The ‘Third Sector’ and Poverty Reduction in Developing Societies

Abstract

Rural poverty in Ghana is relatively high. Adopting interpretivist approach, this study aimed at assessing the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in rural poverty reduction using the experience of the Hunger Project (THP) in selected rural communities in Ghana. Purposive and cluster sampling techniques were used to select 37 respondents, drawn from five different ‘epicentres’ who have benefitted from THP. The study found out that THP has helped to reduce poverty levels of rural people in the Asante Akyem South District through their programmes that train, empower and resource beneficiaries. Beneficiaries have become self-reliant, socially responsible and active, economically empowered who continue to impact their households and beyond; this has cascading effect on further rural poverty reduction. The study also identifies few challenges that affect THP’s programmes. The study concludes that THP’s ‘four-phase epicentric approach’ to community development enables self-reliance, people’s involvement and holds great promise for holistic poverty eradication effort in the district. The poverty eradication component of ‘Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Beyond 2015’ makes the role of the ‘third sector’ quintessential; policy suggestions from the study serve as an input for NGOs’ decision-making processes in an attempt to scale up their poverty reduction activities in rural communities.