An Assessement of Ngos Capacity Development Interventions: the Case of Crda Members
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
NGO have been suffering from capacity problems which hamper the efficiency
effectivene s, relevance and sustainability of their programs. In order to solve this problem
group of NGOs established a coalition called Christine Relief Development
Association/CRDA to contribute to the capacity development interventions of the NGOs.
This study conducted with the objective to assess the capacity development interventions of
NGOs focusing on CRDA member NGOs in light of governance, management practices,
human resources, financial resources, service delivery, external relations and sustainability.
Methodologically, descriptive survey method was employed. Data were gathered from 97
NGO employees, 3 CRDA capacity development experts and 6 stakeholders using random
availability and purposive sampling techniques and appropriate data gathered through
modified standard Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool, Focus Group Discussion and
Key Informant Interview were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Frequency counts
and X 2 test together with Fishers Exact Test for significant differences were used in the
analysis. The results of the analysis indicated that the state of the seven core dimensions of
organizational capacity is different among the local and international NGOs. Accordingly,
the results of the study revealed that significant number of the local NGOs are found in an
emerging stage/developing some capacity structure while the international NGOs are in the
stage of expanding their organizational capacity, have a track record of achievement, their
work is recognized by their constituency, the government, the private sector and other NGOs
active in the same sector. Only very few of them are found to be in mature organizational
development stage/fully functioning and sustainable, with a diversified resource base and
partnership relationship with national and international networks. The degree of linkage
between the NGOs capacity and the development needs of stakeholders was found to be
medium among the local NGOs and relatively high/well defined and recognized in the
international NGOs and the NGO-Government relationship/linkage is not strong and
smooth after the 2005 national election. CRDA 's capacity development interventions are not
adequately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of member NGOs and offer greater
priority to training/workshop/seminars as the expense of grant and research related
supports. Growing interests in terms of the content of training,' addressing the fond requests
of all members,' shortage of professionals to run and follow the capacity development
interventions to support the diverse members,' reluctance of some members to report on the
outcomes of capacity development interventions,' rigid capacity development interventions,
and linking all phases of the capacity enhancement process found to be the major problems
encountered by CRDA. The strategies that have been used by CRDA to enhance capacity of
members are increasing the capacity of members in the area of expertise and emergency
responsiveness,' creating access to information on various developmental approaches and
practices,' funding and developing the skill of resource mobilization. On top of this,
conducting tailor made and participatory assessment before interventions; increasing the .
degree of linkage between NGOs and stakeholder; designing feasible capacity development
interventions focusing on fund rai ing, developing the capacity of CRDA in all aspects;
resuming the development of members' capacity to influence the enabling environment
through strategic alliance with similar umbrella organizations rather than engaging in
advocacy were suggested as indispen able ways to improve the performance of CRDA
member NGOs
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Education