Service Delivery of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe: Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe face a number of organisational and management challenges that impact negatively on the delivery of their services. Those NGOs that seem to be doing well have adequate human capital with the necessary skills and competencies to perform. They have a flat structure that encourages team work and minimises delays in decision making. Successful NGOs allow for creativity and innovation, especially when the projects are being implemented at grassroots level. They have effective boards that ensure good governance through the use of proper administrative and management policies and procedures that govern their work. They are financially well resourced. The challenges that face many NGOs in Zimbabwe are the lack of financial resources, inexperienced manpower, political interference and involvement, lack of planning and prioritisation of programmes and poor coordination of activities in the field. NGOs in Zimbabwe could improve delivery of their services by coordinating and networking with other NGOs in the same field.