Non Governmental Organizations' Partnerships for Poverty Aleviation in Addis Ababa
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Date
2007-07
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A.A.U
Abstract
Poverty is a multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral phenomenon. Hence no single institution can
address all the dimensions of poverty. Further, no single problem can be solved anyone
institution. On the other hand, there is ample evidence of success due to partnerships where joint
efforts have proved a worthwhile option than merely shouldering the responsibilities by ei ther
public, or private or non-profit sectors. Partnership between various sectors in public services
delivery has become a viable option in di ffe rent parts of the world. Business sector and civil
society are getting increasingly involved in social development through reduction of
unemployment, elimination of social inequalities and exclusions. Indeed, partnership processes
unlock diverse potentials and make available innovative solutions.
This research attempts to delineate the range of partnership pattern for poverty alleviation among
Civil Society Organizations and between them and Governments, and Private sector in the Addis
Ababa city. This study followed qualitative strategy to a large extent. Survey method was used to
gather information from forty-three representatives from Non Governmental Organizations
(NGOs). Interviews were also held with the concerned officials of different government
institutions such as Addis Ababa City Administration covering Houses Development Project
Office and Addis Ababa Housing Agency. At the sub-city level, Arada Civil and Social Affairs
and Cooperative Offices were also covered. A few community based organizations such as
Jddirs, Councils of lddirs, and Cooperatives such as Saving and Credit Cooperatives, and
Construction Cooperatives were also contacted for various other information needed for this
study.
Currently, governments at various levels are trying to alleviate poverty from the country.
Poverty in Addis Ababa has also received considerable attention from various stakeholders. In
this endeavor, the contribution of stakeholders cutti ng across all the sectors is crucial. NGOs are
trying their best to incorporate the voice of the poor in policy cycle. In addition, NGOs are
directly intervening on different areas to end up poverty from Addis Ababa. A substantial
number of NGOs have developed partnership among themselves in the last five years.
Nevertheless, they could achieve very limited partnership with the private sector institutions.
Their partnership with the public sector is largely confined to implementation of projects
together. However, it could be observed that the partnership between the Public and Non Profit
sector is very much limited compared to the range of areas in which they can collaborate.
Though the concept of institutional partnership is relatively new, many NGOs could realize the
benefits of partnership such as reduced costs, sharing workload and increased efficiency. Most of
the partnered organizations also faced problems such as lack of cooperation from their partners,
lack of partnership experience, and misuse of resources are some of the problems that hinders the
smooth development of pal1nership. To overcome these problems, constant progress report, and
frequent audit could reduce the abuse of resources and may strengthen the partnership. In
addition, once some problems occur, all the stakeholders should take immediate action to resolve
the problems rather than leaving it unresolved for good.
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Keywords
Organizations' partnerships, Poverty alleviation