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The Role of NGOs in Sustainable Socio-economic Development of Rural Poor:

Evidence from Bangladesh

Article in South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics · July 2020
DOI: 10.9734/SAJSSE/2020/v6i430176

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 South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics

6(4): 36-49, 2020; Article no.SAJSSE.58578

ISSN: 2581-821X

The Role of NGOs in Sustainable Socio-economic

Development of Rural Poor: Evidence from
Bangladesh
Umma Jakia1, Md. Sajjad Hosain2* and Md. Altab Hossin3
1
Faculty of Social Science, Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
2
Business School, Sichuan University, China.
3
School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China,
China.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. Author UJ created the idea, designed
the study and constructed the framework. Author MSH wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author
MAH collected the primary and secondary information. All authors read and approved the final
manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/SAJSSE/2020/v6i430176
Editor(s):
(1) Dr. Velan Kunjuraman, University Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia.
Reviewers:
(1) Naveed Afsar, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan.
(2) Jasmeet Singh, C. G. Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg, India.
Complete Peer review History: http://www.sdiarticle4.com/review-history/58578

Received 20 April 2020

Original Research Article Accepted 27 June 2020
Published 07 July 2020

ABSTRACT

The present study aims to investigate the current initiative and practices of Non Government
Organizations (NGOs) in sustainable socio-economic development of the rural poor people of
Bangladesh. NGOs in Bangladesh have virtually grown in vast numbers since the independence. It
has been observed that from the late seventies, NGOs have been playing an increasingly
important role in the nation’s development process. The study used both primary data and
secondary information. Primary data have been collected for this study using random sampling
from 10 villages of 2 districts of Bangladesh. A number of techniques have been utilized to
collected data from the respondents such as household survey, focus group discussions, in depth
interviews and observations. The final valid sample (Sample 1 and Sample 2) size of respondents
stood to 819 (750+69) who are the beneficiaries and officials of different NGOs located on those 10
villages of 2 districts. Mostly descriptive statistics have been used to conduct data analysis in this

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: Email: [email protected];

 Jakia et al.; SAJSSE, 6(4): 36-49, 2020; Article no.SAJSSE.58578

study. The results reveal that the members of studied NGOs have been benefited from various
programs undertaken. It has been observed that the food intake of the NGO beneficiaries has
increased considerably in terms of income generation, nutrition value and health consciousness.
The paper is expected to be one of the basic foundations for those who want to investigate further
regarding NGO operation and policy making.

Keywords: Non-government organization; society; socio-economic development; Bangladesh.

1. INTRODUCTION Right now Non-Governmental Organizations or

NGOs have become an extensively discussed
Non government Organizations (NGOs) in issue in Bangladesh. The NGOs have appeared
Bangladesh have virtually grown in vast numbers as the savior of countless number of people
since the independence of the country. It has without food, cloth, education and basic health
been observed that from the late seventies, facilities. With the record of being the most
NGOs have been playing an increasingly densely populated country on earth and feeble
important role in the nation’s development manpower competency, Bangladesh is facing
process [1]. Moreover, their ability to make massive challenge to meet up the demand of her
positive contributions in many spheres of national ever-increasing population. Considering overall
development is being increasingly recognized in situations, the NGOs are working on poverty
current development process. Such recognition eradication by directly involving the poverty
has been provided on the basis of the success of stricken population. Their target groups are
NGOs. To a great extent, changes are required basically the poor and vulnerable ones with
at the grassroots level to facilitate hardly any possessions. Their main tasks are to
implementation of need based development organize these people, create awareness in them
programs to improve the quality of life of the rural and make them development oriented. These
poor. organizations are working based on the
assessed need and demand of the grass root
The conventional development approach with its level poor people. By involving the beneficiaries
prime focus on ‘economic growth’ has not directly, they are working within the context of
contributed much to socio economic socio-economic development.
development of the rural poor who constitute the There are 30,050 large and small NGOs in
bulk of the population of the country. The Bangladesh [3]. These NGOs are working for the
process of centralized planning and the top down economic and social development of the poor
implementation approach through the rigid and people. Bangladesh in recent years has made
non-responsive bureaucratic apparatus, has some impressive progress on the social and
failed to a great extent to accommodate the economic fronts. The improvements that one
needs and priorities of the poor and under notices in education, health, water and
privileged. In fact, most of the resources provided sanitation, and poverty alleviation can be
by the government were gravitated towards the explained as the result of more effective state
richer section of the population which enjoyed action and the expansion of service delivery by
power and political patronage [2]. NGOs [4].
On the other hand, certain characteristic However, one basic question that remains to be
advantages such as, rapid response, flexibility in resolved is to what extent these successes and
financial and operational matters and close achievements will trickle down to the vast
relationship with people need to be observed. It multitude of people who still live below the
is worth mentioning that the NGO activities have poverty line in rural areas. How much is their
been especially reported in the following areas: condition improving? Are these NGOs using the
poverty alleviation through credit extension rural poor as a target group to assimilate their
and income generating activities, literacy own interest? These questions usually arise
program, and health care, women development because the rate of poverty in Bangladesh has
programs, population planning, legal education not decreased dramatically. The answers to
and various community development programs these questions will come out through this study.
for socio- economic development of the rural As a result of overleaping of NGOs programs
poor. rural poor people fall into a poverty cycle in the

