THE ROLE OF NGOs IN EMPOWERING COMMUNITY IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND THE CHALLENGES FACED: THE CASE OF FAITH-BASED NGOs IN ADDIS ABABA

Abstract

This study investigates the role of faith-based NGOs in community empowerment in local development programs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It examines the roles and contributions of three selected faith-based NGOs in three aspects of community empowerment programs: microfinance service, capacity building, and self-reliance. It also examines these programs from the perspective of beneficiaries and NGO staffs and identifies the challenges and opportunities for faith-based NGOs in empowering communities. The study adopts a mixed methods approach, using surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data analysis. The findings reveal that faith-based NGOs have a positive impact on the psychological and economic empowerment of beneficiaries, but less impact on their political and social empowerment. The study also highlights the importance of technical support, advice, seed money, and self-help groups provided by faith-based NGOs in enhancing the well-being and resilience of beneficiaries. The study concludes with implications for policy and practice, as well as directions for further research on this topic.