Sink or Swim? Survival Mechanisms Employed by Local Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi: A Case from the Agriculture Sector

Abstract

The study was conducted to explore the survival mechanisms of local non-governmental organisations in Malawi particularly those operating in the agriculture sector as a case. It used a qualitative approach with focus on survival mechanisms based on three categories visa-vie financial, public relations and capacity building.  Among the three categories, financial related mechanisms were revealed as key to local non-governmental organisations’ survival.  Many of them depend on grants and donations to fund their projects. Others depend on subcontracting and community or member contributions. Public relations and capacity building mechanisms such as use of rebranding, diversified programmes, technical, managerial and resource mobilization skills were also revealed as central to their survival. Since a good relationship with the public plays a very important role to the existence of any non-government organisation, the study therefore recommends that the local organizations need to touch-base well with the public (target audience) and all stakeholders within and outside its catchment area to ensure their survival.  This could enable them to get the much needed support from all the relevant stakeholders thereby guaranteeing their continued survival. In addition, the review of the Non-Governmental Organisation Act and development of a policy, should factor in issues of their survival if their contribution to the development of Malawi is to be sustained. The act or the policy should incorporate some guidelines on how subcontracting should be handled. Above all, local non-governmental organisations should look beyond one strategy.

Keywords: Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Survival Strategies, Agriculture Sector, Malawi