ABSTRACT
We have now analysed seven cases where NGOs contested policies relating to the African environment. The degree of influence NGOs were able to exert varies markedly across the seven cases. What can we conclude? We can make some general points on the reasons why NGOs succeed in influencing policy in some circumstances but not others, following the analytical framework set out in Chapter 1. Thus the chapter will focus first on the political context, then on the policies and, third, on the NGOs. Next we extract from the discussion ten lessons from the cases which NGOs themselves could apply to improve the overall effectiveness of their campaigning strategies. Finally we revisit the question of how NGOs' role should be conceptualised by generalising from the study of particular NGO campaigns to a broader analysis of NGOs' changing role in the search for sustainable development.
