What is the main reason that AFD promotes direct funding for national Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), but previously used indirect funding?
For three years, AFD has decided to implement a strategy that aims to allow national Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), i.e. the countries in which we work, directly benefit from funding. However, there are conditions: they must have already received indirect funding from AFD, either by participating in a consortium with an international NGO, or by having benefited from funding from the Cultural Cooperation and Action Service (SCAC).
Why this development?
First, because we have noticed that it is essential, to support the development of a country, to encourage the development of its local NGOs as well. In order for these to grow, they must have access to funding. This is part of their maturation process: giving them a way to gain experience, to prove what they can do, and thus gradually respond to greater needs. Recently, I spoke with a partner from Niger who told me about Karkara, an NGO that has developed in this way. So the idea is to support the development of local NGOs so that they do not remain suppliers for international NGOs forever. We also know that local NGOs are often in a better position to understand needs and know how to change. This is also why international NGOs often work with local NGOs: the latter know the field better, speak the language necessary to communicate and know how to they will change their methods until the numbers accept their proposals.
Is AFD succeeding with this new equipment?
I would say that we will succeed because we apply several conditions. CSOs and national NGOs that benefit from our funding must demonstrate that they are able to manage it properly and provide the necessary reports. To my knowledge this works very well. I remember when I was working in Niger, local CSOs told me: “If we get the same means as international NGOs, we can do a great job. » The problem was that they were often underpaid as suppliers, so they did not produce the same results. When they get the necessary techniques, they will be able to prove their effectiveness.
In which areas should CSOs intervene mainly to get funding?
We mostly collaborate with NGOs and CSOs in the health sectors, income generating activities, ie support to populations, as well as in the field of education among others.
