Contribution Of Non-governmental Organizations Research Articles

The Role of Non-State Actors in Maritime Diplomacy: International Organizations and NGOs in Resolving Maritime Disputes

The escalating complexities of maritime disputes necessitate a nuanced examination of the evolving role of non-state actors in maritime diplomacy. This research delves into the conceptualization of non-state actors in international relations, with a primary focus on the roles played by international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in resolving maritime disputes. Employing qualitative research methods using secondary data, this study draws on existing literature to analyze the conceptual frameworks, roles of international organizations in conflict resolution, contributions of NGOs to maritime diplomacy, and factors influencing the effectiveness of non-state actors in dispute resolution. Findings illuminate the multifaceted nature of non-state actors, showcasing their diverse contributions to diplomatic efforts, from mediation and conflict prevention to post-conflict reconstruction. This research contributes novel insights by synthesizing existing knowledge on non-state actors in the context of maritime diplomacy and providing a comprehensive understanding of their impact on global and regional maritime governance. The study's findings inform policymakers, scholars, and practitioners engaged in maritime diplomacy, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shape the effectiveness of non-state actors in addressing maritime challenges. Keywords: conflict resolution, international organizations, maritime diplomacy, NGOs, non-state actors

Assessing the Contribution of Women-Led NGOs to Gender Equality and Empowerment in Kenya: Challenges, Successes, and Future Prospects

The critical role of women-led Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in advancing gender equality and empowerment in Kenya is undeniable, as they address issues like gender-based violence, educational disparities, and economic inequalities. This study reviewed the contributions of these NGOs in Kenya, focusing on their challenges, successes, and future prospects. It employed a systematic methodology, combining a positivist research philosophy with a desktop review design, to analyze existing literature and draw conclusions. The findings revealed that women-led NGOs have been instrumental in creating safe spaces for women, advocating for legal reforms, and implementing community-based programs for economic and social empowerment. These efforts have led to notable improvements in Kenyan women's lives, contributing to a gradual shift towards gender equality. However, the study also highlights significant challenges faced by these NGOs, including limited financial and human resources, societal and cultural barriers, and a fluctuating political and policy environment. Studies reviewed indicated the effectiveness of women-led Community-Based Rice Seed Entrepreneurship Models (CBRSEM) in enhancing women's skills and livelihoods, but also point out operational challenges such as high production costs and the need for agricultural tools. The study found that women's self-mobilization and movements in Kenya have shown to be vital in economic empowerment, evolving from informal associations to significant entities in agribusiness and NGOs. Moreover, educational programs have been effective in shaping adolescents' attitudes towards gender equality, suggesting the integration of gender studies in early education curricula. The study concludes that women-led NGOs in Kenya play a pivotal role in promoting gender equality, yet face persistent struggles with resource limitations and societal resistance. Their future success depends on sustainable funding, robust networks and collaborations, technological leverage, and societal mindset shifts towards gender-sensitive attitudes. Therefore, recommendations include increasing financial support, building robust networks, working towards changing societal norms, utilizing technology and social media, strengthening internal capacity, and engaging in policy advocacy. Keywords: Gender Equality, Women-led NGOs, Empowerment, Community-based Programs, Kenya

Investigating the contribution of NGOs in improving the health sector in Kitui County

This study aimed to investigate the contribution of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in improving the health sector in Kitui County, Kenya. The population of interest for this study was the community members residing in Kitui County who had been directly or indirectly impacted by NGO interventions. The research design employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data was collected through surveys and questionnaires to gather information on the reach and impact of NGO interventions, while qualitative data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions to gain insights into the community members' experiences and perspectives. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for quantitative data, including measures of central tendency and correlation analyses. Qualitative data was analysed thematically to identify key themes and patterns related to NGO contributions to community empowerment. The research findings conclusively demonstrated that NGOs have played a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare accessibility in Kitui County. Maternal and child health services, in particular, have benefited from NGO interventions, resulting in improved healthcare outcomes. The establishment of healthcare facilities and health awareness campaigns have collectively contributed to a more accessible and responsive healthcare system. This will enable authorities to make data-driven decisions and allocate resources efficiently, raise awareness about available NGO services and programs to ensure that beneficiaries fully utilise healthcare, education, and women empowerment resources.

