Non-governmental Organizations And The State In Africa

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role in agricultural development in Africa. The case studies in this book show that NGOs can promote technological innovation and address constraints to change in present agriculture. However, NGOs are not always effective at strengthening grassroots organizations and donor pressures influence NGOs and their links to the State.

This presents 20 specially commissioned case studies of farmer participatory approaches to agricultural innovation initiated by NGOs in Africa. Beginning with a broad review of institutional activity at the grassroots, the authors set the case material within the context of NGO relations with the State and their contribution to democratisation and the consolidation of rural civil society. Specific questions are raised: how good/bad are NGOs at promoting technological innovation and addressing constraints to change in present agriculture?; how effective are NGOs at strengthening grassroots organizations? and how do/will donor pressures influence NGOs and their links to the State? This title is part of a series on Non-Governmental Organizations co-ordinated by the Overseas Development Institute. To complete this comprehensive review and critique there are two other regional case study volumes on Asia and Latin America and an overview volume, Reluctant Partners? . Review: 'This is the first major study of its kind, a landmark in our understanding of new institutional potential in agricultural development. Its conclusions deserve to be studied by all who are concerned with agricultural development in the South, whether as policy makers, researchers, practitioners or teachers.. -Robert Chambers Nowhere is the participatory approach to agricultural research more urgently needed than in Africa. These case studies should be read by everyone with a long-term interest in the welfare of rural Africa because they show that, although there is a long way to go, the enthusiasm and commitment are already in place to enable NGOs to meet this vital challenge. -Paul Richards, Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands