communities have good attitudes towards its
local development activities.On contrary, some peoples have negative attitude towards the local
development activities of the NGOs. The study confirmed that the major challenges of NGOs operations
in local developments were lack of funds, corruption with the government organizations, lack of
transparencies with concerned government bodies, bureaucracy in their organizations administrations
systems and security problems. The study concluded that the NGOs has vital contribution to local
development. It is recommended that income generation activities, awareness creation, and capacity
building plays a crucial role in improving the stake holder’s perception on the role of NGO’s in local
development.
