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NGOs and Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe: No Magic Bullets

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  • Jessica Vivian

Abstract

A number of case studies of NGO projects have suggested that NGOs may have an important role to play in addressing environmental problems in developing countries. Drawing on research conducted in Zimbabwe, this analysis seeks to broaden and contextualize the discussion of NGO involvement in sustainable development initiatives. It reviews the theoretical basis for the current emphasis on NGOs, assesses the environmental problems in Zimbabwe within their historical and social contexts, and summarizes the findings of recent research on the characteristics of the NGO sector in the country. The purpose is not to evaluate specific NGO environment projects, but rather to assess the mechanisms through which the NGO sector as a whole might make a significant contribution to sustainable development, and the problems in doing so. It is argued that one major obstacle faced by NGOs is the demand made upon them to find simple, neat and comprehensive solutions to complex development problems. The tendency on the part of donors and NGO supporters to expect success stories is called here the ‘magic bullet syndrome’, and it is argued that this emphasis on simplicity and on success is unrealistic and counterproductive.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Vivian, 1994. "NGOs and Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe: No Magic Bullets," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 25(1), pages 167-193, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:25:y:1994:i:1:p:167-193
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7660.1994.tb00513.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alan Fowler, 1991. "The Role of NGOs in Changing State‐Society Relations: Perspectives from Eastern and Southern Africa," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 9(1), pages 53-84, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Carrie A. Meyer, 1996. "NGOs and Environmental Public Goods: Institutional Alternatives to Property Rights," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 27(3), pages 453-474, July.
    2. fyvie, Claire & Ager, Alastair, 1999. "NGOs and Innovation: Organizational Characteristics and Constraints in Development Assistance Work in The Gambia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 27(8), pages 1383-1395, August.
    3. Brüntrup-Seidemann, Sabine, 2011. "Actual and Potential Roles of Local NGOs in Agricultural Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture, Humboldt-Universitaat zu Berlin, vol. 50(1), pages 1-14.
    4. Chowdhury, Tamgid Ahmed & Mukhopadhaya, Pundarik, 2012. "Assessment of multidimensional poverty and effectiveness of microfinance-driven government and NGO projects in the rural Bangladesh," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 41(5), pages 500-512.
    5. Anna Fruttero & Varun Gauri, 2005. "The Strategic Choices of NGOs: Location Decisions in Rural Bangladesh," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(5), pages 759-787.
    6. Anna Fruttero & Varun Gauri, 2003. "Location decisions and nongovernmental organization motivation : evidence from rural Bangladesh," Policy Research Working Paper Series 3176, The World Bank.
    7. Kohnert, Dirk, 1993. "Simbabwe Bestandsaufnahme der Förderpolitik und -praxis der evangelischen Hilfswerke EZE / BfdW," AfricArxiv 657vg, Center for Open Science.
    8. John‐Michael Davis & Liam Swiss, 2020. "Need, Merit, Self‐Interest or Convenience? Exploring Aid Allocation Motives of Grassroots International NGOs," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(8), pages 1324-1345, November.
    9. Gauri, Varun & Galef, Julia, 2005. "NGOs in Bangladesh: Activities, resources, and governance," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 33(12), pages 2045-2065, December.
    10. Edwards, Michael & Hulme, David, 1996. "Too close for comfort? the impact of official aid on nongovernmental organizations," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 24(6), pages 961-973, June.
    11. S. Akbar Zaidi, 1999. "NGO failure and the need to bring back the state," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 11(2), pages 259-271.

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