The role of non governmental organizations (NGOs) in rural poverty alleviation: a case study of Kezi rural district From 2008-2018

Abstract

Up to the 21st century, poverty remains to be a global threat. Millions of people around the world live in extreme poverty hardly making ends meet and suffer from chronic deprivation of basic essentials such as food, shelter, water, health care, education and other social services. According to the United Nations Development Programme (2015) 1.3 billion live in poverty. Statistics on the African context are alarming as they turn out that the highest rate of people particularly children are living in extreme poverty in the Sub-Saharan. Zimbabwe is no exception in the scope of poverty. Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZIMVAC) in 2012 indicates that approximately 4.1 million live in poverty. Poverty in the country can be indebted to unprecedented economic recession, adverse climate conditions and industrial under-performance among other factors. The lobbying of NGOs has been closely tipped towards poverty alleviation efforts in the communities. There has been a significant number of people living in misery, cannot afford daily prerequisites such as food, health services, education and safe water and sanitation. In light of the above, it is the purpose of this research to assess and explore the significant role of NGOs in poverty alleviation in Kezi rural district. The study constructively make use of three broad areas, schools, clinics and the rural community at large to examine NGO operations aimed towards poverty alleviation. The study employs qualitative research method, significantly making use of semi-structured interviews. This enabled gathering of perceptions, experiences and activities of NGOs in Kezi rural district. The role of NGOs such as the World Vision, Camfed, Orap (Zenzele), Oxfam and Higher Life no mention among other organizations enriched the study in reflecting their efforts towards poverty alleviation.