NGO-STATE INTERACTION AND THE POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT IN CAMEROON IN THE CONTEXT OF LIBERALISATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Neoliberal policies, state reduction, and shifting political landscape have greatly transformed civil society in Cameroon. International and local NGOs are leading the effort to combat increasing poverty. The pursuit of social justice and liberalisation has sparked several actions that might contribute to the development of the state. This study examines the function of international and local non-governmental organisations in the context of economic restructuring and the diminishing influence of the state. NGOs are increasingly seen as the preferred method for promoting popular development policies when governments reduce in size (Acemoglu & Robinson, 2019). Barratt & Maddox (2016) saw a significant increase in interest in NGOs over the last decade, which they describe as the growing third sector. NGOs are believed to provide superior services to the most impoverished segments of society in a cost-effective and efficient manner, as per the prevailing rhetoric (Bryman, 2016). 

Cameroon has been experiencing economic transformation for the last 13 years. The advent of economic reforms and the execution of structural adjustment plans meant that the state could not satisfy its role of providing social amenities. The state's failure to improve the well-being of the people and provide services effectively resulted in the growth of NGOs in Cameroon, especially in the North-west Province. Cheeseman (2018) observes that NGOs are taking on a larger role in development discussions and activities as governments withdraw from local development efforts. The increase of the NGO sector is inherently associated with the establishment of an influential consensus promoted by international financial institutions (World Bank and the IMF) regarding the necessity for political democracy 

Emphasising good governance and economic liberalisation involves reducing the state's involvement and promoting private sector participation (Dijck, Munck, & Terpstra, 2017). NGOs serve as catalysts for change and conduits for development aid within civil society. Their success in this endeavour relies on their collaboration with the state and interactions with local communities. NGOs are considered both essential components and promoters of civil society. NGOs are believed to empower individuals and promote participation, enabling the poor to express their political and social demands, which may lead to the development of a more robust civil society (Ewald & Mhamba, 2019). NGOs are seen as a crucial cornerstone in civil society that addresses the development issues of local communities. The research examines the involvement of NGOs in the liberalised development sector in the North-western Province of Cameroon, focusing on poverty alleviation and enhancing livelihoods. There is little data showing how much indigenous NGOs focus on working with the poorest individuals. Typically, NGOs in Cameroon have cited operating in rural regions as an indicator of working with the poor. Miall, Ramsbotham, & Woodhouse (2016) state that evaluating the effectiveness of NGOs has grown more important due to the rising number of NGOs getting financing and the need for accountability to beneficiaries, partners, and donors/trustees. It is crucial to assess the performance and transformative capacity of these development entities.  Therefore, the study will  investigate NGO-state interaction and the politics of development in Cameroon in the context of liberalization.

 Statement of the problem

Recently, the relationship between Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the government in Cameroon has grown more complex, especially in the context of liberalisation policies designed to promote economic growth and development (Saskia, 2019). NGOs' participation in development projects is generally seen as beneficial, but their relationship with the government has sparked concerns over power dynamics, accountability, and the efficacy of development endeavours. In the context of liberalisation, which focuses on market-oriented strategies and decreased state involvement, it is crucial to analyse how interactions between NGOs and the state influence the development politics in Cameroon (Smith, Kent & Gordon, 2016). 

Important topics to examine are the level of cooperation and disagreement between NGOs and the government in achieving development objectives, the impact of external entities and benefactors on this partnership, and the consequences of power disparities on the fair allocation of resources and advantages among various population groups. Understanding the intersection of democratisation, decentralisation, and NGO-state relations is essential for evaluating their influence on governance institutions, policy formation, and development aims in Cameroon. Hence, the study investigate NGO-state interaction and the politics of development in Cameroon in the context of liberalisation.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate NGO-state interaction and the politics of development in Cameroon in the context of liberalisation. The specific objectives is as follows

To explore the extent to which liberalization influences the effectiveness of NGOs in development initiatives within Cameroon.

To analyze the relationship between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the state in Cameroon's development landscape amidst the backdrop of liberalization policies.

To assess the impact of NGO-state interactions on the socio-economic and political development outcomes in Cameroon.

To identify challenges  inherent in the collaboration  between NGOs and the state in the pursuit of development within a liberalized context in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

What is the extent at which liberalization influences the effectiveness of NGOs in development initiatives within Cameroon?

What is  the relationship between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the state in Cameroon's development landscape amidst the backdrop of liberalization policies?

What is the impact of NGO-state interactions on the socio-economic and political development outcomes in Cameroon?

What are the challenges  inherent in the collaboration  between NGOs and the state in the pursuit of development within a liberalized context in Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to the following;

Policymakers: Understanding how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) interact with the state in the realm of development within a liberalized context can offer crucial insights for policymakers. It can inform the design and implementation of policies aimed at fostering more effective collaboration between NGOs and governmental bodies, leading to more sustainable development outcomes.

Government:  Investigating these interactions sheds light on the mechanisms of accountability and transparency within the development sector. By examining how NGOs navigate their relationships with the state, the study can highlight areas where accountability may be lacking or where transparency can be improved, thus contributing to more accountable and transparent governance practices.

Academia: the study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on NGO-state interaction and the politics of development in Cameroon in the context of liberalisation.  Empirically, the study will explore the extent to which liberalization influences the effectiveness of NGOs in development initiatives within Cameroon, analyze the relationship between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the state in Cameroon's development landscape amidst the backdrop of liberalization policies, assess the impact of NGO-state interactions on the socio-economic and political development outcomes in Cameroon and identify challenges  inherent in the collaboration  between NGOs and the state in the pursuit of development within a liberalized context in Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of terms

Politics: the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power

Development: a process that creates growth, progress, positive change or the addition of physical, economic, environmental, social and demographic components.