Role of non-governmental organizations in poverty reduction in the global South: evidence from world vision Ghana, Kintampo South district.

Abstract

Poverty is a global issue, particularly in the Global South. This has made its reduction vital, although official efforts have yielded modest results. As a result, non-state entities such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) arose to supplement the government’s poverty reduction initiatives. Even though there have been studies on the role of NGOs in poverty reduction in the Global South, the results remain inconclusive. As such, this study investigates World Vision Ghana’s (WVG) impact on poverty reduction. The study employed an after-only design. The sample size was 384 people, and the data were collected utilizing questionnaires and an interview guide. Descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric analysis, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. It was discovered that WVG used both demand-side and supply side approaches to poverty reduction, which helped increase earnings, acceptable food consumption, access to potable water and toilet facilities, human capital development, and understanding of children's rights. However, WVG’s operation is hampered by low literacy among clients, an uncertain rainfall pattern, insufficient funding, and loan non-payment. WVG’s interventions largely contributed to poverty reduction. As a result, the promotion of demand and supply side approaches to poverty reduction, the establishment of literacy programs, and the sensitization of recipients on the need for loan repayment are critical in boosting the success of WVG’s interventions and ensuring sustainability of outcomes.