Challenges and Prospects Of Organizations Of Civil Societies: The Case Of Local Ngos In Adama City Administartion, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed at investigation of the challenges and prospects of civil society organizations with special focus on local NGOs operating in Adama city administration (town). Descriptive research design was used and total of 80 sample respondents were randomly selected from management and technical staffs of local NGOs working in in the last three – five years. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaire surveys, KKI and FGD. The findings showed that difficulty and bureaucratic challenges in formation and registration processes and excessive government interference in NGOs operation. Challenges related to raising foreign funds, abject poverty and lack of culture of contributing to a cause, weak and fragile economic system to access domestic funds, restrictions to forming networks among CSOs/NGOs, political instability affecting access to foreign funds, COVID-19, lack of awareness to the formal NGOs and capacity limitations were found to be key challenges of local NGOs in the study area. Lack of access to funds, physical assets and competent human capital created limitation in human resources and budget constraints to implement projects in various interventions. Over reliance of local NGOs on external sources of funding created critical challenge to NGOs operation. Weak partnership with government sector offices, difficulty to obtain land for construction of NGO premises limited the expansion of NGO - operated services. Governments stringent health and education policy constrained the NGOs contribution for not qualifying government set standards. The findings on the prospects of local NGOs operating in Adama city administration showed that CSOs are very important actors on development landscapes, instrumental of local resources mobilization to provide goods and services to people who are in need, advocates of good governance and human rights. The findings also showed that NGOs are very important actors of public campaigns in pursuit of social transformation. Recognition to the significant role of local NGOs in socio-economic development and poverty reduction needs to be emphasized to strengthen NGO – government partnership to ensure effective implementation of NGOs intervention.