Ambiguity in NGOs Poverty Reduction Programmes

Abstract

Purpose: This article analyses why Non-Governmental Organisations in the selected regions of Cameroon continue to participate in poverty reduction programmes when their programmes are not decreasing the number or percentage of people living in poverty.
 Methodology: Sustainable Livelihood Approaches was used in the study as an efficient means of understanding poverty from the perspective of the underprivileged. A qualitative case study was used to understand Plan International and Summer Institute of Linguistics stakeholder’s perception of poverty and poverty reduction. 
 Findings: Based on the findings, results show that poverty and poverty reduction strategies mean different things to different people, hence programmes aimed at poverty reduction should be examined using a diverse measure. The studied Non-Governmental Organisations programmes are not reducing poverty because there are extraneous variables which account for the ineffectiveness in their determination to fight poverty. For example, lack of beneficiaries’ voices in Non-Governmental Organisations programmes during planning, implementation, monitoring and evolution. Gender role and power relation issues in these regions prevent beneficiaries from active participation in decision making. These factors account for poor prioritization of programmes. Additionally, attributing poverty reduction to Non-Governmental Organisations activities is something which the Non-Governmental Organisations themselves are conscious they can’t fully achieve. 
 Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper recommends that Non-Governmental Organisations as well as the government should start their poverty reduction programmes by assessing the needs of each community in which they operate by applying the Sustainable Livelihood Approaches since poverty is diverse and means different things to different people.