Whose Agency: The Politics and Practice of Kenya's HIV-Prevention NGOs

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are prevalent in the Global South, often with international origins, but their external origins can hinder their impact on health or quality of life. Megan Hershey's research focuses on NGOs in Kenya that help prevent the spread and transmission of HIV, examining their effectiveness and the challenges they face in achieving their goals. She highlights the complex network of bureaucratic requirements and the slippery slope between meeting donor-set goals and locally identified needs. Whose Agency provides a valuable case study for understanding the strengths and shortcomings of participatory development and community engagement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2019
Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are a prevalent presence in the Global South, with a significant international footprint. These organizations often strive to support local initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals often grappling with poverty or living in marginalized communities. However, their external origins can sometimes hinder their ability to make a meaningful impact on health or quality of life, irrespective of whether volunteers are local or foreign.

In her insightful study, Megan Hershey delves into the workings of a specific type of NGO—those dedicated to preventing the spread and transmission of HIV in Kenya. Through this focused examination, she explores the strategies employed by these organizations to achieve (or fail to achieve) their intended outcomes. Hershey also examines the often-used slippery slope that defines "success" based solely on meeting donor-set goals rather than aligning with locally identified needs. Furthermore, she delves into the intricate network of bureaucratic requirements at both the national and local levels that shape the delicate relationships NGOs establish with the state.

Drawing on extensive and original quantitative and qualitative research, Whose Agency emerges as a valuable case study for understanding the strengths and limitations of participatory development and community engagement. This book provides valuable insights into the complexities and challenges faced by NGOs in the Global South, shedding light on the ways in which they navigate the political, social, and economic landscapes to make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780299321703