An Assessment of the Roles and Challenges of Non-Governmental Organization in Rural Developemnt in Nigeria (a Case of Owerri Municipal)

ABSTRACT The magnitude of this project ix carried out on assessment on the roles of non- govermmental orgamizations in the development of rural areas. In an era where economic constraints have restricted the influence of the government and limited its abilin to meet the developmental needs of the people, a substantial role has to be conceded to the NGOs and private sectors to fill in the gap or partner with governnent in senice provision. This study examines the role of NGOs and sustainable development in Nigeria. Public goods (the performance contract theory) was used in the analysis. The study established that NGOs played a remarkable role in sustainable development, especially in education and health sectors, engaged in social welfare activities, poverty reduction and capacity building, advocacy services and literacy campaigns, agriculture, awareness creation and empowerment, rehabilitation and environnmental protection. It was also found that NGOs faced impediments such as lack of funds, over dependence on external assistance, absence of effecthe networking, mismanagement of funds, lack of access to information and uneven geographical spreads. It is recommended that NGOs should exploit alternatives and rely more heavily on available resources inside the country and the society which they work. Moreso, NGOs should coordinates their activities in a consistent manner and encourage networking and information. The study concludes that sustainable development is a shared responsibility of both the government, NGOs and other development partners.