The Role and Challenges of LNGOs As Deve

Centre for Public Policy Studies
Public Policy Study
Assessment on:
The Role and Challenges of Local Non-governmental

Organizations as Development Partners in Somaliland
By:
Mubarik Farah Warsame
A Thesis Paper Submitted to the Department of Public Policy Studies of The Ethiopian
Civil Service University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of a
Master’s Degree in Public Policy
June 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Public Policy Study
Assessment on:
The Role and Challenges of Local Non-governmental

Organizations as Development Partners in Somaliland
By:
Mubarik Farah Warsame
PPMR-0022-06
A Thesis Paper Submitted to the Department of Public Policy Studies of The Ethiopian
Civil Service University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of a
Master’s Degree in Public Policy
Advisor: Selamawit Weldessia
June 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

DECLARATION
This thesis is my original work and has not been presented in any other university and
College. All sources and materials used are duly acknowledged.
Mr. Mubarik Farah
Name of candidate Signature Date
This thesis has been submitted for final examination with my approval as an advisor.
Selamawit Weldessia
Name of advisor Signature Date
I
Assessment on: The Role of Local NGOs as development partners in Somaliland
APPROVAL
We, the undersigned certify that we have and here by recommendation to the Ethiopian
Civil Service University to accept the thesis submitted by Mr. Mubarik Farah Warsame
entitled “the Role and Challenge of Local NGOs as Development Partners in
Somaliland” for the fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Masters degree in
Public Policy Studies (PPS).
Examiners:
Advisor:
Name: Selamawit Weldessia Signature ___________ Date ____________
External examiner:
Name: Waqqari Nagari (PhD) Signature ___________ Date ____________
Internal examiner:
Name : Dereje Terefe (PhD) Signature ___________ Date ____________
Head of the Centre:

Director:
Name: Dereje Terefe (PhD) Signature ___________ Date ___________
II
DEDICATION
I would like to dedicate this work to my dear Father Farah Warsame Ahmed, who passed
away during my childhood “Father this is what I dedicated to you and May Allah bless on
your soul” Next, to my dear Mom, uncle and the rest of my family.
III
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All praises are for Allah, the almighty and the compassionate; who allow me to do this
paper and without his power and support I could not finish this study. After that, this
research paper is made possible through the help and support from everyone, including:
Parents, family, friends and in essence, all sentient beings. Especially, allow me to dedicate
my acknowledgement and gratitude toward the following significant advisor and
contributors:
Primarily, I would like to thank Miss. Selamawit Weldessia for her most guidance, support,
and encouragement who sacrificed her time commenting, discussing, and arguing the
various steps of my research. She kindly read my paper and offered invaluable detailed
advices on grammar, organization and the theme of the paper. In addition, I would like to
acknowledge all the other professors who have taught me over the past two years of my
pursuit of the Master Degree.
Secondly, I would like to thank the Government of Ethiopia, particularly the president of the
Ethiopian Civil Service University and director for Center of Public Policy Studies who
provided this scholarship as well as Government of Somaliland specially Somaliland House
of Representatives who allowed me to prepare this higher knowledge.
Thirdly, I would like to thank the General Secretary of Somaliland House of Representatives
Mr. Abdirizak Saed Ayanle with his support for attending this university that was not
possible without him. In addition, I would like to thank Mr. Saed Farah, Mr. Ahmed Ali,
Mr. Abdilahi Adan, Mr. Asad Ahmed, Mr. Ahmed Eggeh, Mr. Khadar Awil, Mr. Da’ud
Sa’ed and Mr. Sulieman Abdizitar for their support during the data collection of the study.
As well as my beloved classmates and friends who supported me financially.
IV
Table of Contents
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................................... I
APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................................. II
DEDICATION............................................................................................................................................. III
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.......................................................................................................................... IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................. V
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................................... VII
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................. VIII
LIST OF ACRONOMYS ............................................................................................................................. IX
CHAPTER ONE .......................................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA ................................................................................................. 4
1.3. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ........................................................................................................ 6
1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................ 8
1.4.1. General Objective ................................................................................................................. 8
1.4.2. Specific Objectives ................................................................................................................ 8
1.5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS ................................................................................................................... 8
1.6. SCOPE OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................................................... 9
1.7. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ......................................................................................................... 9
1.8. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY ......................................................................................................... 10
1.9. DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS .......................................................................................................... 11
1.10. ORGANIZATION OF THE PAPER ...................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................................................... 12
LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................................. 12
2.1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 12
2.2. REVIEW OF THEORIES................................................................................................................... 12
1.2. REVIEW OF EMPIRICAL STUDIES ................................................................................................... 16
1.3. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................... 19
1.4. CHAPTER SUMMERY ..................................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................................... 21
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 21
3.2. RESEARCH APPROACH/TYPE ........................................................................................................ 21
3.3. DATA TYPES AND SOURCES .......................................................................................................... 22
3.4. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION ................................................................................................. 22
3.5. SAMPLING DESIGN ....................................................................................................................... 23
3.5.1. Target Population of the Study ............................................................................................ 23
3.5.2. Sampling Frame.................................................................................................................. 24
3.5.3. Sampling Size...................................................................................................................... 24
V
3.6. SAMPLING PROCEDURE AND TECHNIQUE ...................................................................................... 26
3.7. DATA ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................................... 26
3.8. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF THE STUDY .................................................................................... 26
3.9. CHAPTER SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER FOUR ...................................................................................................................................... 28

FINDINGS AND INTERPRETATION ............................................................................................................. 28
4.1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 28
4.2. CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS ........................................................................................... 28
4.3. ROLE OF LOCAL NGOS IN THE DEVELOPMENT (AS PARTNERS) ..................................................... 30
4.3.1. Cooperative Organizations and Sources of Funding of Local NGOs..................................... 30
4.4. GOVERNMENT’S ROLE FOR LOCAL NGOS ACTIVITIES ................................................................... 42
4.5. THE CHALLENGES FACING LOCAL NGO’S DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES........................................... 44
CHAPTER FIVE ....................................................................................................................................... 50

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................... 50
5.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ............................................................................................................... 50
5.1.1. The role of Local NGOs as development partners in Somaliland .......................................... 50
5.1.2. The role of the government to enhance the development activities of Local NGOs ................ 51
5.1.3. The challenges hindering Local NGO’s development activities............................................. 51
5.2. CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................................. 52
5.3. RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................... 54
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................. I
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................. IV
VI
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 3.1. THE TARGET POPULATION FROM EACH SUB-CITY ...................................................... 24

TABLE 3.2. SAMPLE PROPORTION FROM TARGET POPULATION .................................................... 25
TABLE 3.3. SAMPLING PROCEDURE ..................................................................................................... 26
TABLE 4.4. RESPONDENTS’ SEX AND AGE .......................................................................................... 29
TABLE 4.5. RESPONDENTS’ EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OCCUPATION.................................... 29
TABLE 4.6. DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS AND SOURCES OF FUNDING OF LOCAL NGOS .............. 31
TABLE 4.7. MOBILIZATION OF RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 34
TABLE 4.8. NUMBER OF PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED BY LOCAL NGOS (2013-2015) ..................... 35
TABLE 4.9. RESPONDENTS’ VIEWS ON LOCAL NGOS ACTIVITIES .................................................. 39
TABLE 4.10. RESPONDENTS’ VIEWS OF GOVERNMENT’S ROLE ON LOCAL NGOS ACTIVITIES . 42
TABLE 4.11. RESPONDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE CHALLENGES AGAINST LOCAL NGOS ACTIVITIES
............................................................................................................................................................ 44
TABLE 4.12. RESPONDENTS’ VIEWS ON INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL CHALLENGES OF LOCAL
NGOS ................................................................................................................................................. 48
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1.1. MAP OF SOMALILAND ................................................................................................................. 4

FIGURE 4.2. RESPONDENTS’ VIEWS ABOUT THE ROLE OF LOCAL NGOS AS DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERS ........................................................................................................................................ 32
FIGURE 4.3. RESPONDENTS’ VIEWS ON LOCAL NGOS SECTORAL ACTIVITIES ........................... 36
FIGURE 4.4. THE OVERALL BUDGET MANAGED BY LOCAL NGOS FROM 2013 TO 2014 .............. 38
FIGURE 4.5. EMPLOYMENT PARTNERSHIPS BY LOCAL NGOS ......................................................... 41
FIGURE 4.6. RESPONDENTS’ OPINIONS ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE OF LOCAL NGOS ............. 46
VIII
LIST OF ACRONOMYS
CBOs Community-Based Organizations
ECSU Ethiopian Civil Service University
GOS Government of Somaliland
INGOs International Non-governmental Organizations
LNGOs Local Non-governmental Organizations
SMNPD Somaliland Ministry of National Planning and Development
SPSS Statistical Package for Social Science
UN agency United Nation agency
WASH Water, Sanitation, and Health
IX
ABSTRACT
Local Non-governmental Organizations (LNGOs) are part of civil society and are
characterized by their humanitarian or idealistic goals and ideals, and their concern
with public affairs. This study attempted to assess the role of Local Non-governmental
Organizations as development partners in Somaliland. It aimed at assessing the
position of Local NGOs as partners in line with the development, the role of the
government in supporting the activities of Local NGOs and challenges facing Local
NGOs to carry out developmental activities as partners. The research tied data
collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documents analysis by using both
qualitative and quantitative approaches. Moreover, the study used clustering sampling
with Simple Random Selection and Purposive Selection to select sample from the
respondents and key informants of the study. The finding illustrate that the key role of
Local Non-governmental Organizations in Somaliland is implementation of
projects/programmes. In addition, Local NGOs provide services where the government
service did not reach, work as intermediaries among the government bodies, UN
agencies, International NGOs and the Local community, they also provide job
opportunities and awareness-raising. On the other hand, the study identified the role of
the government on Local NGOs development activities as legal/regulatory formulation.
According to the challenges confronting the development activities of Local NGOs, the
survey result indicated that Local community has little confidence and respect in line
with the development activities of Local NGOs, while Local NGOs have insufficient
access with international donors and there is poor regulatory framework for voluntary
organizations operating in the country. These are the key challenges that influence the
role of Local NGOs as development partners and those holding back their development
activities. In addition, Local NGOs do not spend a sufficient time on their duties and
operations. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends for Local NGOs to
accelerate their development activities by creating good collaboration with the
community, for the government to revise regulatory framework of Local NGOs and
improve its implementation.
Key words: development role, programme/project implementation, development

partner, legal/regulatory framework, and donor access
X
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
This chapter discusses the background of the study, description of the study area,
statement of the problem, objectives of the study, the significance of the study, the
scope of the study, organization of the paper and as well as limitations of the study.
1.1. Background
Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) are part of civil society and are characterized
by their humanitarian or idealistic goals and ideals, and their concern with public
affairs. The term NGO is an umbrella phrase for grassroots, intermediary groups, or
groups working at country level, and international groups and organisations (Rooy,
2000). NGOs working on these different levels are referred to in different ways. NGOs
working at grassroots or country level and run by local staff (in the South) are often
referred to as “local NGOs‟, while NGOs working on the international level are often
called “International NGOs‟. Another distinction made between NGOs is the one of
Northern versus Southern NGOs. Northern NGOs are the ones originating from western
countries like the USA or from Europe who work in order to assist people and
organisations in the South. Southern NGOs are those organisations that are run by local
people in developing countries and can be compared with what is described above as
local NGOs. International NGOs that provide donor assistance to local NGOs are often
called “donor agencies‟ or “international NGOs/donors‟. Of course, these donor
organisations in their turn also receive donor money from governments, private
individuals, and organisations (de Sande, 2010).
In addition, there are other varies forms of Non-governmental Organizations and NGO
could be a community-based organization, citywide organization, national organization,
or international organization. International NGOs are similar to international
Multinational Corporations that operate in more than one country (Pouligny, 2005).
More specifically to the topic, Local Non-Governmental Organizations (LNGOs) also

known as Non-profit Organizations (NPOs), Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs),
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) or third sector organizations that provide services
1
in fulfilling different thematic goals and objectives. Local NGOs can be defined as
private nonprofit organizations that are publicly registered whose principal function is
to implement development projects favouring the popular sector, and which receive
financial support (Abdilahi, 1997). The present study uses the terms community-based
organization or national organization as synonyms for the term local non-governmental
organization, as well as, the terms donor agency or international donor as synonyms for
the term UN agency.
Based on the main intention about the role of Local NGOs for this research, the role of
NGOs can be summarized in terms of three main sets of activities that they undertake,
and these three roles are that NGOs are, Implementers, Catalysts, and Partners (Lewis,
2007). Furthermore, the role of Local NGOs in development is that Local Non-
governmental Organizations are implementers of programs by gaining financial
supports from other donor groups. By specifying the role of Local NGOs as partners, as
implementer role is concerned with the mobilization of resources to provide goods and
services to people who need them. The service delivery role embodies a very wide
range of activities carried out by NGOs in fields as diverse as healthcare, education,
environment, emergency relief, and human rights. On the other hand, as catalysts
NGOs are formulated as triggers of change in relation to social welfare.
Continentally, African Local NGOs are characterized by their rapid and ad hoc growth,
and their structures tend to mirror those of their identity or most appropriate for what
they want to do. African NGOs overall are severely limited by their dependence on
external funding and by technical staff who may not have the requisite voluntary ethos
or ideological commitment (Lewis, 2007).
In addition, there is significant capacity limitation among indigenous Local NGOs.

