Impact of the NGOs on Socio-economic Conditions in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study is a comprehensive evaluation of the activities of some NGOs on the changes in socio-economic conditions of Bangladesh. The main objective of the study is to analyze the impact of NGO activities on socio-economic conditions of their beneficiaries in rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is known for its innovative approaches in combating poverty and its successes in such areas of micro-credit, primary education, health and family planning. However, a high level of poverty still remains with a set of social indicators figuring below other developing countries. This includes persistently low per capita income, low education level, high infant and maternal mortality rates, etc. This reflects some of the significant gaps yet to be filled in achieving the country's development goals. Government of Bangladesh is responsible for determining the general policy directions for the nation's development but cannot alone bring about sustained improvements in the lives of the poor. The extensive network of private voluntary development organizations that exist in Bangladesh offers a tremendous resource potential, which can be drawn upon to help tackle the nation's vast development needs. NGOs are universally recognized for their exceptional ability to reach the grassroots. This dissertation consists of eight chapters. The first chapter is the introductory one, where the methodology and conceptual framework of the study have been mentioned. The chapter two deals with the genesis and growth of NGOs in Bangladesh. The chapter three presents the legal aspects of NGOs in Bangladesh and chapter four discuss the role of NGOs in Bangladesh. Different factors and indicator are considered and according to these the findings of the study are presented in the chapter (5, 6, 7). These chapters include the findings and statistical analysis of the study according to the data directly collected from the field. The chapter eight includes conclusion and policy implication. Another important objective of the study is to ascertain the impact of NG Os on the socio -economic conditions in Bangladesh. The study shows that among the respondents, 90.07 percent from rural and 47 .24 percent from urban area received loans from the NGOs. In health sector, 0.58 percent in rural and 33.74 percent in urban population got health services from NGOs. In cases of education 1.17 percent from rural and 1.23 percent from urban beneficiaries got benefited from NGOs. Findings indicate that the beneficiaries have been improved their livelihood by NGO activities. In this study, I have shown that almost every NGO has adopted micro-credit programs for the poor. These programs help in raising consciousness among the beneficiaries of NGOs through income generating activities, attaining education of children, improving health and hygiene, primary health care, empowering women, improving human rights and environmental degradation, alleviating poverty, etc. NGOs are also working in developing socio economic consensus among the beneficiaries and also building efforts to promote their democratic values. This study shows that, the socio-economic situation of the poor both in urban and rural areas being developed through the programs taken by the NGOs. For a further rapid growth and positive socio-economic change, this study suggests some measures. Among the beneficiaries, the level of income has increased by 66% in rural areas (male income increase 23.07% and female income increase 53.85%) and 34 % in urban areas (male income increase 39.74 % and female income increase 59.26%) and saving has increased by 23.15 % of male and 53.85% of female in rural areas and 39.73% of male and 58.97% of female in urban areas. The level of education has improved by 44% in rural areas and 56 % in urban areas and the level of child health care service 0.53 % in rural areas and 8.89 % in urban areas EPI 2.65 % in rural areas and 8.89 % in urban areas. In nutrition 1.59 % in rural areas and 0.74 in urban areas. In family planning 4.76 % in rural areas and 24.44 in urban areas and voting rights has been increased by 53% among the lower class in rural areas and 4 7% in urban areas. I hope this study will increase our knowledge in this field and will help researchers interested in this area. This study suggests that NGOs geographical coverage need to be greater, reaching the extreme poor, building successful collaboration with Government, and ensuring accountability. An appropriate policy measure can be adopted by the policy makers of both Government and the NGOs for the future betterment of the beneficiaries.