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name of Economic Development. Social Bangladesh, the basis and dimension of rural
development programs have lack of poverty is simply vast. Some aspects of rural
sustainability. poverty are:

This research initiative will try to find out the gaps - Lower income
and constraints and suggest a way forward in the - Rapid/easy fall in income
form of recommendations to enable BRAC to - Lack of coping crisis ability
maximize the benefits of these programs for the - Limited access to the social resources
betterment of those for whom these are being - Insufficiency or total deprivation from social
implemented. Following the discussion made and civic life
above, the authors put forward the subsequent - Insufficient health and nutrition service
research questions:
Therefore, in general, poor people living in rural
1. Do the NGOs play any role in socio- areas share several characteristics including: low
economic development of rural grassroot level of education, a relatively large number of
level people? children with relatively low accesses to material
2. To what extent the NGOs can change the sources, social and physical infrastructure and
socio-economic perspective of rural higher susceptibility to community-wide
people? exogenous.

2. LITERATURE SURVEY 2.2 Non Governmental Organization

(NGO)
2.1 Rural Poor
The diversity of NGOs strains any simple
Those who are landless farmer and small or definition. They include many groups and
marginal farmer they are usually identified as the institutions that are entirely or largely
rural poor. Khan and Rahman [5] advocated for independent of government and that have
identifying rural poverty by the capability of primarily humanitarian or cooperative rather than
earnings of the village population to satisfy their commercial objectives. NGOs are self-governing,
needs and wants. They also emphasized private, not-for-profit organizations that aim to
nutrition and safety. Younus [6] on the other improve the quality of life for the disadvantaged
hand, talked about usage of various socio- people. It is a non-profit voluntary, service-
economic variables to identify the rural poor. oriented organization, either for the benefit of the
[These are: family size, adult literacy rate, health members or of the members of the population
and nutrition facility, cultivable land and (agency), In other words, a socio-economic
elements, security; and family income & savings. development organization that assists
empowerment of the disadvantaged people.
In one special seminar organized and
broadcasted by “Voice of America” in September 2.3 Emergence of NGOs in Bangladeshi
1987 held in the USA, then the first lady of USA Socio-economic Context
Nancy Regan said that people who live in the
rural area, suffer from continuous starvation and History of NGOs in Bangladesh can be traced
malnutrition generally uneducated or back to the British colonial period. Since British
insufficiently educated, lack basic housing and era, NGOs in its traditional form have been
clothing facility and unable to maintain basic working in Bangladesh as different trust based
amenities due to very limited purchasing power schools, hospitals, orphanages, and social
to buy food and other daily essentials can be reformist groups. Later, Bangladesh went
termed as the rural poor. through a great transformation and turned into
agents of development in the post-liberation
Rural poverty is a negative socio-economic- period.
cultural state of affairs, which is exhibited in the
form of lower standard of living; lower income, After the independence, a large number of
consumption, savings and social security; and foreign voluntary agencies came to help the war
low social welfare. In a simplified manner, it can affected country with the task of relief and
be said that rural poverty is that level of living rehabilitation. A number of national organizations
standard for rustic population where their inability and the personal initiatives of a few committed
to meet up basic necessities is exhibited. As for people also emerged during this period. There

