Navigating autonomy

: empowering non-­governmental organisations in the Portuguese speaking African countries (PALOP) to address community needs beyond imposed donor restrictions

Abstract

The aim of this master thesis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Non-Governmental Organizations based in Portuguese Speaking African Countries (PALOP) serving at the community level, can better address the needs of the beneficiaries instead of following a first-world country approach, since this tends be ineffective due to the opposite realities faced in both worlds. This study first constructs on the current literature. Afterwards, it reviews the most common NGO fund models, the constraints resulting from NGO-Donor relationships, the needs, the priorities of the PALOPs, and the main problems in the region. This thesis follows a qualitative data approach by enquiring about NGO local views on donor imposed restrictions, and the challenges that come with them. The thematic analysis of the conducted 12 interviews emphasises the need for understanding the regional culture, investing in the local capacity, and seeking funds diversification to promote NGO autonomy while meeting village needs.

Date of Award	2 Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Pedro Parada (Supervisor)