Abstract

The growing influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in development interventions in recent years in Senegal reflects the state's incapacity to ensure the well being of its population, as well as the push for greater democracy and improved governance from donor agencies. NGOs have demonstrated their usefulness to local development through their participatory local activities. But despite this, Fatou Sarr argues that NGOs continue to lack a stable financial base. Attempts are made by many NGOs to be financially more self-sufficient, but overall they continue to be financially dependent on the government and external donors. Sarr suggests this makes them not only vulnerable to manipulations by authorities and donor agencies, but also diminishes the efficiency of their work.