Limitation in human resource and budget constraints are the prominent features of local
NGOs. Moreover, lack of access to funds, physical assets, and competent human capital
is the features of Local NGOs. The overwhelming majority of local NGOs depend on
external funding sources to run their programs. Government and donors play major
roles in supporting Local NGOs development programs. (Hellinger, 1987).
Furthermore, many of the NGOs are not homegrown, they are distant from many of the
2
social and cultural aspects of the society, and many NGOs have tendencies to preserve
institutional and personal interests rather than the wider beneficiary (Zewdie and
Pausewang, 2002).
Civil society associations or Local NGOs barely existed in Somaliland up until 1991.
Before the declaration of Somaliland independence, the former military government of
Somalia was hostile to civil associations in the country, but the hostile has been
changed after its collapse in 1991. Moreover, civil societies in Somaliland, the new,
free, democratic, and stable environment created in Somaliland since the mid 90s. Civil
societies flourished and their numbers increased dramatically and has grown in the
absence of an oppressive environment and started filling the gaps left by the obsolete
regime, which the fragile Somaliland government could not cover because of scarcity
of resources and capacity. For the very beginning, local societies were supported by the
international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and UN agencies who partnered
with them in the provision of relief and humanitarian aid and in the process of
reconstruction, rehabilitation and rebuilding of institutions of the country (GOS –
Somaliland in Figures, 2011).
In addition, Local Non-governmental Organizations play a crucial role in the

development of the country and increasingly becoming vibrant organizations in
Somaliland. However, there was mysterious assumption, which needed to identify the
extent that NGOs are participating on the development and their role as partners adding
value to the process of transformation and development apart from the government,
International NGOs, and other development partners operating in the country (Gure,
2008).
There is relatively increasing research works on civil society or Local NGOs since
recent years. However, evidence-based studies on NGOs are scarce especially in
Somaliland context. Moreover, the existing one consists of short pieces and
unsatisfactory quality that focus mainly on International NGOs and UN agencies and
their unhappy relation with government (Ibrahim, 2008,). In accordance with a research
that has been conducted by Nour, in 2013 for Somaliland in particular the strategy
implementation challenges of International Non-governmental Organizations, for the
3
very beginning it has been limited to only the International NGOs without dealing with
the Local NGOs, secondly, the scope of study was only the challenges facing the
strategic implementation of International NGOs. Therefore, this research contributes to
the existing scarce literature on Local NGOs by assessing the role of Local NGOs as
development partners in Somaliland.
Furthermore, the importance of this paper is, in one way, because Non-governmental
Organizations in Somaliland play a crucial role for the community development
regarding many development sectors, for that reason, this study assessed the exact role
of Local NGOs operating in the country with view of development partners. On the
other way, this can be an important documentation for the decision makers, Local
NGOs, and development partners in general, as well as future researchers.
In conclusion, the main purpose of this study was to assess the role of Local NGOs as
development partners in Somaliland, along with the role of the government by
improving, legalizing, and encouraging the activities of Local NGOs, as well as the
constraints confronting the efforts of Local NGOs in the development.
1.2. Description of the Study Area

Figure 1.1. Map of Somaliland
Somaliland as a country covers the territory, and boundaries of the former British
Somaliland Protectorate, which was under the British rule from 1884 to 26 June 1960.
Somaliland achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on 26 June 1960 and
united with former Italian-ruled South Somalia on 1st July 1960 to form the Somali
4
Republic. The Republic of Somaliland seceded from Somalia on 18 May 1991 because
of the civil war in the late eighties and early nineties (GOS – Somaliland in Figures,
2011). However, Somaliland is yet to achieve international diplomatic recognition.
Somaliland is situated in the Horn of Africa and Gulf of Aden in the North, South
Somalia in the East, the Federal Republic of Ethiopia in the South-West, and the
Republic of Djibouti in the North-West define its boundaries. The total area of the
Republic of Somaliland is 137, 600sqkms, and it has a coastline of 850kms long (GOS
– Somaliland in Figures, 2011). Due to lack of census statistics in Somaliland, there is
no accurate figure of exact population size. Nevertheless, the population is estimated to
be in range of three to four million inhabitants.
Livestock production and export remains the backbone of Somaliland economy. The
contribution of livestock to the national economy is estimated to be 60-65%. About
60% of Somaliland’s people rely mainly on the products and by-products of their
livestock for daily sustenance. Crop husbandry provides subsistence for about 20% of
the country’s population. In addition, fishing industry, even though harvesting is quite
low, contributes to the economy of the country (GOS – Somaliland in Figures, 2011).
Other activities that contribute to Somaliland’s economy include transportation and
communication, trade and commerce and the service sector. Foreign aid and
remittances from the Somaliland Diaspora also play a major role in the economy of the
country.
Somaliland regionally consists of six regions all over the country, which are named as,
Marodi-jeh, Togdher, Awdal, Arigavo and Sool. Besides, Hargeisa is the Capital city
of the Republic of Somaliland and located in the North West of the country, it has a
population of nearly 1.5 million and consists of five main sub cities 1. It is an important
commercial centre for all Somalis from all in the larger Horn of Africa region (Hargeisa
Municipality, 2012).
Hargeisa, the capital city also can be sub-divided into five main sub-cities, Mohamoud Haibe, Ahmed
1
Dhagah, Ibrahim Kodbur, 26 June and Ga’an Libah sub cities

5
1.3. Statement of the Problem
In connection to the result of central government and its public services collapse in
Somalia 1991, caused by the country’s civil war has left a vacuum and there was a
rapid growth in the number of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In
Somaliland, local NGOs have played a central role in rehabilitation, governance,
security, and reconciliation during civil war of the country after 1991 (Abdillahi, 2011).
Moreover, the impact of the civil war, the waves of refugees, immigration, poverty,
absence of a strong capable government in Somaliland and severe draughts, have
increased the role of international community and forced them to provide help to the
refugees and the immigrant people that run within themselves from the violence’s and
clashes between some parties (Ahmed, 2011). However, since the government of
Somaliland established its institutions and restored the stability of the country, after
more than twenty years what is the role of Local Non-governmental Organizations as
development partners in Somaliland.
Furthermore, Local Non-governmental Organizations play a crucial role in the

development of the country and increasingly becoming vibrant organizations in
Somaliland. However, there is mysterious assumption, which needed to identify the
extent that Local NGOs are participating in the development and their role as partners
in order to add a value to the process of transformation and development apart from the
government, International NGOs, and other development partners operating in the
country (Gure, 2008).
In the word of Gure, 2008, “Local Non-governmental Organizations in Somaliland

become powerful economic and political entities mainly because of the human-centered
and rights based development approach which is being taken up and encouraged by the
world’s biggest international NGOs”. Moreover, it is believed that Local NGOs play a
crucial role in the development effort of the country and without their aid, the
development efforts could not reach many places in the country (Gure, 2008). In
contrast, there is misunderstanding and mistrust between indigenous NGOs and their
6
"linkages" (such as authorities, international organizations operating in the country,
communities and elders) as well as total dependence on external funding, resulting in
donor driven activities and programmes (Abdillahi, 2010).
Moreover, there are some public questions arising from the role of Local NGOs as
development partners, because their effectiveness is not as much as expected, in the
sense of their philosophical and conceptual contribution to ideas of their role in the
development, exclusion, and injustice, and of their financial efficiency and honesty.
Furthermore, in Somaliland, winning the confidence and trust of their clients who are
poor and vulnerable communities is the major bottleneck to their popularity. There is
also question of Local NGOs support from the government and International donors to
help for the development activities of Local NGOs in Somaliland (Gure, 2008).
In relation to Development Corporation handbook (2014), NGOs have done a great job
in responding to humanitarian emergencies promptly, across the world such as post
conflict Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, Palestinian and Syrian refugees. In addition,
NGOs involve in disasters such as the tsunami, Haiti earthquake. Moreover, NGO
workers have worked around the clock to save lives and livelihoods; NGOs were
allowed to grow and become a sort of big multinational with no profit organizations by
worked hand in hand with Institutional Partnerships in International projects
(Development Corporation Handbook, 2014).
In line with existing research works on Local NGOs role in the development, there is
relatively increasing research works on civil society or Local NGOs since recent years.
However, evidence-based studies on Local NGOs are scarce especially in Somaliland
context. Moreover, the existing researches are of short pieces and unsatisfactory quality
that focus mainly on International NGOs and UN agencies and their unhappy relation
with government (Ibrahim, 2008,). In accordance with a research, which has been
conducted by Nour (2013), for Somaliland in particular the strategy implementation
challenges of International Non-governmental Organizations, for the very beginning it
has been limited to only the International NGOs without dealing with the Local NGOs.
Secondly, the scope of study was only the challenges facing the strategic
implementation of INGOs. Therefore, this research contributes to the existing scarce
7
literature on Local NGOs by assessing the role of Local NGOs as development partners
in Somaliland.
The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of Local NGOs as development
partners in Somaliland, along with the role of the government by improving, legalizing,
and encouraging the activities of Local NGOs. as well as the constraints confronting the
efforts of Local NGOs in the development that are aimed at increasing community
development. The researcher came up with accurate information in line with the
research questions of the study.
1.4. Objectives of the Study

1.4.1. General Objective
The general objective of this study was to assess the role of Local Non-governmental
Organizations (LNGOs) to the development effort in Somaliland as development
partners.
1.4.2. Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of the study of Local NGO’s role in addressing the country’s
development problem as development partners were to:
a. Assess the role of Local NGOs in the development as development partners

b. Assess government’s role in enhancing the Local NGs activities and
c. Identify the challenges facing NGOs to work as development partners in
Somaliland.
1.5. Research Questions
In order to achieve both the general and specific objectives of the study, the following
research questions were set in this study.
1. What is the role of NGOs as development partners in the country (Somaliland)?

2. What is the role of the government for enhancing the Local NGOs activities?
3. What are the challenges facing NGOs to increase their effort to the development of
the study nation (Somaliland)?
8
1.6. Scope of the Study
The study focused on domestic or Local NGOs operating in Somaliland without giving
a general picture for the role of International Non-governmental Organizations in the
development areas of the country. Moreover, the study discussed mainly the role of
Local NGOs as partners in the aspect of partnership relating to the development
contributions of Local NGOs in Somaliland as a whole.
1.7. Significance of the Study
These study findings are beneficial to different stakeholders including NGO leaders,
policy makers, and donor agencies, academicians and researchers. The study provides
crucial information regarding the role of NGO as development partners to decision
makers for the NGO sector. In addition, the study unveils major problems that hinder
the partnership status of Local NGOs operating in Somaliland. This helps the leaders of
NGOs to learn the factors that impede or support the development activities of Local
NGOs, as well as the role that they play in Somaliland. Identification of these indicators
in the NGO context will help better align and re-organize the resources and capabilities
of the development participation in order to ensure success and welfare of the
community.
Policy makers will also benefit from the study since they can use the problems that
were identified to devise necessary policy guidelines to address the developmental
barriers of the country in line with Non-governmental Organization’s role. This allows
policy makers to improve aid effectiveness by increasing the developmental
participation of Local NGOs to address the economical problems that hold back the
citizens from better life as well as the problems that caused not be trusted with the local
community.
Furthermore, donor agencies can also benefit in evaluating the role that they play for
the effort of the community since they are the main funders of the LNGOs and the
extent they are going to contribute the social and economic conditions of the country.
9
Finally, regarding academicians and researchers, the study bridges development
partnership knowledge gap and provides recommendations for further research in the
field of NGOs development management in Somaliland context. In addition, the study
is a reference material for the future students interested in this context and area of this
research. Lastly, regarding to theory, the research has been anchored to development fit
theories that advocate aligning the organization with better co-operation.
1.8. Limitations of the Study
Several limitations have been identified during and after the survey of the study. First,
this study did not discuss the real contributions of Local NGOs to the development in
deeply. Secondly, other limitations include, lack of appropriate secondary data due to
poor recording and lack of databases, lack of cooperation of some key informants and
government officials and lack of adequate experience of the researcher in undertaking
such a complex study. Thirdly, the time that has been allotted to collect the data of the
study was too short; moreover, the distance between field study area (Hargeisa,
Somaliland) and University location (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) was not favor for this
study, which is more than one thousand Kilometer (>1000 KM). Finally, lack of
quantitative analysis was another major limitation to find the real impact of the factors
due to lack of knowhow from the researcher's perspective.
However, though the above-mentioned problems were confronted, the researcher made
his maximum effort by using time management, going on time the field of the study,
consulting experts to minimize the effects of these limitations on the result of this
study. To ensure the validity and reliability of the study, the researcher conducted an
interview with government higher officials and senior NGOs experts to triangulate the
results obtained through questionnaire to make the study more accurate the researcher
has done to best of its kind.
10
1.9. Definition of Key Terms
“Non-Governmental Organization” means a voluntary group of individuals and

associations that are non-partisan, impartial, and not operated for profit. They can be of
international, national, regional, district or at village level of community-based
organization (Thomas, 2011).
“International Non-governmental Organizations” are organizations whose principle

