Abstract
This article critically examines the effectiveness of non-governmental organisations in international development aid delivery. Drawing on case studies of NGO operations in Africa and South-East Asia, the study analyses challenges of accountability, impact measurement, and the incorporation of beneficiary perspectives.
Key Findings
- Upward accountability to donors often takes precedence over downward accountability to beneficiaries
- Impact measurement frameworks vary widely and rarely capture long-term social change outcomes
- Beneficiary participation in programme design and evaluation remains limited despite rhetorical commitment
- Organisational sustainability concerns can distort programme priorities
Methodology
Multiple case study analysis of eight international NGOs, combining document analysis, staff interviews, and beneficiary consultation across four countries.
Implications
The article proposes a reformed accountability framework that centres beneficiary voice and long-term impact assessment, arguing for structural changes in the donor-NGO relationship that incentivise genuine effectiveness over compliance.
