ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises some of the experiences of different types of NGOs in their attempts to improve the livelihoods of poor rural and urban communities in Africa. Based on evidence from fieldwork in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the discussion highlights the perceptions of NGOs and grassroots organisations (GROs) towards development issues; discusses how support from Northern NGOs (NNGOs) influences the activities of Southern NGOs (SNGOs); and analyses the extent to which state action and policies affect development programmes and strategies in the region. During fieldwork in 1993, a total of 95 non-governmental organisations were surveyed. 2 A number of methods of data collection were used, including questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and visits to project sites to ascertain the views and activities of NGOs in East Africa, and their perspective on development and welfare issues. Among the organisations surveyed, there were 21 apex NGOs, 25 intermediary NGOs, 36 grassroots organisations (GROs), and 13 Northern NGOs (NNGOs). Their activities ranged from service-delivery (credit, health, etc) to action-oriented research and lobbying (human rights, environment, etc). 3
