The Role of Various Stakeholders in Development
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Development is as dynamic as its dimensions, which range from social, political, technological to economical. However, many economists have observed that the term development tends to be likened to economic realm more than other dimensions. It should, nonetheless be emphasized that meaningful development requires collaborated effort of various stakeholders who play different roles towards a goal of improving human conditions and means of living. In this regard, therefore, this paper asserts to explain the role of government, Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs), Community- Based organizations (CBOs), the Private Sector and ordinary citizens in development and community empowerment.
In the first place it is worthy pointing out that the government has a crucial role to play in community empowerment and national development. First and foremost, it needs to ensure provision of security for free investment. Investors tend to find a bleeding ground in countries or states where the government provides maximum security. In this respect DCP () argues that a responsible government creates conditions for peace and general stability so that foreign and internal investors carry out their businesses without threats.
In addition, the government needs to put in place programmes and policies that enhance development. The government needs to priotise development of any kind in its national programmes and policies. These programmes may include poverty alleviation and rural development programmes and those that aim at raising the productivity for the poor. In the same way Seitz (2008:99) notes that the first policy for any reasonable government should be on rural and agriculture development to relieve poverty in rural areas. This is a tool for eradicating hunger and improving living standards in rural areas.
Equally important, the government should maintain diplomatic relations with its donors and neighboring countries. Most governments in the world especially in the developing world rely on aid, grants and loans from donors for budgetary support and development projects. Therefore, it is important that governments ensure good ties with these donors as well as neighboring countries who may have alternative solutions to economic and political challenges that they face in order to accelerate development(daily times newspaper, December 27, 2011)
Similarly, the private sectors involvement in development is of great essence as they also provide loan to government. When government plunges into economic hardships private companies such as commercial banks may provide loan to government to help it recover from its predicament (Seitz, p120).
Another role of the private sector is that of providing surety to investors. This is seen through insurance companies that guarantee recovery of losses to investors in time of disaster. Thus, the existence of insurance companies allows companies to involve themselves in risky investments such as communication, mining, and entrepreneurship with an insurance company backing to which they subscribe. Through such investment national economy grows and rural businesses blossom. Malunda and Mpinganjira (2001) observe that the private sector such as insurance companies, banks and credit unions encourage investors to invest their resources in environments that could otherwise be practically impossible to support businesses.
It is a worthwhile notice that the private