The role of international non governmental organizations in empowering local NGOs in conflict management and peace building: the case of Care International in Kenya

Abstract

Many multilateral agencies and bilateral donors have affirmed the importance of non-state actors in conflict resolution and peace building processes. They have adjusted their policy frameworks and increased their operational support to civil society in peace building. Empowering NGOs and making them more effective will create a forum where people work with each other to plan a future for themselves, their families, and their larger communities. NGOs in Africa need to realign themselves to be able to keep up with the growing development complexities, especially in the era of dwindling international aid and assistance.

The study explored to find out the role of International NGOs in empowering local NGOs in Conflict management and peace building. From the literature review, there are no effective national initiatives to inform people on conflict and relevant, appropriate response options in situations of conflict. Effective peace building and conflict management must be underpinned by a well informed population on conflict so that they can be at the forefront to constructively address conflict issues when they arise without resulting to violence. Education for peace is crucial for people to own peace building processes so as to guarantee sustainable peace.

The methodical procedures employed to collect, analyze and validate the data for this study are discussed. The findings, conclusions and recommendations of this research derived from the guidelines thereof for the purpose of producing responsible and trustworthy research findings. In this study convenience sampling was preferred. The research focused on organizational issues rather than wider strategic concerns or the challenges of the external environment in which agencies operate. It concludes with a discussion of the findings . vis a vis literature review, the recommendations and suggestions for further research.