function is to fund the development programs favouring the popular sector, in which
provide financial support from outside of the country.
“Community-based Organization” is referred to as non-profit, voluntary Local or
National Non-governmental organizations whose principle function is based on grass-
root level operations (ibid).
“National Non-Governmental Organizational” means a non-governmental
organization, which is exclusively registered in Somaliland with authority to operate
with all of Somaliland regions,(just same with Community-based Organization or Local
Non-governmental Organization).
1.10. Organization of the Paper
The study has been arranged into the following chapters, first chapter consist of the
background of the study, description of the study area, statement of the problem,
objectives of the study, scope of the study, significance of the study, organization of the
paper and limitations. The second chapter deals with the literature review and
conceptual framework of the study, whereas, the third chapter deals with methodology
and design including research approach and methods, sample design, sample technique,
sample size, data source and gathering instruments, data analysis and interpretation
tools. Fourth chapter of the study is handling data analysis presentation and
interpretation of findings. Moreover, chapter five also deals with conclusions drawn
from findings and recommendations made to address the identified problems and
implication of the findings for future research, practitioners, government and other
support agencies. All the referred material used in the study is listed as bibliography
and appendixes.
11
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review
2.1. Introduction
This chapter was prepared to give some background studies about NGOs and
development partners and the factors affecting the Local NGOs to make sound
participation in line with the development as partners. It has been organized into
theoretical part of development partner, and the role and challenge of the community
based organizations/Local NGOs as development partners as well as the empirical
studies on NGOs developmental approaches.
2.2. Review of Theories
According to every nation in the globe, development is everything for them, to change
their life style and become larger, stronger, or more impressive, successful, or advanced
to overcome the poverty and poor conditions. Broadly defining, in line with Thomas,
2011, Development is a process of fundamental human needs including understanding,
participation, creation, identity, and freedom. These are things that cannot be satisfied
by giving services or things. To be complete and sustainable, development must
involve the beneficiaries and help them to develop skills to understand the real causes
of their problems, take initiatives, be creative, participate in and organize action.
Moreover, Development means reflection and action that members of the community
need to be taught about both (Thomas, 2011).
In the last decades, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have grown in numbers

and have been able to establish themselves as important actors of the development in
the society and almost every country on the world. Although NGOs focus on a variety
of different issues and are driven by different motivations they are generally said to
constitute of five main characteristics: They are formal, e.g. have some kind of
organizational structure and permanence, are institutionally separate from the
government, and are non-profit, meaning that surpluses are not disbursed to the owners
or directors of such organisation. Moreover, they are self-governing and voluntary,
12
such as in form of a voluntary board of stakeholders. This means NGOs are neutral and
committed to the voluntary operations (Lewis & Kanji, 2009).
Moreover, Non-governmental Organizations or, NGOs are conditioned by, and gain
much of their legitimacy from, their relationships with government, and by the nature
of the state in any given context. This means NGOs are legitimized by the government,
in relation to their legal status, their scope of operations and how they work with the
government, and other development partners operating alongside the NGOs (ibid).
In addition, as their name suggests, NGOs need to be viewed primarily in the context of
the government in relation to which they define themselves. At the same time, states
themselves are far from monolithic or cohesive entities and cannot easily be understood
without reference to the roles and activities of the broader set of non-state actors. As
argued within a ‘polity’ approach to understanding the politics of inclusion and
development, ‘societal and state actors’ capacities for action are constructed in iterative
cycles of interaction’ among the NGOs and states (Ibid). Therefore, According to the
theory of polity approach, it can be realized that NGOs involve inclusion of politics and
development, inclusion of politics by community organizations, as well as state actors
directs the context of development. Therefore, NGOs operate more than development,
which enforces any government to understand the roles and responsibilities of Local
NGOs.
Brett (1993) outlined in the institutionalism theory about the importance of institutions
in the aspects of legal and regulatory frameworks. Brett showed the ways in which the
supposed comparative advantages of NGOs over public and private agencies were
essentially unproven, but could be analysed by identifying both the altruistic and
opportunistic motivations within such voluntary organizations. According to this
theory, it is only when NGOs operate within an appropriate regulatory context in which
there are incentives and sanctions that can maximize performance that these types of
context-specific comparative advantages can be operationalized. For example, in order
to ensure good NGO performance, Brett demonstrates the importance of accountability
mechanisms and regulations which give multiple stakeholders the means to judge and
13
measure an acceptable performance, or alternatively to exert sanctions on an
unacceptable one (Brett, 1993).
The concept of NGOs in development can be connected to many developmental

theories developed by different scholars. Neoliberalism is one of these development
theories, which became dominant from the 1990s onwards. This period was nominated
by the notorious ‘structural adjustment policies’ (SAPs) which the World Bank and
IMF imposed on poor countries as part of loan conditionality, requiring them to open
their markets to international competition and forcing drastic cutbacks in public
expenditure and social services. By the early1990s, this set of neoliberal orthodoxies
had come to occupy the powerful mainstream of development agency policy making
and this became loosely known as the Washington Consensus. Within this new aid
paradigm, NGOs were given a higher profile than before and more resources in
particular International NGOs. They were mainly viewed as agents of service delivery,
but there was also some recognition of NGO advocacy roles in making national policies
more responsive to citizens in developing countries. This theory describes about the
International NGOs power given by some powerful countries, this also affects the
Local NGOs since INGOs are main development partners of grass-root organizations
(Lewis & Kanji, 2009).
In addition, Neoliberal Economic and Political Agenda has seen a greater role of NGOs
the multidimensional aspects of Neoliberalism is to minimize the role of the state in
things like health and education; NGOs and other organizations receive funding as an
alternative to the state . However, the neoliberal ideology and its policies have also
come under much criticism in recent years around the world, including mass protests in
many developing countries, because of their social impacts, sometimes devastating.
As a result, a number of alternative, grassroots types of NGOs have grown in both

developed and developing countries campaigning and researching issues related to
globalization, social justice, the environment. By operating in the areas of project
contract or management (for delivery of services, training, construction, etc.), promote
community participation in project activities, financial intermediary role, supplier of
technical knowledge to local beneficiaries, advise to local communities on how to take
14
advantage of project-financed goods or services as well as implementation of
complementary activities. These are independent of government aid. However, NGOs
not dependent on state aid and that makes them the exception rather than the rule (Shah,
2005).
On the other hand, by looking Local NGOs in the development partnership perspective,
the definition and concept of Partnership by elaborating in several literatures for
instance, as (Waschak, “n.d.) defined; “Partnership is a collaborative working
relationship in which each partner respects the expertise of the other. The partners plan
together and work together to achieve mutual goals, sharing information and decision-
making responsibilities."
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the definition of partnership has a

tendency to be scale specific. Links between donors and recipient governments are thus
normally at an international scale; practical initiatives between governments, the
private sector and civil society usually operate at a national, or sometimes regional
scale. The stakeholder view of partnership is essentially linked to what is seen as good
project management, and implementation at a local, or sometimes national scale
(Unwin. 2005). Therefore, in line with the concept of partnership, Local NGOs as
development partners are involved a project management and implementation at
national level.
Moreover, Unwin (2005), outlined that the concept of Partnership is widely acclaimed
as being of central importance to development practice in the 21st Century. The
concept has become more generally accepted as being fundamental for the success of
poverty ‘elimination’ that its presence in increasing numbers of official publications
now passes almost without notice. Like the concept of ‘sustainability’, it is used with
equanimity to refer to a wide range of different kinds of relationship, although there are
insufficient rigorous assessments being applied either to its meaning or to its
importance for the Local NGOs role in the development. Moreover, practicing the
concept of partnership with Local NGOs has its challenges and drawbacks, for instance,
NGOs might lose the confidence and trust of the community and the independence of
their activities (Unwin, 2005).
15
In summary of development partnership, the main purpose of partnership that can be
used and identified is that the relationship between donors and recipient governments,
in particular global partnerships (Ibid).
In general, the role of NGOs as partners takes in terms of three to five main sets of
activities that they undertake, which means Local NGOs by acting as development
partners provide Implementation, Sub-contracting and facilitation, and Intermediaries
(Lewis, 2007). Since this paper is dealing with the developmental role of Local NGOs
as partners, this implies that partners work together and share the risk or benefit from a
joint venture. Therefore, the role of partner reflects the growing trend for NGOs to
work with government, donors, and the private sector on joint activities, such as
providing specific inputs within a broader multi-agency program or project. It is also
includes activities that take place among NGOs and with communities such as capacity-
building work which seeks to develop and strengthen capabilities. The commonly used
policy rhetoric of “partnership” poses an important challenge for NGOs to build
mutually beneficial relationships that are effective, responsive, and non-dependent
(Lewis & Kanji, 2009).
1.2. Review of Empirical Studies
According to a report conducted by NORAD Evaluation Department (2012), each year

Norway provides close to NOK 3 billion to and through non-governmental
organizations and approximately on fourth is provided for purely humanitarian
purposes. While the remaining of this budget is channeled to Norwegian and
international organizations that work with partners in developing countries to provide
services and build up civil society and democracy. In addition to this, this report added
that, over 80 percent of the total support provided to NGOs is given to Local
Norwegian organizations and their network of partners in developing countries. This
implies that Local NGOs and civil society organizations receive funding from
International Non-governmental Organizations whereby government donors provide
funding to International NGOs (NORAD Evaluation Department, 2012).
16
Another report being conducted by Rahmato, Bantirgu, and Endeshaw, (2008) by
assessing the role of NGO/CBO in Ethiopia as global resources mobilized by the
voluntary sector. In this sector they came up with that between 2004 and first-half of
2008 the total of NGO transfers amounted to US$1.78 billion, and also between 2004
and 2007, NGOs’ budget for over 2000 projects throughout the country was about 10
billion birr. Further, this is greater than the annual breakdown that Ethiopia earns from
the export of coffee (Rahmato, et al, 2008). Here, both Local NGOs and International
NGOs cooperated for the implementation of the development programs in Ethiopia as
stated in this report.
Politically, as Annette (2001) said, NGOs support for Women to claim they would be
more interested in running for an elected position if they could do so as an independent
candidate, supported local community. Therefore, it is important to support NGOs who
provide moral, psychological, and / or financial support to women candidates. (Annette,
2001:50). Moreover, Local NGOs advocate for voiceless and powerless people.
What is more, Non-governmental Organizations have also, Rahmato, et al (2008)

supported the Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) implementation through
interventions that are relevant to the community in their respective operational areas.
The major intervention areas and the contribution of NGOs included building
community assets like soil and water conservation structures; irrigation and water
supply schemes; reforestation and agro-forestry; and the construction of classrooms of
schools, health posts, rural roads, etc and building the capacity of community
structures. Moreover, NGOs have played important role in the implementation and
contributing to the success of the programme in addressing critical problems that
threaten the lives of millions while simultaneously building community assets to
promote and sustain development endeavors (Rahmato, et al, 2008).
In contrast, as Adillahi (1997) argued that the World Bank established a US$3 million
fund for Somalia in 1988 as seed money to encourage local NGOs to implement
projects in basic social services, with the aim of alleviating hardships resulting from a
Bank-imposed structural adjustment programme. The Somali Planning Ministry
administered the fund and few NGOs were capable of taking advantage of it. It is an
17
evidence of Local NGOs backward and incapability of programme implementation
during the regime of Siyad Bare, before 1991.
On the other hand, in line with Somaliland National Ministry of Planning and
Development 2011, local civil society organisations in partnership with their
international counter parts are involved in a wide range of humanitarian and
development programs, including education, Health, Shelter, Environment, Sanitation,
building schools, clinics and wells as well providing books and medical supplies
(SNMP&D, 2011).
In agreement with the above discussion, Somaliland National Ministry of Planning and
Development has indicated in country’s statistics of 2010 that Local NGOs had
contributed for several development sectors in the country, for example, on health
(20.56%), education (55.21%), WASH (17.28%), shelter (1.54%), and environment
(5.41%). This infers that Local NGOs operating in Somaliland are mostly implement
the development sectors of education, health, water, and environment.
18
1.3. Conceptual Framework
Conceptual Model
International NGOs Local NGOs UN agencies
Development
Partners
Government
Role of Gov. to LNGOs Role of LNGOs as dev. partners Challenges Facing LNGOs
Legal/regulatory F.Work Community Mobilization Lack of cooperation with the

