A Study on the Role of NGOs in Poverty Reduction of Southern Somalia

Abstract

This study explores the role of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organization) in the poverty reduction of southern Somalia. In today’s world, three billion people live below US$2 per day. Among them, one and half billion people live under US$1 per day. About 70-90 percent of the world’s largest unwashed population in the developing world are poor and the country Somalia is one of them. Therefore, a study needs to be conducted to investigate the role of NGOs in poverty reduction. The theoretical background of NGOs, a detailed understanding of the term microfinance, food security, livelihood and education was clarified for conceptual understanding. It was found with supportive reference how the NGOs of the country are playing a positive and essential role for the improvement of the poor and the needy. The mission and activities of NGOs revealed the fact that the NGOs are universal multifaceted and multidimensional projects aimed at providing education, empowerment of women etc. Over the years, people have been living in poverty and resources have been distributed unequally which placed them in vulnerable positions. To solve these problems, NGOs come up with different strategies such as providing aid to the poor, establishing microfinance entities, national development in the areas of good governance, and bridging the gap of poverty in southern Somalia. The study was conducted with descriptive research. The sample was 150 participants or respondents from the total population. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods focusing on primary and secondary data. The data was collected through survey questionnaires. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study presented that livelihood has affected the improvement of poverty reduction and decreased, 50 percent of the poor people have been getting some help from NGOs such as food, housing and shelter. 58 percent of the southern Somalia people get assistance from NGOs to improve their livelihood. Hence NGOs in southern Somalia can continue playing the role of catalyst in the attainment of sustainable economic growth and development provided, also the eradication of poverty, so a warm and dependable relationship is there between the government and NGOs where both are working for the benefit of the people.