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Use of community-based organizations as a mechanism for sustainable development: the case of Kabkabiya Small Holder Charitable Society-Darfur, Sudan.

Article Excerpt
Abstract

The article examines the role of community based organizations in sustainable development. It presents the experience of Kabkibya Small Holder Charitable Society (KSCS) in North Darfur State The article is based on survey conducted with six branches of KSCS in 2005 to assess the capacity of the KSCS in promoting sustainability in terms of eight selected criteria, namely:

a) Identity.

b) Structure.

c) System and procedure.

d) Motivation and incentives.

e) Gender dimension

f) Environmental dimension.

g) Economic dimension.

h) Social dimension.

Results have shown that all branches studied have strong identity based on linage geographical proximity of KSCS and common history.

--The frequent changes in leadership within KSCS branches are considered an important indicator of democratic organization that can enhance sustainability.

--Gender analysis is made at different levels, to determine the gaps in involvement of men and women and how they can be eliminated to ensure effective community participation.

--Equal representation, participation, access to project benefits and decision making are cared for in all KSCS development programs.

--Findings show that environmental sustainability is considered as one of the top priorities in KSCS strategies towards sustainable development.

Evidence from KSCS shows that increased levels of participation and commitment among its intended beneficiaries, coupled with the development of relatively strong leadership, led to good organizational performance

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Introduction

Kabkabiya Small- holder Charitable Society (KSCS) is a community based organization (CBO) created by local people in collaboration with Oxfam Great Britain (OGB) and registered as a local institution in 1990. Its aim is to improve the living standards of its targeted beneficiaries. Since 1994 when it ended its operational involvement, KSCS has taken over the operation and management of the project. OGB continued to support KSCS as one of its main partners for five years after the handover of the project. Afterwards, KSCS became completely independent in seeking ways for getting resources from within and beyond the Sudan to provide support to its beneficiaries (Strachan, 1997).

This study is an attempt to examine using (KSCS) as a mechanism to achieve sustainable development in Kabkabiya and to assess the effectiveness of its various roles.

Objectives of the study:

To assess the capacity of the KSCS in promoting sustainability in terms of...

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