government as development
Source of Fund Implementations partner
Poor legal/regulatory F
Facilitation Facilitation
Lack of access to Int. donors
Intermediaries Sub-contractors
Completion among NGOs
Intermediaries
Failure to win confidence &
respect of community
Source: Constructed from literatures, 2015.
In relation to the factors indicated in the conceptual framework of the study, in line
with the context of Somaliland, development partners are government, UN agencies,
International NGOs and Local NGOs that work together to achieve the development
goals of the country. Moreover, Local NGOs are dependent on the government, UN
agencies, and International NGOs in terms of funding and legal/regulatory rights
whereas, all development partners are dependent on the government.
19
In terms of roles and responsibilities, Local NGOs are involved to community
mobilization, program/project implementation and facilitation, contraction and
intermediary roles. On the other hand, legal/regulatory framework, source of funding
and intermediary are government possible roles to Local NGOs activities. There are
also challenges that can confront Local NGOs development activities including, lack of
cooperation with government, poor legal framework for Local NGOs, lack of access to
international donors and failure to win confidence and respect of the community.
1.4. Chapter Summery
In conclusion, this chapter is all about related theoretical and empirical of this study, in
the Literature Review of the study, majority of the authors discussed about Local
NGOs, its roles, challenges facing Local NGOs, government role on Local NGOs
activities. However, the developmental roles of Local NGOs vary from country to
country and from society to society as well as the factors that effect to work as
development collaborate with the society and government, in this study, some of the
variables are chosen under the study. These variables are those were indicated the
conceptual model or diagram in line with the literature review of the study, while other
factors were not taken into consideration because of the scope of the study.
Based on the experience of the researcher, in Somaliland, the local government might
not give financial support to Local NGOs, but instead, morale, legal framework, and
facilitation support. On the other hand, government imposes fee on Local NGOs
activities in order to validate their operations in the country, and the area that Local
NGOs are being mandated to collaborate with their development projects, this infers
the boundary among the Local NGO themselves, in order to prevent an operational area
conflict among them. Finally, the study analyzed the selected factors and variables
those were identified in this chapter of the study by applying the facts and findings
collected from the target group of the research design along with the referred
supportive material.
20
CHAPTER THREE
Research Methodology
3.1 Introduction
In this chapter, it was discussed more about methodological parts of the study, in
particular the methods, techniques and tools that were used to conduct the study. In
addition, this study has reviewed documents about the Local Non-governmental
Organizations (LNGOs) activities and what other people has said about the study as
well as related studies that are being highlighted in the literature review part.
3.2. Research Approach/Type
A research approach is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data
in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in
procedure. In addition, research design is the conceptual structure within which
research is conducted and that it constitutes the collection, measurement, and analysis
of data (Kothari, 2004). The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of Local
NGOs as development partners. To achieve this objective, the study employed both
qualitative and quantitative data for assessing the issues of the subject under discussion.
The quantitative approach was used to Local NGOs staff, whereas the qualitative
approach were collected from researches and other studies based on the subject area,
annual reports of the National Ministry of Planning and Development and the
documents related to the Local NGOs activities. The conduction of interview is very
important for obtaining more information to the knowledgeable figures and think tanks.
Moreover, the study triangulated the feedback from the respondents and the
information obtained from the key informants of the study, to make sure the validity of
the analysis of the study.
To assess the role of Local NGOs as development partners in Somaliland, the study
employed descriptive type of research design by clarifying the phenomena and
identifying the factors related to the role of Local NGOs as development partners.
Therefore, the descriptive type of research is used for analyzing the data.
21
Moreover, in terms of data collection period, Cross-sectional survey design was
employed for this research; the reason of applying cross-sectional design is that this
design allows the user to collect the data one point in time. A cross-sectional study tries
to describe the occurrence of a phenomenon or to explain how factors are related in
different organizations (Kothari, 2004).
3.3. Data Types and Sources
For validating the research, the study used both primary and secondary sources. The
sources of primary data of the study were the top, middle, and advisory level
management of Local Non-governmental Organizations staffs. The primary data were
collected by using data gathering instruments such as questionnaire through both open-
ended and closed-ended from the Local NGOs staff. On the other hand, in order to get
valid and reliable information, the researcher used semi-structured interview with the
Ministry of National Planning and Development, Ministry of Social Work, senior
experts of Local NGOs, community leaders and other stakeholders from different areas.
Secondary data were obtained from annual reports of Ministry of National Planning and
Development, NGOs offices, scholarly articles, and other information collected from
related studies, journals, books, computer searches, and relevant publications.
3.4. Methods of Data Collection
In the data collection techniques, two instruments were used to conduct both qualitative
and quantitative approaches. Both questionnaire and interview methods of data
collection were used; questionnaire was used to get information from Local NGOs head
offices staff. In addition, interview was used to get information from the key
informants, which were purposively selected for the study to make data collection
techniques valid and reliable by making triangulation to the survey responses and the
information from the key informants. The interview questions were prepared in Somali
language and arranged into different sections based on the research questions of the
study. Comments from the interviews were quoted and recorded during interview
collection. In addition, the questionnaire was designed as open and close-ended types of
22
questions that can take different information related to the research questions of the
study, multiple responses was allowed in some parts of the questionnaire.
3.5. Sampling Design
A sample design is a plan for getting a sample from a specific population (Kothari,
2004). The population of the study for both qualitative and quantitative was a total
number of 427+10 key informants selected from different areas, Local NGOs staff, and
senior experts of NGOs, government officials, and community leaders that could be
found reliable information about the study.
3.5.1. Target Population of the Study
A population is a well-defined set of people, services, elements, events, or group of

things that are being investigated (Obiga, 2012). Hence, target population is the specific
population in which the researcher wants to draw conclusion.
The targeted population of the study was Local NGOs involved to the development
programs, at the same time registered under Somaliland Ministry of National Planning
and Development, government officials, senior NGOs experts, Ministry of Social
Work, and community leaders. The main targeted sample was Local NGOs in their
headquarters in Hargeisa, whereas Hargeisa city was divided into five different districts
based on the heterogeneity of Local NGOs office locations in the city. The assumption
for selecting Local NGOs based only in Hargeisa city instead of all regions of the
country is that all Local NGOs have head offices in Hargeisa capital city for the reason
of that Local NGOs are obligated to have offices at Hargiesa city by Ministry of
National Planning and Development. Therefore, that is why it became possible to get
all needed information from one city.
According to Somaliland National Ministry of Planning and Development, nearly 427

of Local Non-governmental Organizations (LNGOs) have been registered under the
Ministry and kept their registration up-to-date, registered Local NGOs have kept their
head-offices in the capital city of the country (Hargeisa city), and has regional offices
in the other regions of the country.
23
Based on the districts areas and population variation, by referring Local NGOs
addresses from MNP&D, the researcher has drawn proportions of selected five districts
(26 June, Ahmed Dhagah, Ibrahim Kodbur, Mohamed Haybe, and Ga’an Libah sub-
cities) from Hargeisa city which is, 102 weight, 70 weight, 85 weight, 80 weight and 90
respectively, which the sample size is drawn. Furthermore, 10 key informants were
selected purposively; two of them were selected from the National Ministry of Planning
and Development, three senior experts from NGOs, three community leaders, and two
from the Ministry of Social affairs. Therefore, the total of target population of this
study became 427+10, which equals 437 respondents.
3.5.2. Sampling Frame
Table 3.1. The Target Population from Each Sub-city

S/N Name of the District or Sub-city Target Population
from each Sub-city
1 26 June District 102
2 Ahmed Dagah District 70
3 Ibrahim Kodbur District 85
4 Mohamed Haybe District 80
5 Ga’an Libah District 90
Total of Target Population 427
Source: MoNP&D
3.5.3. Sampling Size
As it was indicated in the sampling technique, Local NGOs respondents, and other for
this study. The sample size is determined through the following techniques, in order to
calculate the sample size from each stratum. The researcher estimated the level of
statistical significance or the level of precision to be (5). Since the target population
was 427 (the sum of 102+70+85+80+90 = 427), and is less than 10, 000, the following
formula has been used, in order to draw the required sample size of the targeted
population (Kothari, 2004).
24
Where:
n = _z2 pq + ME2_
ME2 + z2 pq_ N = 427, z = 1.96/95%, p = 0.9, q = 0.1, ME = 0.05/5%
N n = desired sample size,
z = standard normal variable at the required
confidence level.
p = estimated characteristic of target population
q = 1- p
N = total target population
ME = level of statistical significance set/margin of
error
Then the sample size is computed as follows:-
(1.96)2 (0.9) (0.1) + (0.05)2_ = 0.345744+ 0.0025 = 0.348244_ = 105.219

(0.05)2 + (1.96)2 (0.9)(0.1) 0.0025+ 0.345744 0.0033097010
427 427
N=105.219, therefore, the sample size is approximately 105
Therefore, the sample proportion from the target proportion including 10 key
informants was as following:-
Table 3.2. Sample Proportion from Target Population

S/N Name of the District or Total Population Proportion Sample Size
Sub-city
1. 26 June District 102 24% 25
2. Ahmed Dagah District 70 16% 22
3. Ibrahim Kodbur District 85 20% 21
4. Mohamed Haybe District 80 19% 20
5. Ga’an Libah District 90 21% 17
6 Government officials, 10 -- --
NGOs experts and
community leaders
Total 437 100% 105
Source: Own Survey Computation
25
3.6. Sampling Procedure and Technique
The sampling techniques employed in this study were both probability and non-
probability sampling. From probability sampling techniques a cluster random sampling
was used for Local NGOs offices because Local NGOs offices are located at different
geographic areas in the city, then each cluster is given an equal chance by using
proportion to draw the respected sample size from each cluster.
Table 3.3. Sampling Procedure

S/n Respondents Sample Procedures Data Collection Methods
1. Government officials and Purposive Semi-structured Interview

Senior NGOs experts Sampling
2. LNGOs Office heads Cluster sampling with SR Questionnaire
Sampling
Source: Own Survey Design
3.7. Data Analysis
Descriptive statistics was used, mainly; charts, graphs, as well as tables to analyze the
data collected from Local NGOs staff. The quantitative approach was used to examine
data obtained from the survey results of the questionnaire, while, the qualitative
approach was employed to interpret qualitative analysis obtained through interview,
document analysis and the observation of the researcher during the survey of the study.
Moreover, computerized package of SPSS (IBM version 21) was used to present and
analyze the data.
3.8. Ethical Considerations of the Study
The general ethical issues arise at each stage of a research process. To conduct this
research and get data from Local NGOs, government officials, community leaders and
senior NGOs experts’ necessary approval and permission was obtained from the
Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU). A covering letter was attached to the
questionnaire ensuring participants’ utmost secrecy and confidentiality indicating that
information obtained from them would be used for academic purpose and would not be
disclosed to a third party. Names and other identifying information were not used in the
26
study unless it is necessary. Finally, other referred numerous works were appropriately
acknowledged.
3.9. Chapter Summary
In this chapter, it has been shown the methods and techniques that the researcher used
during the data collection. As a result, it shows the study design, the study approach,
sources of data for the study, data gathering techniques, as well as the population of the
study, including the sample frame, sample techniques, and sample size that were used
during the study. In addition, it shows the analytical tools used for the discussion and
analyzation of the gathered information. The next chapter is about the findings and
interpretation of gathered data.
27
CHAPTER FOUR
Findings and Interpretation
4.1. Introduction
This chapter presents the findings and interpretation of the study undertaken on the
topic “The role and challenge of Local NGOs as development partners in
Somaliland.” Based on the objectives of the study, several factors has been evaluated
in line with the role of Local NGOs working as development partners, the government
role of enhancing the Local NGOs activities as development partner. Accordingly, this
chapter is arranged into two inter-followed sections, first section is the actual survey
result of Local NGOs respondents views and how they evaluated against the selected
factors,” the second section is the interview results of the study as well as secondary
data to triangulate the survey result.
4.2. Characteristics of Respondents
The respondents of the study were selected from the Local NGOs head offices,
particularly the five districts in Hargeisa. Accordingly, 105 questionnaires were
distributed among currently registered Local NGOs based on the selected five districts,
however, 103 questionnaires were returned successfully which makes the response rate
of the respondents about 98%, whereas the remaining 2 questionnaires (2%) were not
returned. In addition, the results of the three interviewed key officials of the Ministry of
National Planning and Development and two of the Ministry for Social Work, two from
community leaders, three of senior Local NGOs experts were returned successfully.
As the Table (4.4) below shows, 10(15.4%) of female respondents and 5(13.2%) of
male respondents were within the age of 18-30, whereas, 43 (66.2%) of females and
27(71.1%) of males were within the age of 31-45.
While, 11(16.9%) of female and 5(13.2%) of male respondent’s sex were between 46-
60 and the remaining 1(1.5%) of female respondents and 1(2.6%) of male respondents
were above 60 in terms of their age.
28
Table 4.4. Respondents’ Sex and Age
Sex of the Respondent Total

Age in Years
Female Male
18-30 Count (%) 10 (15.4%) 5 (13.2%) 15 (14.6%)
31-45 Count (%) 43 (66.2%) 27 (71.1%) 70 (68.0%)
46-60 Count (%) 11 (16.9%) 5 (13.2%) 16(15.5%)
> 60 Count (%) 1 (1.5%) 1 (2.6%) 2 (1.9%)
Total Count (%) 65 (100.0%) 38 (100.0%) 103 (100.0%)
Source: Own Survey Result, 2015
Furthermore, in relation to the educational background, years of experience, and