Perceptions of Contributions by International & Non-Governmental Organizations (IOs and NGOs) in the Health Care System of Buea & Limbe Municipalities, Cameroon

Health is a very important part of any individual and the community as a whole. For this reason, many agencies both state and private as well as International Organizations (IOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been working the provision of health care services in Cameroon. This research evaluates the contribution of IOs and NGOs in the Health System of the Buea and Limbe Municipalities located in the South-West of Cameroon. The research hypothesizes that the perception of IOs and NGOs operating the Health System of the Buea and Limbe Municipalities has not improved the health system. The primary data for the study were obtained from field observations and 158 questionnaires were administered in the Buea and Limbe municipalities. Interviews were conducted on 20 health professional practitioners. Data collected were statistically analyzed and Chi-Square test was used to test the validity of the hypothesis. The results obtained show that IOs and NGOs have contributed in the health systems of the Buea and Limbe Municipalities by: educating these communities on health-related issues, subsidizing patient’s hospital bills, organizing vaccination campaigns and community dialogues, distributing mosquito nets, providing drugs, and sanitization campaigns. To limit the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19), these NGOs and IOs provided face masks, soaps and hand sanitizers.

Policy making for sharks and the role and contribution of non-governmental organisations in the fulfilment of international legal obligations

We propose a policy cycle for elasmobranch conservation and management and assessed the role and contribution of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) within this cycle on a case study basis for the Mediterranean region. Following a review of shark-related and relevant legal obligations under international and regional instruments, we classified them into ten focus areas: Capacity building, Conservation measures, Cooperation, Education and Awareness, Monitoring, Policy development and integration, Regulation, Reporting, Research, and Sustainable Management. Based on surveys and a supplementary, web-based research, we found that NGOs contribute substantially to the implementation stage of the proposed policy cycle and fulfil obligations under various legal instruments in relation to data collection, bycatch mitigation, species monitoring, identification of important areas, education and awareness. Furthermore, but to a lesser extent, NGOs are involved in the policy formulation stage as they support the development of new policies within the region. The range and extent of projects and programmes implemented varies among countries, with Spanish organisations currently implementing 25 such initiatives, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina (14), Greece (14), and France (11), Albania (7), Croatia (6), Cyprus (6), Italy (6), Malta (5), Slovenia (4), Israel (3), Libya (3), Turkey (3), Tunisia (2), and Morocco (1).

Comparison of benefits, stakeholders, implementation, and locations of community forestry in Taiwan and Indonesia based on experts’ views

ABSTRACT This study compares the benefits, stakeholders, program implementation, and locations of community forestry (CF) programs in Taiwan and Indonesia based on expert views. An online survey was submitted to 49 experts between December 2019 and January 2020. We evaluated CF benefits, stakeholder roles, and available programs in both countries using the Friedman and Hollander–Wolfe tests. Concerning benefits, Taiwan and Indonesia differed considerably, in that environmental, economic, and social benefits of CF in Taiwan were all assigned equal values. However, in Indonesia, economic benefits (R = 55.0) had the highest score. Regarding stakeholders’ contributions, community organizations (R = 99.5) constituted the highest contribution in Taiwan, while the government (R = 79.5) was the dominant stakeholder in Indonesia. The government mostly contributed by providing financial support (R = 67.5) for community organization development in Taiwan, while in Indonesia, it focused on devolving forestland and forest resources (R = 61.0) to communities. The contributions of non-governmental organizations in facilitating CF were the same in Taiwan and Indonesia. In terms of the available programs, Taiwan and Indonesia also differed, indicated by the community participation motives that were equally important to increase income, protect forests, and conserve biodiversity and ecosystem in Taiwan, whereas in Indonesia, increasing income (R = 63.0) was the most important to communities. For community development programs, ecotourism (R = 51.5) is more influential than product industry development in Taiwan, while in Indonesia, they were equally influential. CF implementation in Taiwan was more likely located in mountainous areas, while CFs were situated throughout Indonesia.

A qualitative exploration of the role of NGOs in the recovery support for persons with substance use disorders in a low-income African setting

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, most government mental health facilities are under-resourced to cater for the mental health needs of the population, including the provision of treatment and recovery support services for persons with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, in other settings, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play significant roles by complementing governments’ efforts in the provision of care for vulnerable groups. Presently, no study exists that examines the contributions of NGOs in the recovery support of individuals with SUDs in the Ghanaian context. This study sets out to explore the role of NGOs in the recovery of persons with SUDs in Ghana.MethodUsing a descriptive qualitative design, eight staff (directors and senior recovery practitioners) from eight NGOs in southern Ghana were purposively selected and interviewed face-to-face using semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the thematic analysis within an inductive approach.ResultsThe results showed that NGOs provide three main services: treatment of drug addiction (through psychotherapy and recovery capital), re-integration of recovered individuals into society, and advocacy and awareness creation in schools and communities. These efforts are thwarted by limited qualified professionals and inadequate government support.ConclusionOur results underscore the need for government agencies to collaborate with NGOs involved in the recovery management of persons with SUDs and other mental disorders to complement their efforts in strategizing, designing, and implementing context-appropriate substance misuse prevention and intervention programs and policies in Ghana.

