International non-governmental organizations and the business of development : an examination of the third-sector's programming value in Zambia

Abstract

Numerous researchers have suggested that international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) remain inherently valuable to human development programming, yet some theorists express real concerns about many organizations' developmental usefulness. Guided by the hypothesis that INGOs do add value to development initiatives, but at a potential cost to their own autonomy, this study evaluates the donor/INGO relationship in Zambia between the Swedish development agency SIDA and their partner Diakona, as well as the comparable relationship between USAID and their respective partner PACT.

The study further inquires how development programming might be transformed or revised as a result of these relationships, and notes differences which exist between the donor's behaviour when dealing with INGOs, and whether these differences make for a more successful programming environment. Ultimately, the study finds that INGOs indeed add value, but can be, at times, influenced or even detrimental to development initiatives if not appropriately managed.