occupation of the survey respondents, Table (4.5) below indicates that, 24(23.3%) of
the respondents were certificate and diploma holders and 67(65%) were Bachelor
Degree holders, while 12(11.7) were Master’s Degree holders.
Table 4.5. Respondents’ Education, Experience, and Occupation
Position Total
Educational Level Top Middle Supervisory
Management Management Level
Certificate/Diploma Count (%) 7 (18.4%) 3 (9.7%) 14 (41.2%) 24(23.3%)
Bachelor Degree Count (%) 26 (68.4%) 23 (74.2%) 18 (52.9%) 67 (65.0%)
Master's Degree Count (%) 5 (13.2%) 5 (16.1%) 2 (5.9%) 12 (11.7%)
Total Count (%) 38(100.0) 31 (100.0%) 34 (100.0%) 103 (100%)
Experience in (Years) Top Middle Supervisory Total
Management Management Level
1-5 Count (%) 25 (65.8%) 21 (67.7%) 13 (38.2%) 59 (57.3%)
6-10 Count (%) 5 (13.2%) 2 (6.5%) 16 (47.1%) 23 (22.3%)
11-15 Count (%) 6 (15.8%) 6 (19.4%) 5 (14.7%) 17 (16.5%)
>16 Count (%) 2 (5.3%) 2 (6.5%) 0 (0.0%) 4 (3.9%)
Total Count (%) 38 (100.0%) 31 (100.0%) 34 (100.0%) 103
(100%)
In terms of experience, as the above table shows, 59(57.3) of the staff has experience
between 1-5 years, 23(22.3%) of them have been working 6-10 years and 17(16.5) of
the respondents have an experience between 11-15 years, whereas, only 4(3.9%) of
them have been working more than 16 years.
29
As a final point, the respondents of this survey study were mostly educated people;
about 76.7% were Bachelor degree and masters holders, which is more preferable for
the accuracy of the study.
In terms of experience, as the above table shows, 59(57.3) of the staff has experience
between 1-5 years, while 23(22.3%) of them have been working 6-10 years and
17(16.5) of the respondents have an experience between 11-15 years, whereas, only
4(3.9%) of them have been working more than 16 years.
4.3. Role of Local NGOs in The Development (As Partners)
This section is dealing with the role of Local NGOs in the development of the country
as partners, the cooperative organizations of Local NGOs, as well as the sources of
funding for Local Non-governmental Organizations operating in Somaliland and their
sectoral activities in the development. These factors are analysed, interpreted, and
discussed in this section by referring the respondents of the study triangulated with
previous document related to the subject matter.
4.3.1. Cooperative Organizations and Sources of Funding of Local NGOs
Relative to development partners of Local NGOs, the study identified several partners
including government, UN agencies, International Non-governmental Organizations
(INGOs), and the beneficiaries or local society, which can have a great impact on the
activities of the Local NGOs. Therefore, the Table (4.6) shows development partners of
Local NGOs that are working with Local NGOs for the development activities of the
country and supporting Local voluntary organizations financially as development
partners.
Although Local NGOs work with more than one development partner with different
activities and different purposes, the table is indicating key partners of Local NGOs and
the one they most frequently collaborate with the development programmes as well as
get funding.
30
Table 4.6. Development Partners and Sources of Funding of Local NGOs
Development Partners
Funders UN INGOs Local Total
Government agencies society
Government Count (%) 10(62.5%) 2(12.5%) 4(25.0%) 0(0.0%) 16(15.5%)
UN agencies Count (%) 9(32.1%) 11(39.3%) 8(28.6%) 0(0.0%) 28(27.2%)
INGOs Count (%) 1(1.8%) 11(19.6%) 41(73.2%) 3(5.4%) 56(54.4%)
Local Society Count (%) 2(66.7%) 0(0.0%) 0(0.0%) 1(33.3%) 3(2.9%)
Total Count (%) 22(21.4%) 24(23.3%) 53(51.5%) 4(3.9%) 103(100%)
In relation to Table (4.6) above, it shows respondents’ views of development partners

of Local NGOs as well as where these organizations receive funding. Accordingly,
51.5% of the respondents said that Local NGOs are partners with International Non-
governmental Organizations. At the same time, 54.4% replied that the main source of
funding for Local NGOs is the International Non-governmental Organizations. This
implies Local NGOs operating in Somaliland are dependent on International Non-
governmental Organizations in terms of funding as well as cooperation of the
development programs.
In relation to Lewis and Kanji (2009), Local NGOs partner reflects the growing trend
for Local NGOs to work with government, donors, and the private sector on joint
activities, such as providing specific inputs within a project. They include the activities
that take place among NGOs and with communities such as capacity-building work,
which seeks to develop and strengthen capabilities. On the other hand, the commonly
used policy rhetoric of “partnership” poses an important challenge for NGOs to build
mutually beneficial relationships that are effective, responsive, and non-dependent
(Lewis & Kanji, 2009). This means that the concept of partnership is based on the
mutual benefits of Local NGOs and their development partners that can be a challenge
to the Local NGOs as they are small organizations and weaker than International ones
and the government.
On the other side, according to Somaliland National Ministry of Planning and

Development, 2011, the source of funding for Local NGOs is mainly from the
31
International NGOs whereby International NGOs get this budget from donor countries
and UN agencies (SMND, 2011). This implies the collaboration of Local NGOs and
International NGOs relative to other development partners of Local NGOs. Moreover,
Local Non-governmental Organizations operating in Somaliland are dependent on the
International Non-governmental Organizations and UN agencies, in terms of funding,
morale support, capacity building, and promotion.
According to Figure (4.2) below, respondents replied about the main role of Local
NGOs operating as development partners, 46.57% of them supposed that the main role
of Local NGOs as development partners is project/program implementation. Whereas,
25.98% of the respondents assumed the role of Local NGOs as development partners in
Somaliland to be facilitation of projects. In facilitation role, Local NGOs help other
development partners in project implementations. While 18.68% of the respondents
supposed the role of Local NGOs as subcontractors by working with other development
partners, Local NGOs take contracts from International NGOs, or UN agencies. On the
other hand, 8.82% of the respondents pointed that the main role of the Local NGOs as
partners is mobilization of the community to develop the participation of the
community with development programs.
Figure 4.2. Respondents’ Views about the Role of Local NGOs as Development
Partners
Moreover, the key informants of the study were asked a same question with the above,
such as government officials, senior NGOs experts, and community leaders of the
32
survey result as an interview, which was “what is the main role of Local NGOs as
development partners?” Where, most of the interviewees responded that, “the main
role of Local NGOs in Somaliland is the implementation of the development programs,
Local NGOs mostly work with International NGOs for the development of the country
due to closeness of Local NGOs to the Local community. These organizations are able
to closely communicate with Local community and work at grass-root level.”
Relating survey result with other studies concerned to subject under study, the work
carried out by development Local NGOs is extremely varied, but can be put broadly in
terms of three main overlapping sets of activities and roles: implementation,
programme facilitation, and community mobilization (Lewis 2007). Each role is not
necessarily confined to a single organization. An NGO may engage in all three groups
of activities at once, or may shift its emphasis from one to the other over time or as
contexts and opportunities change.
The implementation role of Local NGOs can be defined as, the mobilization of
resources to either provide goods and services as part of the Local NGO’s own project
or programme or as that of a government or donor agency. It covers many of the best-
known tasks carried out by Local NGOs and includes the programmes and projects that
NGOs establish to provide services to people (such as health care, education, shelter,
environment protection, or WASH). As well as working directly with communities
where there are no services being provided, or where services are inadequate, many
Local NGOs have opted to work alongside government to strengthen overall service
provision. The growths of ‘contracting’ in which Local NGOs are engaged by
government or donors to carry out specific tasks in return for payment has also
increased the scope for Local NGOs to work in this role. For example, BRAC in
Bangladesh runs a large number of primary schools across the country and has become
a key government partner in the public provision of education services. The BRAC has
become a very large NGO, relying on a set of formal management structures and
systems and highly trained staff (Lewis, 2007).
Furthermore, in relation to (Development handbook, 2013), National governments and

International NGOs usually prefer to work with Local NGOs as project implementers.
33
Because Local NGOs employees are considered more committed and motivated in
ensuring that donor funds are utilized in the most appropriate way for projects and
activities that respond to the needs of the people and make a lasting positive change in
people's lives. Since local NGOs know ground reality and often enjoy greater
acceptance and trust among communities, donor agencies nowadays prefer to
collaborate with them than directly implement projects through internal staff
(Development handbook, 2013).
Lastly, based on the survey result, literature review of the study, and other studies about
the subject, the study summarized the fundamental role of Local NGOs operating in
Somaliland, as development partner to be project/program implementation. This infers
mobilization of resources to either provide goods and services as part of the Local
NGO’s own project or programme or as that of a government, International NGO, or
donor agency.
Looking the key role of Local NGOs as development partners from different angles
Table (4.7) below shows the respondents view about the resources mobilization of
Local NGOs while implementing the projects. This implies the literature of the study
and earlier results of the survey, which indicates that the role of Local NGOs as
development partners to be implementation together with resource mobilization.
Table 4.7. Mobilization of Resources
Description Frequency Percent Valid Percent

Strongly agree 61 59.2 59.2
Agree 27 26.2 26.2
Neutral 8 7.8 7.8
Disagree 3 2.9 2.9
Strongly Disagree 4 3.9 3.9
Total 103 100.0 100.0
In line with Table (4.7) above, the respondents replied about the resource mobilization
involvement of Local NGOs. Therefore, about 85.4% of the respondents agreed on that
Local NGOs participate resource mobilization of the country, whereas, 7.8% of the
respondents had no idea about the subject matter. While remaining, 6.8% of the
34
respondents disagreed with the resource mobilization activity of Local NGOs. This
result is strengthening the implementation role of Local NGOs by mobilizing the
resources to either provide goods and services as part of the Local NGO’s own project
or programme or as that of a government or donor agency. This covers many of the
best-known tasks carried out by Local NGOs including the programmes and projects
that Local NGOs establish to provide services to people such as health, education,
shelter, and environment and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).
Based on the observation of the study about the resource mobilization of Local NGOs
activity, in Somaliland, Local NGOs mobilize resources on behalf of International
NGOs, donor agencies and the community while implementing programmes or projects
such as health, education, environment, etc. For that reason, development partners
preferred to collaborate with Local NGOs to implement development programs in
Somaliland as partners. By taking into account the discussed implementation role of
Local NGOs, the Table (4.8) below shows programmes/projects implemented by Local
NGOs in the last two years.
Table 4.8. Number of Programs Implemented by Local NGOs (2013-2015)

Programs Frequency Percent Valid Percent
1-10 56 54.4 54.4
11-15 36 35.0 35.0
16-30 10 9.7 9.7
Over 30 1 1.0 1.0
Total 103 100.0 100.0
As the result in Table (4.8) shows, the respondents views about the projects/programs
implemented by Local NGOs in line with the last two years, 2013-2015. About
56(54.4%) of the respondents pointed that Local NGOs implemented about 1 to 10
programs, while 36(35%) of them implemented 11-15 programs, whereas 10(9.7%) of
Local NGOs executed about 16-30 development programs. This is an indication of
Local NGOs involvement on program/project implementation according to other
partners. Furthermore, to identify the development sectors managed by Local NGOs as
development partners, the Figure (4.3) below shows that most of the development
35
projects/programs implement by Local NGOs are concerned about educational
development of the country. Accordingly, 41.75% of the respondents mentioned that
these organizations are involved for the education sector while, 29.13% of Local NGOs
responded that they operate under the different sectors of health in the country.
Furthermore, 27.18% of them have been supporting the WASH (Water, Hygiene and
Sanitation) programs, whereas, the remaining 1.94% of the Local NGOs are involved
for the environment protection and environmental sustainability issues.
In keeping with the information on Figure (4.3), the study found that Local NGOs in
Somaliland are operating under various sectors of development, in particular, the
education pillar, which is very important for the development of the country. Moreover,
According to Somaliland National Ministry of Planning and Development 2011 report,
the role that Local NGOs play in the education sector is mainly concerns school
constructions, curriculum support, and material support like books, boards, pens,
dresses and offering education opportunities to the vulnerable people, who are poor,
disabled, as well as internal displaced people
Figure 4.3. Respondents’ Views on Local NGOs Sectoral Activities
Moreover, in connection to a report conducted by Rahmato, Bantirgu, and Endeshaw,

(2008) a good indication of the development priorities identified both by government
36
and the voluntary sector is evidenced by the flow of resources and investment across
projects and sectors. All the available evidence indicates that over the last decade basic
social services, or human development, in particular health, education, water and
sanitation, have attracted the largest share of investment by the voluntary sector. This is
true both in terms of gross investment over the decade as well as investment on a yearly
basis, and holds true also, in many cases at least, across Regions of Ethiopia
(Endeshaw, et al 2008).
In agreement with the above discussion, Somaliland National Ministry of Planning and
Development has indicated in country’s statistics of 2010 that Local NGOs had
contributed for several development sectors in the country, for example, on health
(20.56%), education (55.21%), WASH (17.28%), shelter (1.54%), and environment
(5.41%). This report has made true about the Local NGOs sectoral activities in relation
to the respondents of the study. Moreover, this report also implies the most important
sector, which is education sector, involved by Local NGOs as it was identified in
Figure (4.3). Because of 55.21% of that, Local NGOs are operating under education
development programmes of the country.
Besides, Figure (4.4) below indicates the budget breakdown of the development
projects/programmes managed by Local NGOs between 2013 and 2014. Accordingly,
the Local NGOs managed to impend about four million ($4,000,000 US Dollar) on the
development programmes over Somaliland regions. Particularly, on health, education,
shelter, environment and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). In harmony with
the sources of funding for Local NGOs discussed in Table (4.6), Local NGOs have
received this budget from International NGOs and UN agency operating in the country
as Ministry report clearly outlined (NMP&D, 2014).
37
Figure 4.4. The Overall Budget Managed By Local NGOs from 2013 to 2014
$4,000,000.00
$3,500,000.00
$3,000,000.00
$2,500,000.00
$2,000,000.00
$1,500,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$500,000.00
$-
Source: National Ministry of Planning and Development, 2014
Furthermore, to shed light more on the subject matter, the study assessed more of the
development activities of Local NGOs as development partners. Especially on the areas
of service provision, community awareness-raising, advocacy on behalf of the
community, restraining skills and brain-drain, job opportunities provision apart from
other development partners and finally the participation of local community in line with
the development activities carried out by the Local NGOs to increase the development
of the community. Therefore, Table (4.9) below shows more results concerned to the
activities of Local NGOs in accordance with the respondents of the study. .
Accordingly, the respondents of the study replied these questions by measuring the
degree of their opinions. Apart from the main role of Local NGOs that we discussed
earlier of this chapter, most of the questions are concerned to additional activities of
Local NGOs.
As Table (4.9) below indicates, 76.8%, and 81.6% of the respondents agreed that Local
NGOs’ service provisions have reached in the areas of the government services did not
reach so far, as well as Local NGOs have played a crucial role on the awareness-raising
of the society respectively. However, 9.7% and 3.9% of the respondents neither agreed
nor disagreed respectively, whereas 17.5% and 19.4% were neutral on the subject
matter or did not understand the proposed questions.
38
Table 4.9. Respondents’ Views on Local NGOs Activities
No Items Response Category Total
SA* A* N* DA* SD*
N (%) N (%) N (%) N (%) N (%)
1 LNGOs provide services in areas 55(53.4) 24(23.4) 14(13.6) 2(1.9) 8(7.8) 103(100)
where government services have
not reached.
2 Local N organizations have played 66(64.1) 18(17.5) 15(14.6) 4(3.9) ------- 103(100)
a role in community awareness-
raising
3 Local NGO is able to advocate on 64(62.1) 20(19.4) 15(14.7) 4(3.9) ----- 103(100)
behalf of its community by helping
to attract funds to other areas
which have been neglected.
4 Local NGO retains important skills 55(53.4) 24(23.3) 15(14.6) 2(1.9) 7(6.8) 103(100)
locally to reduce the brain-drain.
5 Local NGOs provide job 58(56.3) 20(19.4) 13(12.6) 8(7.8) 4(3.9) 103(100)
opportunities/employment outside
of the government sector.
7 The programs that we had 50(48.5) 38(36.9) 5(4.9) 4(3.9) 6(6.8) 103(100)
implemented changed the social
welfare status
8 Local community makes a sound 43(41.7) 42(40.8) 9(8.7) 5(4.9) 4(3.9) 103(100)
participation with developmental
programs implementing by LNGOs
The above mark (*) stands for:

1. SA= Strongly Agree, 2) A= Agree, 3) N= Neutral, 4) SD= Strongly Disagree, 5) D=Disagree
Moreover, 81.5%, and 76.7% of the respondents replied that Local NGOs are able to
advocate on behalf of the community in terms of fund raising along with that Local
NGOs have participated in reducing brain-drain challenge of the country by retaining
the skills of the people. On the other hand, 3.9% and 8.7% of the respondents agreed,
while the remaining 14.7% and 14.6% were middle-of-the-road.
In addition, 76.5% of the respondents answered that Local NGOs participate in the
employment of the country by providing job opportunities for the citizens outside the
government sector, but 11.7%, 6.8% were neither agreed nor disagreed, while 12.6%
and 7.6% were no side correspondingly. Furthermore, 75.7%, and 82.5% of the
respondents agreed on that Local NGOs development programs had changed the
livelihood status of the society, at the same time local communities has been making a
sound participation in the programs implemented by Local NGOs respectively.
However, 10.7% and 8.8% of the respondents did not accept the positive effectiveness
39
of Local NGOs development programs on the society and the community participation
of the programs, besides, 4.9% and 8.7% of the total respondents did not take any sides
according to others.
Therefore, in connection to Table (4.9) of the survey result, Local NGOs have been
accomplishing different activities in the development of the country. That is to say,
Local NGOs have been participating in the service provision, community awareness-
raising, and advocacy of fund-raising on behalf of the community, retaining important
skills locally to reduce the brain-drain of the country and job opportunities.
In relation to U-Togbolo, 2005, Local NGOs often are successful intermediaries

between actors in the development arena, building bridges between people and
communities on one side, and governments, development institutions, and donors as
well as development agencies on the other. In an advocacy role, Local NGOs
frequently represent issues and views important in the dynamics of the development
process (U-Togbolo, 2005).
Likewise, the most development projects implemented by Local NGOs have changed
the well-being condition of the society by enhancing their life style like education,
health, environment etc. On the other hand, community showed a kindly participation
with programs has been carrying out by Local NGOs, which made possible the
development activities of those organizations to be spot-on.
In connection to Somaliland Ministry of Planning and Development 2011, Local NGOs

operate in the areas where the state provision of services has been deficient or its access
limited, the role of Local NGOs has been crucial in making up for the deficit. Although
a relatively new phenomenon in Somaliland, Local NGOs are today active in the
provision of social services, democratization, and economic development (SMN&PD,
2012). This implies that Local NGOs service provision reaches where the public
service does not reach. Linking this question to the interview responses of community
leaders, majority of them responded, “Local NGOs are institutions which provide
services to local community often,
40
in particular those are rural inhabitants and small villages” in contrast, some of the
interviewees responded that. “Local NGOs are rent-seeker organizations and not
serving for the community.”
Therefore, in relation to the respondents of the study as well as referred document

concerned to this matter, Local NGOs are providing essential services for the
community resided in the remote areas of the country, who cannot access the public
service. For instance, the Local NGOs offer for the community the basic health service,
education, etc.
Figure 4.5. Employment Partnerships by Local NGOs
Furthermore, Figure (4.5) above shows the number of staff based on the assessed Local
NGOs, which implies the job opportunities provision of Local NGOs for community.
As the figure indicates, 61.11% of Local NGOs have a number of staff between 1 and
25, while 7.72% smallest number of Local NGOs has more than 100 employees. Since,
there are no clear indicators of Local NGOs job contribution for the country’s
employment, the data in Figure (4.5) simply shows percentage of employees working
for Local NGOs who being studied by the study. Therefore, this does not infer the real
contribution of Local NGOs to the employment of the country.
41
4.4. Government’s Role for Local NGOs Activities
This section discusses the government role in boosting development activities of Local
Non-governmental Organizations as development partners. Respondents have been
asked about their opinions in regarding to the role of the government towards
accelerating the development activities of Local NGOs. Therefore, the following result
in Table (4.10) is illustrating the main role of Somaliland government in relation to
Local NGOs development activities.
Table 4.10. Respondents’ Views of Government’s Role on Local NGOs Activities

Legal/regulatory framework 62 60.2 60.2
Source of funding 14 13.6 13.6
Facilitation role 27 26.2 26.2
Total 103 100.0 100.0
In line with Table (4.10) above, about 62(60.2%) of the respondents replied the role of
the government to Local NGOs to be a legal or regulatory framework, on the other side,
14(13.6%) of them chose that the role of the government is source of funding for Local
NGOs. Whereas, the rest 27(26.2%) of this question’s respondents replied that the role
of the government to enhance the activities of Local NGOs is to facilitate the
development programmes implementing by Local NGOs. Based on the respondents’
point of views, Somaliland government contributes a legal/regulatory framework for
the Local NGOs operating in the country.
In relation to Tog-bolo, 2005 creating an enabling legal framework, economic and

political conditions for the NGOs, the state can play a fundamental role in helping
Local NGOs to play their roles more effectively and as a result increase the access to
services for the poor. Partnerships between all groups should be achieved without
ignoring each other’s strengths but make use of each other’s comparative advantage
(Togbolo, 2005). This infers that the government can play a fundamental role in
helping Local NGOs to play their roles more effectively and as a result increase to
services for the poor.
42
In addition, according to EU Somalia report, 2012 that is discussed about the
strengthening civil society in Somalia pointed that Somaliland and Puntland2 have
recently established policies to provide legislative frameworks for regulating both
international and national civil society organisations aimed at ensuring that NGOs
activities are in line with the government’s development priorities by improving
accountability and transparency. Both NGO Acts provide for implementing projects
and require local civil society organisations and internationals to be registered by
national authorities (EU Somalia Unit, 2012).
In agreement with the above discussion of legal/regulatory frame for the international
and national Local NGOs, Somaliland House of Representatives enacted law No:
43/2010 named as the registration law for voluntary organizations in Somaliland.
Therefore, Together with survey result it holds true that the main role of the
government in connection with Local NGOs to be legal/regulatory framework. The
objectives of this law are to (Law NO: 43/2010).
a. Ensure that NGOs working in the country are legally constituted and registered
b. Coordinate and guide the activities of NGOs so that they are aligned with
national priorities
c. Ensure accountability and transparency
d. Promote the development of community based organizations
Consistent with statement published by Somaliland Ministry of National Planning and

Development in 2012 shows that, “The Government of Somaliland is committed to
build the capacity of local NGOs and will encourage them to participate actively and
effectively in the development of the country within the framework of the NGO law.
Moreover, Somaliland government will establish a common fund to improve and
strengthen the capacity of local NGOs” (SNMPD, 2012).
To wrap up the results of this question, it can be realized that the principal role of the
government to support the development activities of Local NGOs is legal or regulatory
framework. On account of that 60(60.2%) which is more than 50% of total of the
2
Puntland: refers an outonous region of Somalia, which was established in 1998.
43
respondents pointed out that the main role of the government for the activities of Local
NGOs was legal or regulatory preparation. This will help Local NGOs to have legal
boundaries on their activities as well to be legal entities that can carry out their duties as
a manner of legitimized organizations.
4.5. The Challenges Facing Local NGO’s Development Activities
By using the reflections of the respondents, this part has been discussed about the
challenges holding back the development activities of Local NGOs as development
partners in Somaliland. As it has been discussed earlier, Local Non-governmental
Organizations have important role on the development of the country. Conversely,
there can be several challenges that might negatively affect their role on the
development. Therefore, by identifying those challenges, the respondents has been
given an option to draw attention for their views about this issue, where, the study has
drawn some questions about those challenges and then, is discussed in this section.
Table 4.11. Respondents’ Views on the Challenges against Local NGOs Activities

Lack of cooperation with the 17 16.5 16.5
government as development partner
Poor legal/regulatory framework 24 23.3 23.3
Lack of access to International 25 24.3 24.3
donors
Competition among NGOs 9 8.7 8.7
themselves
Failure to win the confidence and 28 27.2 27.2
respect of communities
Total 103 100.0 100.0
In regard to Table (4.11) above, about 28(27.2%) of the respondents replied that the
major restraints that are not in favor of the developmental activities of Local NGOs is
that Local NGOs have failed to win the confidence and respect of the community. The
subsequent barrier according to respondent’s views, 25(24.3%) was limited access to
international donors, such as International NGOs, UN agencies and donor countries, in
terms of funding, cooperation, information sharing etc.
44
Furthermore, on 24(23.3%) of the survey respondents supposed that there is poor legal
or regulatory structure related to the Local NGOs activities. Filling this disparity is one
of the most imperative duties of the government and establishing well-improved rules
and regulatory for the society, added by the interviewers those were asked this
question. Whereas 17(16.5%) of them have stated that Local NGOs do not have a
cooperation of the government as development partner, while the remaining 9(8.7%) of
the feedback supported in order Local NGOs have competition among them. This
competition among Local Non-governmental Organizations emanates from resource
scarcity, area operations of Local NGOs and sector of work boundaries.
On the other hand, in regarding law No: 43/2010, government officials responded,
“Although the government enacted this law, the problem is the implementation of the
law; this law was not implemented as it was intended that is why its effectiveness
became inconvenient.”
Pertaining to the above survey result, the study identified several restrictions
confronting the development activities of Local NGOs mainly, the confidence and
respect of the community for Local NGOs is the major drawback encountered by Local
NGOs along with the limited access of Local NGOs for international donors and poor
regulatory setup. Which can be the key restrictions influenced the role of Local NGOs
as development partners and those holding back their development activities. Where,
the first issue related to the Local NGOs themselves, but the last two of these
challenges involves outside of Local NGO’s capabilities.
Moreover, the following Figure (4.6) indicates the independence of Local Non-
governmental Organizations working in Somaliland as development partners with the
government, International donors, International NGOs, UN agencies, and local
communities to their development activities interventions. In terms of their finance
allocation, regulation, program prioritizing, setting agendas, political interference, and
structural setting etc. the following figure summarizes about the independence of Local
NGOs from other development partners operating in the country.
45
Figure 4.6. Respondents’ Opinions about the Independence of Local NGOs
As Figure (4.6) above shows, respondents of the study were asked about the
independence of Local NGOs in reference to their activities of the country as partners.
After this, 48.5% of the respondents agreed that Local NGOs are not independent
according to other development actor’s interventions, while 14.6% neither agreed nor
disagreed on this matter. In contrast, 36.9% of the respondents have disagreed with the
argument of that; Local NGOs are not independent for their activities.
Based on the respondent’s views about the independence of Local NGOs, the majority
of them 48.5% accepted the interference of other development partners to Local NGOs
activities. Therefore, Local NGOs are not independent for their basic activities,
however, were interfered the independence of Local NGOs from different sides like,
funding, strategic planning, resource allocation, rules and regulations by other
development partners.
More precisely, Local NGOs are typically weaker because they are not as financially
independent as the other development partners, and are often dependent upon them.
Alternatively, when independent, they typically do not have the resources and political
power that the other two wield (for example, both states and donors can own large
influential media organizations), and are not as well and long established as the other
two (Shah, 2012).
46
Furthermore, governments and donors also question why they should fund or listen to
Local NGOs and wonder whether these self-appointed organizations are legitimate
representatives of the poor. While legally, development Local NGOs are accountable to
their sponsors and funders, morally, they feel accountable to their beneficiaries and
communities they work with. Because of the threat of withdrawal of funding and
increased reporting requirements, Local NGOs often tend to focus more and more on
the accountability towards donors rather than towards beneficiaries. As they get closer
to donors, Local NGOs become more bureaucratic, using donor tools and techniques
for programming, implementing and monitoring, adjusting their strategic focus to
changing donor needs, and ultimately even changing the culture of the Local NGO
itself (Carbone, 2003).
In agreement with the discussion, most of community leaders and senior NGOs experts
of this study also pointed that Local NGOs in Somaliland are not autonomous for their
development activities. The rationale of this implies that Local NGOs get closer to
donors; Local NGOs become more bureaucratic, using donor tools, and techniques for
programming, implementing and monitoring. Therefore, based on the survey result,
interviews and referred secondary data, Local NGOs are dependent on its development
partners for the benefit of funding, legitimacy, and power.
For more emphasis on the challenges confronting Local NGOs activities as