Contribution of Non-Governmental Organizations on Inclusive Education in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda A case of Plan International Rwanda in Bugesera District

Studies have linked numerous international Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) with a symbiotic collaboration with local communities and public institutions with the aim of initiating and sustaining inclusion of children education (Vaneste, 1997; Kisanji, 1993).

The Environmental Problems of Azerbaijan and the Search for Solutions

Environmental issues are one of the current challenges for Azerbaijan. Industrial pollution emerging since the 1870s with the expansion of oil exploration operation in Baku and surrounding areas reached larger scale in some places during the following periods. During the Soviet period oil operations in the Caspian Sea increased when the scope of the problem widened, and the pollution reached an even larger scale during oil extraction and transportation. Oil refineries are located in densely populated areas of Baku and this is one of the main factors causing expansion of the scale of pollution. Oil pollution covers thousands of hectares of lands just in the Absheron Peninsula itself. Along with the industrial pollution, the pollution in agricultural areas in Azerbaijan has also emerged mainly in the Soviet period. The excessive amount of fertilizer and pesticides used in cotton fields and lack of proper irrigation are considered to be among the main factors of environmental pollution. The impact of environmental damages caused by the Gabala Radar Station built in the Soviet times is still being felt now. Effective environmental policy, providing the enterprises with purifiers, contributions of non-governmental organizations, promotion of environmental awareness and use of the best practice of developed countries can contribute to the solution of the environmental problems. The most serious environmental problems of Azerbaijan are connected with the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories by Armenia. Armenia has destroyed the forest resources in the occupied territories. Moreover, Basitchay National Reserve, which is located in the occupied Zangilan region and is unique in the world, has been destroyed, and other natural sites have been damaged in the region. Large amount of metal waste thrown from the Armenian metallurgical plants into Okhchuchay River has made its way to Araz River and become a source of serious pollution. Toxic substances thrown into Tartar River are another source of concern. In order to solve the environmental problems in Azerbaijan, it is necessary to carry out an effective state policy, undertake new scientific researches, study best practices of advanced countries, and establish new and up-to-date environmental standards.

The role of NGOs\u2019 service delivery experience in developing relevant research agendas: experience and challenges among NGOs in Malawi

BackgroundThere has been growing interest in the contribution of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to international health research. One strength that NGOs may bring to research involves the potential value of service delivery experience for indicating relevant research questions, namely through their involvement in service delivery, NGO staff may be aware of frontline knowledge gaps, allowing these staff to identify questions that lead to research with immediate relevance. However, there is little empirical evidence on research agendas within NGOs to assess whether their service delivery experience does lead to relevant research or conditions that affect this. This article examines the identification and selection of research questions within NGOs to explore the role of their service delivery experience in generating relevant research agendas.MethodsThe article reports comparative case study research on four NGOs in Malawi, including two international and two Malawian organisations. Each NGO conducts research and undertakes service delivery and advocacy. Data collection included interviews, focus groups, observation and document review. Analysis involved thematic coding and use of diagrams.ResultsThe case NGOs’ experiences suggest that using service delivery to identify research questions does not always match NGOs’ aims or capacities, and does not guarantee relevance. First, NGOs do not want to rely only on service delivery when developing research agendas; they consider other criteria and additional sources of ideas when selecting questions they see as relevant. Second, service delivery staff are not always well-placed to identify research topics; indeed, involvement in hectic, target-driven service delivery can hinder input to research agendas. Third, NGOs’ ability to pursue questions inspired by service delivery depends on control over their research agendas; relationships with external actors and financial autonomy affect NGOs’ capacity to undertake the research they see as relevant. Finally, the perceived relevance of research findings varies between audiences and depends on more than the research question.ConclusionsThe findings suggest limits to the value and feasibility of a research agenda based on service delivery experience. Based on the analysis, the conclusion outlines strategies to support an effective role for NGOs’ service delivery experience in development of research agendas.

Respondents wise Status of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of Karnali Zone Nepal

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been promoted in the development activities in Nepal since the restoration of democracy in 1990. NGOs have been recognized as one of the development facilitator institutions in Karnali Zone. The objective of this study was focused to identify the status of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on the basis of its structure, environment, values and Impact. The study had adopted the civil society index as a theoretical tool of study. Randomly in total 562 respondents were selected from five districts of Karnali zone. The findings of ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference between respondents in the structure of NGOs in P=0.007 significant level at 95% confidence interval. But other three components environment, values and impact were not significantly difference. It could be assumed that because of the geographical differences, involvement of human resources, basic infrastructure, access on communication and technologies and perception on NGOs activities are the major factors which made the perceptual difference among the respondents in structure of NGOs. Similarly, contribution of NGO in promotion of political awareness, transparency of their work and empowering citizenship were more or less in the same level in all five districts so response of participants became similar in environment, values and impact of NGOs. It is necessary to identify the locally reliable and related indicators of NGO to assess the NGO's status and their performance.

