Governance Practices and Socio-economic development in Rwanda

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating how selected NGOs in Kigali use governance practices to contribute to socioeconomic development of their beneficiaries in Rwanda. Its specific objectives included examining the governance practices applied in the selected NGOs in Kigali, determining the level of implementation of governance practices in selected NGOs in Kigali, assessing the impacts of governance practices on socio-economic development and evaluating the challenges and opportunities faced by selected NGOs in Kigali. The research project significantly sought to make policy makers and civil society organizations realize the degree of influence which governance practices can exert on social and economic transformation. The research offered a glimpse into the contributions of governance practices to bringing about substantial socioeconomic changes in the lives of communities served by selected NGOs in Kigali. The study adopted a descriptive design. It used mixed methods approach. Simple random sampling was used to randomly sample 96 respondents who participated in the study. Purposive sampling was employed to conduct key informants' interviews. Questionnaires were administered to study participants in order to collect quantitative data. In-depth interviews served a pivotal role in garnering information from key informants. IBM SPSS version 27 was utilized to analyze quantitative data. Content analysis was used in analyzing qualitative data. The data was presented in tables, charts, and graphs. The study revealed that the selected NGOs were accountable to their trustees, donors and target groups. They were transparent in their functions as well as being responsive to public problems in health and education. The findings attested that these NGOs had an adherence to rule of law, promoting citizen participation and fostering equity and inclusion. The findings demonstrated different levels of implementation of governance practices wherein accountability, responsiveness, citizen participation and transparency were fully implemented. Equity and inclusiveness were somewhat implemented; and rule of law was partially implemented. The study revealed that accountable, transparent, and effective governance creates initiatives for poverty reduction within communities. A robust and inclusive society is channeled through practices of equity and inclusion. Capital formation and stable investments are resultant to universality of rule of law. The study attested that selected NGOs create convenient venues for people to exercise their individual rights and create income generating initiatives. Challenges facing selected NGOs include inability to measure effectiveness of their programmes; lack of funds and public skepticism. The opportunities facing these non-profit organizations consist of the use of strategic planning, fertile political environment, and cooperation between state actors and non-state actors. In brief, the study findings revealed that selected NGOs make use of different governance practices to socially and economically tr...