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Governing Civil Society in Nigeria and Zimbabwe: A Question of Policy Process and Non-State Actors’ Involvement

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  • Chikoto-Schultz Grace

    (University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee)

  • Uzochukwu Kelechi

    (University of Baltimore)

Abstract

Sovereign nations have the right to regulate the activities and operations of civil society organizations (CSOs) within their jurisdiction. The nature of official policy controls bears important implications for the breath and health of associational life, to the degree that they are relaxed, restrictive, or intrusive. Since nations in Africa have often been seen to subvert the growth and impact of CSOs, this article traces the policy controls that govern CSOs in Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Within the context of policy change, the article employs the Advocacy Coalition Framework in an effort to trace the policy process in these two countries. It particularly focuses on CSOs-focused policies and on clarifying the role and influence of non-state actors. Although political elites continue to dominate the policy process, non-state actors increasingly permeate the process through various formal and informal strategies, including the use of venues and influencing public opinion. Overall, CSOs-focused policies reflect distorted beliefs originating from the West’s preoccupations with a homogeneous, governance-focused African civil society.

Suggested Citation

  • Chikoto-Schultz Grace & Uzochukwu Kelechi, 2016. "Governing Civil Society in Nigeria and Zimbabwe: A Question of Policy Process and Non-State Actors’ Involvement," Nonprofit Policy Forum, De Gruyter, vol. 7(2), pages 137-170, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:nonpfo:v:7:y:2016:i:2:p:137-170:n:6
    DOI: 10.1515/npf-2015-0051
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Lewis, 2002. "Civil Society in African Contexts: Reflections on the Usefulness of a Concept," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 33(4), pages 569-586, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. DeMattee Anthony J., 2018. "Toward a Coherent Framework: A Typology and Conceptualization of CSO Regulatory Regimes," Nonprofit Policy Forum, De Gruyter, vol. 9(4), pages 1-17, December.

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