development partners in Somaliland, Table (4.12) below shows some other challenges
encountered by Local NGOs being replied by the respondents of the study. The
questions that have been asked to the respondents of the study might either be classified
into internal or external constraints of Local NGOs activities.
47
Table 4.12. Respondents’ Views on Inter-organizational Challenges of Local NGOs
No Items Response Category Total
SA* A* N* DA* SD*
N (%) N (%) N (%) N (%) N (%)
2 The working hours of Local 23(22.3) 24(23.3) 33(31.1) 13(12.6) 11(10.7) 103(100)
NGOs are too short
3 A deficit of management skills 15(14.6) 17(16.5) 37(35.9) 23(22.3) 11(10.7) 103(100)
and accountability
4 A deficit of experience and 14(13.6) 28(27.2) 18(17.5) 28(27.2) 15(14.6) 103(100)
understanding of the principles
of voluntary service.
The above mark (*) stands for:
1. SA= Strongly Agree, 2) A= Agree, 3) N= Neutral, 4) SD= Strongly Disagree, 5) D=Disagree
Relative to Table (4.12) above, the respondents have been asked various questions
about the possible challenges that might face Local NGOs by restricting the
development role of Local NGOs activities operating in Somaliland. These questions
are concerned to the working hours of Local NGO’s offices, the management skills,
and accountability capacities of Local NGOs, as well as experience and understanding
for the principles of voluntary services by the Local NGOs.
With reference to the survey result shown on the above table, 45.6% of the respondents
assumed that working hours of Local NGOs are too short. At the same time, 31.1% of
the respondents have neither agreed nor disagreed, whereas 23.3% of the respondents
have disagreed on this question.
This implies that working hours of Local Non-governmental Organizations staff are too
short which can have negative impact on the daily activities of these voluntary
organizations by minimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of program/project
implementations involved by Local NGOs.
According to observation of the study, the reason of that Local NGOs are giving short
hours for their operations might be the assumption of that, Local NGOs’ staff do not
earn a higher salary from their positions which enforced them to shift part of their time
into other jobs to get supplementary earnings. This has caused the shortage of working
hours of Local NGOs.
48
Furthermore, in line with the management skills and accountability deficits, 31.1%
accepted that there is deficit of management skills and accountability within Local
NGOs, while 35.9% were agreed no side. In contrast, 33% of the respondents have
disagreed on the presence of management skills and accountability deficit related to the
Local NGOs development activities.
Deficit of management skills and accountability in Local NGOs is internal challenge to

these organizations, however in relation to findings of the study; there is no deficit of
management skills and accountability in the development activities of Local NGOs to
the development of the country.
Regarding the deficit of experience, understanding the principles of the voluntary

services, 40.8% of the respondents agreed that there is deficit of experience, and
understanding the principles of the voluntary services by Local NGOs, whereas, 17.5%
were indicated neutral responses. On the other hand, 41.8% of the respondents have
disagreed on the presence of deficit for experience and understanding the principles of
voluntary services.
On the subject of table (4.12) survey results concerning the challenges opposing Local
NGOs to achieve its goals and objectives on the development of the country as
development partners. In relation to the respondents of this question, there are no a
deficit of management skills and accountability of Local NGOs, a deficit of experience
and understanding of voluntary services. Except that, local NGOs are spending short
hours on their development activities.
After all, Local NGOs working in Somaliland are spending short hours on their
development activities. This might challenge the efficiency and accuracy of the
development programs implementing by Local NGOs for the development of the
country as partners. However, there is no deficit of experience, accountability,
management skills, and understanding the voluntary services concerning Local NGOs
development activities.
49
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations
In this chapter, summery conclusions and recommendations have been outlined based
on the analysis and interpretation of the data being collected through questionnaire and
interview along with the summary of findings for the survey study. More to the point,
the study illustrates the conclusions according to the analysis of the collected data and.
Finally, the researcher forwarded some recommendations about the role of Local NGOs
as development partners in Somaliland, the role of the government for accelerating the
development activities of the Local NGOs as well as, the challenges holding back Local
NGOs development activities, which are the main purpose of this study.
5.1 Summary of Findings
Based on the analyzed data of the study, the following identified principal findings
present answers of the research questions and the specific objectives of the study.
5.1.1. The role of Local NGOs as development partners in Somaliland
a) In relation to respondents of the study, the main role of Local NGOs as

development partners in Somaliland was considered as project/programme
implementation. This means by acting as development partners, Local NGOs
involve in the implementation or management of development programmes,
since they are grass-root level organizations, International NGOs provide
funding for Local NGOs in order to implement the programmes locally as
partners.
b) In addition, Local NGOs interconnect local community, International NGOs,
government, UN agencies, and other donors, since Local NGOs are close to the
community. Furthermore, these organizations provide services where public
service did not reach, the community awareness-raising, brain-drain reduction,
advocacy for fund-raising; job opportunities provision and mobilization of
resources are roles and activities of these organizations.
50
c) More precisely, according to the development sectors Local NGOs implement
mainly education and health development sectors
d) International NGOs and UN agencies are the main sources of funding for Local
NGOs operating in Somaliland.
e) Local NGOs are close partners to International NGOs in comparison to the
other development partners operating in the country.
5.1.2. The role of the government to enhance the development activities of Local
NGOs
a) The government’s principle role for Local NGOs developmental activities is the
preparation of legal framework, which helps Local NGOs in their activities by
giving their legal rights, and providing an operational boundary between Local
NGOs and other development partners. The government enacted the law No:
43/2010 for NGOs.
b) In general, the government does many development activities for its citizens, for
instance, the protection of citizen’s security that is to say, without a government
Local NGOs themselves cannot operate their development programs. Therefore,
the government of Somaliland supports Local NGOs in different aspects but the
main role of the government for enhancing the Local NGOs development
activities is preparation of regulations for them in accordance with this survey
results.
5.1.3. The challenges hindering Local NGO’s development activities

a) Lack of confidence and respect of the community for the Local NGOs resulted
from this survey. This can challenge the cooperation and mutual benefits of
development partners; this might also damage the intermediary role of Local
NGOs as well as their development activities.
b) Limited access to International donors, in terms of information sharing,
funding, capacity-building, and general cooperation of Local NGOs as
development partners with International donors is another factor.
51
c) In addition, although, the government supports for Local NGOs in the
regulatory aspect, there is poor implementation of NGOs law, which can hold
back the development activities of Local NGOs for the community.
d) According to Local NGOs independence from other development partners, such
as government, International NGOs, UN agencies, and Local community, the
study indicated that Local NGOs are not independent for their development
activities, in terms of funding, strategies, regulation, and field of work. The
dependence of Local NGOs on other development partners could slow the
development activities of Local NGOs down.
e) The inter-governmental constrains faced by Local NGOs include the working
hours of Local NGOs’ staff is too short, which can negatively influence the
development activities of Local NGOs.
5.2. Conclusions
As the findings of this study suggests about the role of Local NGOs as development
partners in Somaliland. Which was the main intention of the study, the principle role of
Local NGOs as development partners was identified as program/project
implementation, for the perception of that Local NGOs are grass-root voluntary
organizations in the country and closeness of local NGOs to the community made
possible for Local NGOs to take the role of program implementation. Furthermore,
Local NGOs in the country are working different developmental sectors such as,
education, health and WASH these organizations are involved in resource mobilization,
fund-raising, employment opportunities, service provision and community
mobilizations.
The government of Somaliland was not recognized as independent state by any country
in the world. The government is still fragile and has not capability to cover every sector
of the public development and government institutions have no capacity to fulfill the
public service completely since, the civil war destroyed former government institutions.
Therefore, Local NGOs used instead some of the government role for the public and
provided the service where the government service did not reach, that is why Local
52
NGOs in Somaliland filled the gap of program implementation on behalf of the
development partners.
Over and above this, the study identified that Local NGOs play an intermediary role
among International LNGOs, government, UN agencies and Local communities. This
role is increasing the responsibility of development partners of the country by providing
a service for the citizens and mobilizing the resources of the country. The cooperation
of the development partners is very crucial for the development of the country.
To fill the needs of the society within its jurisdiction is the responsibility of the
government that is to say public service provision, protection of rights and policy
formulation. Subsequently, Local NGOs are government service beneficiaries; the
study recognized the principle role of the government as legal/regulatory framework
preparation in order to enrich the development activities of Local NGOs.
In addition, the government supports Local NGOs for the protection of their security,
which is very important for the development activities of Local NGOs. Because, Local
NGOs work at the remote areas of the country those might not favorable for the
security of development activities of Local NGOs. Therefore, Local NGOs need to do
their duties with stability and security and this is one role of the government for the
Local NGOs.
On the other hand, the study has come up with several queries about these obstacles, as
a result, the study illustrated that Local NGOs are working under less confidence and
respect of the community, limited access of International donors, in terms of
information sharing, funding, capacity building and general cooperation of Local NGOs
with other development partners. For the case of confidence and respect of Local
NGOs, activities by the service recipients could be the major drawback to the role
Local NGOs as development partners that demands for further investigation. Moreover,
having limited access of Local NGOs with their partners is decreasing the activities of
Local NGOs operating in Somaliland.
Although, the principle role of the government for accelerating the development
activities of Local NGOs was identified as regulatory framework provision, the study
53
has drawn poor regulatory framework for Local NGOs by the government; the
respondents of the survey based their justifications on poor implementation of Local
NGOs law that was enacted by the government. Therefore, as it was discussed in the
previous section, implementation of Local NGOs law is very important for the
development activities of Local NGOs.
What is more is that Local NGOs are not independent for their activities which is being
interfered by other development partners working in the country, in particularly, the
International NGOs who are the source of funding for Local NGOs. This inhibited from
Local NGOs to work independently and influenced their role in the country’s
development as partners. Finally, the study showed that Local Non-governmental
Organizations are playing an important role in the development of the country as
partners of the development.
5.3. Recommendations
In order to achieve the objectives of the study and come up with fruitful solutions based
on the findings of the study and conclusions made. The following recommendations are
concerned to the current role of Local NGOs along with the role of the government by
enhancing the activities of Local NGOs as well as the challenges facing Local NGOs’
development activities.
5.3.1. Recommendations related to the role of Local NGOs as development

partners
a) Local NGOs should extend their role to other parts of development sectors apart
from program implementation, they should participate the community
mobilization and projects facilitation as development partners.
b) Local NGOs must increase their services where the government service did not
reach by ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of their development
activities and unite their development efforts for the community.
c) Local NGOs should try to accelerate the advocacy of fund-raising for their
development activities by establishing a contribution among organizational
members, in order to get an alternative source of funding.
54
d) They must multiply their sectoral activities beyond education and health and try
to contribute the other infrastructural development of the country.
e) They should work the development strategies and priorities of the government
closely; together they can enhance the development of the country.
5.3.2. Recommendations related to the role of the government for enhancing the
development activities of Local NGOs
a) The government must evaluate the implementation of Local NGOs and solve
the implementation problems of the Local NGOs law, to improve the legal
framework working on Local NGOs as development partners.
b) The government should ensure the independence legal issue of Local NGOs for
their development activities from both internal and external interferences. In
addition, government should monitor the Local NGOs activities by certifying
the standard of their development programs, specially, the Ministry of National
Development and Planning that is line minister of Local NGOs should engage
monitoring and evaluation system to Local NGOs’ development activities. This
will add a value to the role of Local NGOs as development partners.
c) Furthermore, the government must take part the advocacy of fund-raising for
Local NGOs’ development activities.
5.3.3. Recommendations related to the challenges hindering Local NGO’s

development activities
a) Local NGOs must develop a strong ties to the communities in which they work
for through participation at the community level. Moreover, they must consider
the voice of their partner as they develop their organization’s capacity to work
with the community, their community partner must be key stakeholders and
should help guide the direction of their organization.
b) Since, development is successful when people are informed and trust each
other, which make possible to know their problems and willing to participate in
solving them, Local NGOs should bring about positive change by raising
awareness to make development successful.
55
c) Local NGOs should promote increased formal and informal information sharing
among partners. Despite internal constraints, the Local NGOs must remain
flexible and listen to the priorities of their partners, not follow donor-driven
commands. Local NGOs should support their partners and respect the diversity
of its members and target constituencies, as well as the spectrum of its
activities.
d) Local NGOs should ensure that the organization’s programs and services are
appropriately addressed based on the community/client needs.
e) Local NGOs should obtain their legal dependence constraint and negotiate with
their partners, to be free for their development activities.
f) To ensure the efficiency of their development activities, Local NGOs should use
enough time with their tasks like, setting priorities, strategies and during
program implementation, they should increase the working hours spending in
their offices.
g) Local NGOs were recognized that they are heavily dependent on international
NGOs and donors. Therefore, local NGOs must begin to rely more on their own
efforts and resources. They need to learn from local NGOs in other countries
about how to tap local sources of funds and other resources.
h) Finally, the study suggests for future researchers might use this research study
results for further studies as point of take off. As the findings of the study can
be used by other researchers who are interested to conduct in the areas of the
role of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) as development partners
based on one development dimension, like human development, social
development, infrastructure development etc, in Somaliland. Because, this study
assessed the role of Local NGOs as development partners by taking the
common sense of the issue and not specified. Furthermore, the future
researchers might assess the role of International, UN agencies and the
government as development partners. Generally, the study may add value to the
future researches to be conducted, as well as the already existing knowledge of
literature.
56
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dissertation.
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Anne van de Sande. (2010). Challenges to the effective operation of local NGOs in
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Anup Shah, (2012). Non-governmental Organizations on Development Issues: Global