The Role Of NGOs In Community Development In Balochistan

Community Development (CD) is an approach aimed at improving the quality of life of the community. The approach for improvement can be achieved through a number of ways and organizations which includes, the Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) "a private organization that pursue activities to reduce suffering, promote the interest of the poor , protect the environment, provide basic social services or undertake community development". This paper discusses the role and contribution of NGOs towards development in Balochistan. NGOs have several projects, programs and roles which support people to bring development in communities. In addition, NGOs mobilize the communities to be self-dependent. The study includes interviews, document analysis and field studies with staffs and the beneficiaries of NGOs. The study helps the communities to find out their own problems and solve them according to their own local resources. Recommendations made as to the best practices of community development programs for NGOs to improve the living standard of people in province of Balochistan.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF NGOS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: AN EVALUATION OF STAKEHOLDERS' PERCEPTION

Abstract Environmental education practiced by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) presents itself as a new teaching method directed at changing habits, attitudes and social practices seeking solutions for the social-environmental degradation afflicting the contemporary world. This work seeks to identify the perception and expectations of stakeholders regarding the contribution of NGOs in environmental education. The research was guided by the Delphi method and, as a result, verified that the involved stakeholders understand that environmental education practiced by NGOs must be ample, free, professionalized and directed towards all the segments of society via partnerships with public and private sector organizations.

The Contribution of Advocacy NGOs in Governance through Cultivating of a Participatory Culture: Case Studies in Hong Kong

A vibrant civil society, composed of active non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has always been identified as an important factor for governance. This paper reports a pilot study using semi-structured interviews to find out the contribution of advocacy NGOs in the of Hong Kong. It points out that the NGO's conception of good in the Hong Kong context, as revealed by the findings, comprises inter alia: legitimacy obtained through democratic elections, ability to realize the autonomy of the HKSAR, and proper checks and balances not just within the government but also about the possible domination of business interest in the government's policy making process. It further reveals how NGOs can contribute to governance by nurturing a democratic culture through civic education in schools. Hopefully this paper can be of reference value to the international audience as it reflects how the worldwide criteria of good are reflected in the context of Hong Kong, a special administrative region with a high degree of autonomy where the building up of a truly democratic government is yet to be realized.

The contribution of non-governmental organizations in public health work and why physiotherapists play a key role

The contribution of non-governmental organizations in public health work and why physiotherapists play a key role

The Contribution of NGOs in General and Skål International Particularly, in Tourism Development

AbstractThis paper aims to highlight the importance of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially the Skål movement for sustainable tourism. NGOs play a role in developing tourism sustainably by taking into account a community’s attachment, engagement and commitment. NGOs play a vital role in tourism management and development. Skål International which was originally established as an European initiative in the 1930s and has flourished worldwide today is one of the few NGOs that has proven itself as a reliable resource for tourism development. By conducting environmental awareness programs and playing a liaison role between the private sector, communities and the government, Skål develops and establishes standards to be applied in the sector. Other crucial roles include bringing together media representatives, tourism stakeholders, academics and regulators in developing the tourism industry. The involvement of Skål and NGOs in general is beneficial for the tourism industry.

Contribution of the Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) are one of the most trusted and visible institutions recognized by community, Nepal government, donors and development stakeholders in Nepal. Nepal government has given authority to Social Welfare Council (SWC) to create favourable environment for NGOs to work effectively in the field. The study was conducted in Karnali Zone, Midwestern Development Region of Nepal where Nepal government and donor communities have highly prioritized to address people’s needs. The objective of this research was to explore the contribution of Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) in Karnali Zone, Nepal. The study was qualitative based with an explorative and descriptive approach. The study had collected the opinion of beneficiaries, NGO board and staff members, government and civil society representatives. Purposively qualitative research instruments were administered to generate the information i.e. key informants interview, focus group discussion, case studies and observation were done for data collection. Instruments were self-reported semi-structured. A total 45 interviews (beneficiaries - 20, NGOs board - 5, NGOs staff - 5, Civil society representative – 5 and Government Official – 10), 15 focus group discussions were conducted and 15 case studies were collected. NGOs contributed to enhance the knowledge of health service utilization, promotion of education, child rights and women empowerment as well as impact of climate changes. NGOs also contributed to develop the infrastructures; schools building, road, building drinking water’s tank and sanitary units. It was also observed that some NGOs were working from 'need based approach' and some were working from 'right based approach'. NGOs had made significant contribution in change and development of Karnali Zone in relation to the up-lift of socio-economic status of community. Joint collaboration between the like-minded organizations was needed to reduce the duplication of activities and will be effective to provide the services in hard to reach areas of the Karnali Zone.

