The term NGO refers to activities or organizations started by average citizens at the community level.
A non-governmental organization, or NGO, is a non-for-profit agency not affiliated with any government or private sector entity, devoted to managing resources and implementing projects with the goal of addressing social problems.
The term is also used to describe organizations or initiatives that operate within local communities or with population groups that are difficult to reach.
The role non-governmental organizations play for social development is rapidly growing across Africa. NGOs have made important contributions to reaching the poor, proving themselves able to help the most disadvantaged groups where governments have been unable or unwilling to do, and to respond quickly to emergencies.
Their familiarity with local conditions, as well as with the social, cultural and traditional aspects of the population, direct contact with local communities and grassroots groups, and their ability to disseminate information places them in a position to help implement more participatory local development initiatives.