In search of an alternative model of development in Africa : the role of the state, donor agencies, international non-governmental organizations and commmunity-based organizations in Ghana's development

Abstract

The thesis is a contribution to the on-going debate on the question of the appropriate agency of development in Africa in terms of encouraging participation, empowerment and social transformation. Contemporary development literature has addressed the issues of the impacts of development on the people who are often seen as the target beneficiaries. An overview of Africa's development experience in the past decades shows various approaches initiated by the main agents of development.

The study seeks to investigate and present some of the key characteristics of the initiatives of the state, donor agencies, INGOs and CBOs and analyze the impacts and outcomes of their respective development approaches. It concludes with the argument that the most appropriate agency of development in Africa is the CBOs. Hence, they should be given more financial and logistic support to undertake their own development. Finally, the study makes necessary recommendations that would help improve the theory and practice of development in Africa. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)