The role of non-governmental organizations in residential solid waste management: a case study of Puducherry, a coastal city of India.

Poorly planned and uncontrolled urbanization in India has caused a variety of negative, often irreversible, environmental impacts. The impacts appear to be unavoidable and not easily mitigable due to the mounting public health problems caused by non-segregation of solid wastes at source and their subsequent improper management. Recently in India, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society organizations have increasingly started to get involved in improving waste management services. Municipal solid waste management being a governmental function, the contribution of NGOs in this field has not been well documented. This study highlights the activities and services of Shuddham, an NGO functioning in the town of Puducherry within the Union Territory of Puducherry in South India. The NGO program promoted much needed awareness and education, encouraged source separation, enhanced door-to-door collection, utilized wastes as raw materials and generated more job opportunities. Even though source separation prior to door-to-door collection is a relatively new concept, a significant percentage of residents (39%) in the study area participated fully, while a further 48% participated in the collection service. The average amount of municipal solid waste generated by residential units in the Raj Bhavan ward was 8582 kg/month of which 47% was recovered through active recycling and composting practices. The study describes the features and performance of NGO-mediated solid waste management, and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats of this system to see whether this model can sustainably replace the low-performance conventional solid waste management in practice in the town of Puducherry. The experiences from this case study are expected to provide broad guidelines to better understand the role of NGOs and their contributions towards sustainable waste management practices in urban areas.

The challenge of implementing the European network of protected areas Natura 2000.

Established under the European Union (EU) Birds and Habitats Directives, Natura 2000 is one of the largest international networks of protected areas. With the spatial designation of sites by the EU member states almost finalized, the biggest challenge still lying ahead is the appropriate management of the sites. To evaluate the cross-scale functioning of Natura 2000 implementation, we analyzed 242 questionnaires completed by conservation scientists involved in the implementation of Natura 2000 in 24 EU member states. Respondents identified 7 key drivers of the quality of Natura 2000 implementation. Ordered in decreasing evaluation score, these drivers included: network design, use of external resources, legal frame, scientific input, procedural frame, social input, and national or local policy. Overall, conservation scientists were moderately satisfied with the implementation of Natura 2000. Tree modeling revealed that poor application of results of environmental impact assessments (EIA) was considered a major constraint. The main strengths of the network included the substantial increase of scientific knowledge of the sites, the contribution of nongovernmental organizations, the adequate network design in terms of area and representativeness, and the adequacy of the EU legal frame. The main weaknesses of Natura 2000 were the lack of political will from local and national governments toward effective implementation; the negative attitude of local stakeholders; the lack of background knowledge of local stakeholders, which prevented well-informed policy decisions; and the understaffing of Natura 2000 management authorities. Top suggestions to improve Natura 2000 implementation were increase public awareness, provide environmental education to local communities, involve high-quality conservation experts, strengthen quality control of EIA studies, and establish a specific Natura 2000 fund.

The changing role of NGOs in Mexican small-scale fisheries: From environmental conservation to multi-scale governance

Multi-scale governance has been widely recommended for effective marine resource management. This approach suggests collective decision-making, the devolution of some rights and responsibilities to various entities, co-production of knowledge, coupling governance and ecological scales, among other elements. Here, the elements of multi-scale governance of Mexican small-scale fisheries (SSF) and the contribution of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to this approach are described. Three management processes were selected for the analysis: (1) the development of the Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for the swimming crab fishery; (2) the establishment of fishing refugia in the Punta San Cosme to Punta Coyote Corridor; and (3) the implementation of catch shares in the Gulf corvina fishery. The results suggest that NGOs are contributing to most of the key attributes for multi-scale fisheries governance. Given the NGOs׳ agenda shift in the Gulf of California region, from advocacy for environmental conservation to participation in sustainable management, there has been a wider promotion and acceptance of NGOs within governance related processes in fisheries management. In order to clarify alignments with other stakeholder agendas, as well as to continue building trust, NGOs need to make their governance agenda explicit. This work provides insights on how NGOs can contribute to multi-scale governance and a framework for the evaluation of management processes and the contribution of different stakeholders to multi-scale governance, which can be applied to any management process.