International NGOs promote human development in developing countries, using the High Atlas foundation in Morocco as a case study

Dissertant

Abyad, Wafa

Thesis advisor

Bin Meir, Yusuf

Comitee Members

BuZaydi, Muhammad
Kalpakian, Jack Vahram
Shott, Brian A.

University

Al Akhawayn University

Faculty

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

International Studies and Diplomacy

University Country

Morocco

Degree

Master

Degree Date

2010

English Abstract

In the 1990’s, there has been an increase in the number of international NGOs (^GOs) in the world.

At the same time, developing countries were changing their economic policies to adopt more liberal economic systems.

This transition was all but easy for most of these countries.

In implementing a new economic system, there were sections of the populations that did not benefit from these economic reforms.

It created disparities and inequalities within societies, and governments in most cases did not have the right tools to answer positively to their population.

The basic definition of human development presented by the UNDP states that a country is developed unless it is able to provide a decent life for all its citizens.

^GOs have become, particularly un recent decades, important actors that influence the development-related at the national and international levels.

The main idea behind this study is to evaluate the impact of ^GOs on the development process in the developing world.

The ^gh Atlas Foundation in Morocco is the case study used in this thesis.

To demonstrate how ^GOs can help in the promotion of the human development in a developing country.

There was an evaluation of the development work of HAF in two different provinces of the country (HAF has implemented projects in five provinces).

HAF uses the participatory development approach as the tool to help develop local communities.

The study investigates projects in both the Ait Taleb commune in the Province of Ben Guerir and the Asni commune village in the Province of Al Haouz.

With the active participation of the beneficiaries, the Foundation has implemented several projects including fruit tree agriculture, clean drinking water and school renovation.

The field study showed positive outcomes for the local communities that have followed the application of the participatory methods.

The beneficiaries were able to implement their projects and participate in the development of their communities.

The study concludes that entities such as HAF have an important role in the promotion of human development since they assume the responsibility that was previously more solely vested in the government to enhance people’s lives.

Nonetheless, there are limitations that HAF faces in its mission.

Miscommunication between the local authorities of the Ministry of Interior and the organization is one the main obstacles in its work.

The community needs to take time to understand all the different techniques of the participatory approach because it is essential that members of the community at the end of the participatory experience are able to choose the right project.

With all these obstacles, HAF as an ^GO tries to find all the necessary help and support from national and international partners to help communities develop and become more empowered.

Main Subjects

Sociology and Anthropology and Social Work

Topics

• Morocco

No. of Pages

95

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
• AMA

Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-590027