Working with local NGOs: WaterAid's programme in Nepal
Lane, J.
Development in Practice An Oxfam Journal 2(2): 92-102
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0961-4524 DOI: 10.1080/096145249100076701Document Number: 233647
WaterAid is an international non-governmental organization, based in the UK but working exclusively on long-term development of the drinking water and sanitation sector in developing countries. The article describes the evolution of WaterAid's programme of work in Nepal, based on experience during 1987-91. Projects supported by WaterAid are intended to be sustainable by the beneficiary communities, and be locally replicable without continued external support. The article examines how WaterAid's philosophy of working in partnership with local organizations was actually put into practice. Various problems and constraints are identified and discussed, and certain points are highlighted which may be of general interest to other external support agencies working in similar ways in other countries and sectors. The overall conclusion is that this programme represents a viable methodology for an international NGO to achieve useful results in supporting local NGOs working in development.