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Gebre Egziabher, S (2002). The role of civil society organization in democratization

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pp.135– 143.
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I
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Georgia Institute of Technology.
III
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
QUESTIONNAIRES

Public Policy Study (Master Program)
Questionnaire Cover Letter
Dear Honorable Respondent,
I am Mubarik Farah, MA student at the University of Ethiopian Civil Service. As part of the
academic requirement of the completion of my Masters degree of Public Policy (MA), the
prime purpose of this paper is to assess the role of Local Non-governmental
Organizations (LNGOs) as Development Partners in Somaliland. I am conducting this
research from the selected LNGOs. To participate in this study, you are requested to be active
members of LNGOs staff who has some involvement in the role of LNGOs as development
activities, so that I request your kind assistance and full participation.
Please I am indebted for your help in completing this questionnaire. If there, is any difficulty
concerning the comprehension or any other issue relating to the subject matter, it is my
pleasure to hear from you for further clarification? Although the questionnaire does not focus
only one organization, at your request I will give a special acknowledgement to your
organization.
Data Privacy: I would also like to confirm that the results of this questionnaire subject to data
privacy and will be treated in the strictest confidence. All data reports will be used only for
the analysis of the final paper. In case if you have any queries in regard to this research,
please contact me with the following address
Name of the Interviewer: Mubarik Farah Warsame
Mobile: 0025-263- 4100509
Email: mubarikfarah8@hotmail.com
IV
APPENDEX: A1
Research Questionnaire to Be Filled By Local NGOs Staff
PART ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION AND LNGO PROFILE
1. Name of the Organization: ___________________________________
2. Name of the Respondent (Optional) ____________________________
3. The Sex of the Respondent
A. Male B. Female
4. Age of the Respondents
A. 18-30 years
B. 31-45 years
C. 46-60 years
D. Above 60 years
5. Educational background
A. Certificate ore Diploma
B. Bachelor degree
C. Masters degree
D. Other, please specify________________________
6. What is your position in your organization?
E. Top Management
F. Middle Management
G. Supervisory Level
H. Other, Please Specify__________________________________
7. How many years have you been working in this organization?
A. less than one year
B. 1 – 5 years
C. 6 – 10 years
D. 11 – 15 years
E. Over 16 years
V
8. How many regions does your organization operate (in Somaliland)?
A. Only 1 region
B. 2 regions
C. 3 regions
D. 4 regions
E. 6 regions
9. How many years has your organization been operating (in Somaliland)?
A. less than one year
B. 1 – 5 years
C. 6 – 10 years
D. 11 – 15 years
E. Over 16 years
10. How many development sectors does your organization work?
A. Education
B. Health
C. Water, Hygiene, & Sanitation (WASH)
D. Shelter
E. Environment
F. Others, please specify_______________________________________
11. How many developmental programs/projects has your organization
implemented in (the last two years)?
A. 1-10 projects
B. 11-15 projects
C. 16-30 projects
D. More than 30
12. What is the current number of staff for the organization?
A. 1 – 25
B. 26 – 50
C. 51 – 75
D. 76 - 100
E. Over 100
VI
PART TWO: QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
13. What is the definition of development partner (for organizational context)?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. What is the vision of your organization as development partner?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
15. How can you evaluate the role of your organization as development partner?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
16. Which organization/institution (s) do you work as development partner? (Multiple choice
is possible in here)
A. Government
B. UN agencies
C. International NGOs
D. Local society
E. Others, please specify_________________________________________
17. Which organization/institution (s) does your organization receive the budget that you
operate in your development programs as partner?
A. Government
B. UN agencies
C. International NGOs
D. Local community
E. Others, please Specify_________________________________________
18. What is the main role of your organization as development partner : (Multiple choice is
possible)
A. Project facilitator
B. Project implementer
C. Sub-contractor
D. Community mobilization
E. Others, please Specify____________________________________________
VII
Cross each of the items/issues in the table below, please, to show whether you strongly
agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree or strongly disagree by making ‘X’ in the boxes
Questions Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

agree Disagree
1. My organization has provided
services in areas where government
service did not reached.
2. We have has played a role in
community awareness raising and
mobilization for self-help.
3. We have a liaison role with INGOs
and donors and act as
intermediaries between donors and
communities.
4. Our organization is able to advocate
on behalf of its community to
attract funds for other areas, which
have been neglected.
5. My organization retains important
skills locally to reduce the brain
drain.
6. We promote the development of
human resources.
7. We provide job
opportunities/employment outside
of the government sector.
8. Increases mobilisation of local and
international resources
9. Better positioned to win the trust of
the community
10. All our project proposals and
problem identification are
formulated together with the
national plan
11. The local community makes a
sound participation with our
developmental programs.
12. The programs that we implemented
changed the social welfare and
achieved their objectives.
Other Roles (Please Specify and Rate)
VIII
PART THREE: QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE ON
ACCELERATING THE LOCAL NGOs ACTIVITIES G
19. What is the role of government; concerning organizational development activities,

(Multiple Choice is possible)?
A. Legal/regulatory framework
B. Source of funding
C. Facilitation role
D. Other, Please Specify________________________________________
20. Is the development relationship with government suitable for your activities?
…………………………………………………………………………………………….…
………………………………………………………………………………………………
21. Any further suggestions about the role of the government to enhance the activities of LNGOs
as development partner
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
PART FOUR: QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE CONSTRAINTS FACING

LOCAL NGOs DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES C
22. What are the problems facing your organizations as development partner?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
23. What are the major challenges restricting your organization’s development activities?
A. Lack of cooperation with the government as development partner
B. Poor legal/regulatory framework
C. Lack of access to International donors.
D. Competition among NGOs themselves
E. failure to win the confidence and respect of communities
F. others, Please Specify_____________________________________________
IX
Cross each of the items/issues in the table below, please, to show whether you strongly
agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree or strongly disagree by making ‘X’ in the boxes
Questions Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

agree Disagree
1. The Local organization relies on
external funds.
2. The working hours of LNGOs are
too short.
3. Lack of coordination and
communication among/between
the Local NGOs
4. A deficit of management skills and
accountability.
5. A deficit of experience and
understanding of the principles of
voluntary service.
6. Lack of community base, limited
participation by
communities/beneficiaries in the
programs
7. Development partners interference
Other Challenges (Please Specify and Rate)
24. To what extent do you think that challenges have effect on the development activities of
your organization?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
25. If you have any additional comments on the topic, please write it on here.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Thank You for Your Time
X
APPENDEX: B
Interview Questions to the Government Officials
Name of the Respondent -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Title of the Respondent--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Education level----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years of Experience-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Interview-------------------------------------
1. Do you think that Local Non-government Organizations with the government as

development partners?
2. As government institution, do you have any development relationship with LNGOs?
3. What is the role of Local NGOs as development partners?
4. To what extent do LNGOs participate in the development activities of the country?
5. What is the role of government in enhancing the activities of NGOs as development
partners?
6. How do you support the development activities of Local NGOs as partner?
7. What do you think the challenges that face LNGOs to operate as development
partners with the government?
8. Are Local NGOs accountable to the government institutions?
9. What do you think the independence of Local NGOs to their operations from the
government intervention?
10. Do the programs/projects implement by Local NGOs done as intended?
XI
APPENDEX: C
Interview Questions to the Community Leaders and Senior
LNGOs experts
Name of the Respondent ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Title of the Respondent-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Education level--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years of Experience---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Interview------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. As community leader/NGOs expert, have ever related with LNGOs?/Yes/No

2. Do you think that Local Non-government Organizations with the community in the
development?
3. What do you think the role of LNGOs as development partners with the society?
4. To what extent do LNGOs participate in the development activities of the country?
5. Does local community support the development activities of LNGOs as partner?
6. What do you think the challenges that face LNGOs to operate as development
partners with the government as well as local community and International NGOs?
7. Are Local NGOs development programs changed the development of the society?
8. What do you think the independence of Local NGOs to their operations from the
government intervention, international NGOs, and community leaders?
9. Do the programs or projects implemented by LNGOs was done as intended?
10. Do you believe that LNGOs are important for the development of the country? (Why)
XII
APPENDEX: C1
SOMALI VERSION FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS INTERVIEW
Magaca -------------------------------------------------------------------
Xilka-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Heerka Waxbarasho----------------------------------------------------
Khibrad sanadeed ka---------------------------------------------------
Taariikhda---------------------------------------------------------------
1. Hogaamiye bulsho /NGO khabiir ahaan, weli xidhiidh ma lasamaysay ururada

samafalka ee maxaliga ah?Haa/Maya.
2. Miyaad u malaynaysaa in ururada samafalka ah ee maxaliga ah ay bulshada kala
shaqeeyaan dhinaca haruumarka?
3. Maxay kulatahay doorka ururada muxaliga ahi ay kuleeyihiin haruumarinta bulshada?
4. Heer intee leeg ay ururada samafalka ee muxaliga ahi ka ciyaaraan haruumarinta
bulshada?
5. Bulshada caadiga ahi ma taageertaa halwlaha haruumarineed ee ay u qabtaan?
6. Maxay kulatahay dhibaatooyinka ay ururada samafalka muxaliga ahi kala kulmaan
dawlada, bulshada iyo NGO yada caalamiga ah?
7. Miyay mashaariicda haruumarineed wax kusoo kordhiyeen bulshada ka
faa’iideysata?
8. Maxaad u malaynaysaa madaxbanaanida ay ururada samafalka ee muxaliga ahi ka
madax banaan yihiin dawlada, NGO yada caalamiga ah iyo hogaamiyayaasha
bulshadaba?
9. Ururada samafalka ee maxaliga ahi miyay u fuliyaan barnaamishyada haruumarineed
sidii loogu talo galay?
10. Miyay muhiim u yihiin ururada samafalka ee maxaliga ahi haruumarka dalka?. Haday
haa tahay, Waamaxay sababtu?
Waad Ku Mahadsantahay Wakhtigaaga
XIII
APPENDEX: D
SAMPLE OF LOCAL NGO STRUCTURE CHART
Source: CBC Organizational Development Manual, Thomas, 2011
XIV
APPENDEX: E
PICTURES FOR LOCAL NGOs SECTORAL ACTIVITIES
Informal education to remote

Re-arranging the
areas inhabitants
Environmental conditions
Local ngo Supplying water for Youth org. mobilizing

the poor Community in vaccination
campaign
Source: Ministry of National Planning and Development, 2011
XV

The Role and Challenges of LNGOs As Deve

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Centre for Public Policy Studies

Public Policy Study

The Role and Challenges of Local Non-governmental

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Role and Challenges of Local Non-governmental

Advisor: Selamawit Weldessia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. Mubarik Farah

Name of candidate Signature Date

Name of advisor Signature Date

Head of the Centre:

CHAPTER FOUR ...................................................................................................................................... 28

CHAPTER FIVE ....................................................................................................................................... 50

TABLE 3.1. THE TARGET POPULATION FROM EACH SUB-CITY ...................................................... 24

FIGURE 1.1. MAP OF SOMALILAND ................................................................................................................. 4

CBOs Community-Based Organizations

ECSU Ethiopian Civil Service University

GOS Government of Somaliland

INGOs International Non-governmental Organizations

LNGOs Local Non-governmental Organizations

SMNPD Somaliland Ministry of National Planning and Development

SPSS Statistical Package for Social Science

UN agency United Nation agency

WASH Water, Sanitation, and Health

Key words: development role, programme/project implementation, development

More specifically to the topic, Local Non-Governmental Organizations (LNGOs) also

In addition, there is significant capacity limitation among indigenous Local NGOs.

In addition, Local Non-governmental Organizations play a crucial role in the

1.2. Description of the Study Area

Dhagah, Ibrahim Kodbur, 26 June and Ga’an Libah sub cities

Furthermore, Local Non-governmental Organizations play a crucial role in the

In the word of Gure, 2008, “Local Non-governmental Organizations in Somaliland

1.4. Objectives of the Study

1.4.2. Specific Objectives

a. Assess the role of Local NGOs in the development as development partners

1. What is the role of NGOs as development partners in the country (Somaliland)?

1.7. Significance of the Study

1.8. Limitations of the Study

“Non-Governmental Organization” means a voluntary group of individuals and

“International Non-governmental Organizations” are organizations whose principle

1.10. Organization of the Paper

2.2. Review of Theories

In the last decades, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have grown in numbers

The concept of NGOs in development can be connected to many developmental

As a result, a number of alternative, grassroots types of NGOs have grown in both

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the definition of partnership has a

1.2. Review of Empirical Studies

According to a report conducted by NORAD Evaluation Department (2012), each year

What is more, Non-governmental Organizations have also, Rahmato, et al (2008)

International NGOs Local NGOs UN agencies

Legal/regulatory F.Work Community Mobilization Lack of cooperation with the

Source: Constructed from literatures, 2015.

1.4. Chapter Summery

3.2. Research Approach/Type

3.3. Data Types and Sources

3.4. Methods of Data Collection

3.5. Sampling Design

3.5.1. Target Population of the Study

A population is a well-defined set of people, services, elements, events, or group of

According to Somaliland National Ministry of Planning and Development, nearly 427

3.5.2. Sampling Frame

Table 3.1. The Target Population from Each Sub-city