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are 30,050 NGOs in Bangladesh, of which about working hard to develop the socio-economic
95 percent are national. Most of these NGOs condition of the rural poor.
are directly involved in formulation and
implementation of development programs To undertake the study, the few literature have
specially geared towards the need of the rural been reviewed to enable us to oversee the role
poor and the disadvantaged. At present the of NGO in socio-economic development of rural
program coverage of the NGOs has been poor to some extent.
geographically at 487 Upazilias (Sub-districts).
Initially NGOs were mostly involved in the relief Despite the fact that the poor people have vast
work. But later on, they also involved themselves experience about life, still they are incapable of
in the construction of houses for the affected developing exact ways to scientifically analyze
families, mobilization and construction of and fix their problems. In this case, efforts of the
transport facilities, development of infrastructure, NGOs are worth mentioning to help these people
distribution of productive assets, etc. [2]. analyze the society and problems in the
Eventually, the NGOs have become part of the backdrop of old, superstitious, anti life
institutional framework for rural development, perspectives. For example, primary training,
poverty alleviation and disaster management in improved training, organizing exchange of views
Bangladesh. In recent years, the NGOs have program among different groups or areas,
entered into an operational area which has regular adult education activities, weekly
traditionally been the ‘exclusive domain ‘of the analytical discussion etc, have been introduced
public sector. As a matter of fact, given their by NGOs. Different NGOs are playing essential
operational efficiency and experience, the NGOs role for humanitarian development through joint
are entering into the development scenario with analysis and seeking solution through different
increasing forces. seminars and workshop, joint social activities,
and application of socio-economic projects.
The NGOs throughout the world have evolved in Besides, they have introduced certain essential
the specific context of the society. The context of concepts such as developing small groups, credit
the developed countries and developing based cooperatives, mother welfare society and
countries are definitely different. Since the cooperatives etc. for homeless/ landless and
independence of Bangladesh, the state has thus have strengthened the root of organizational
largely failed to assist the poor or reduce poverty, structure for rural poverty [7].
and NGOs have grown dramatically to fill this Some few studies have shown Micro-finance
gap. Initially focused on relief and rehabilitation program and has shown how the Micro Credit
activities following the war of liberation and program play role in the development of social
succeeding natural calamities, international and capital of the of the target beneficiaries and
local NGOs turned their efforts to longer term suggested that social capital is a development
development in the absence of state capacity to target for the sustainability of the livelihood of the
deliver welfare. Poor. The focus is on how BRAC implemented
education and health program creates
Bangladesh is a rural agro based country. Most opportunity to social networking and women
of the people live in rural areas. The rural sector empowerment [8].
is basically the foundation of the country. No
national development can be held without this On the other hand some studies focused on
foundation. Based on this view multidimensional BRAC launched health program, health practices
economic program have been taken at different and compared its impact on the extreme poor,
times by government to improve the socio- moderate poor and the poor stated that for socio-
economic condition of the country. But the riddle economic development of the rural poor
is after the decades the rural sector education health indicators are important. They
and people still remain grossly under suggested that The overall condition of the
development. So the upliftment of rural extreme and moderate poor warrants a special
population with the assistance of the government policy, strategy and pro-poor program with a
many NGO’s like Care, BRAC, Proshika, more appropriate ‘safety net’ to address the
Grameen Bank etc. have taken socio-economic pressing health needs of the different subgroups
programs for the development of the rural poor. of the poor [9].
NGOs in Bangladesh such as Bangladesh Rural
Advancement Committee (BRAC), Proshika, Very few studies focused on rural adolescents,
RDRS Swanirvar Bangladesh and Grameen are who now able to change their outlook regarding

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various social phenomena of rural societies in impact on the rural poor adolescents of
Bangladesh and sated that the impact of BRAC Bangladesh in terms of their awareness
Adolescent Development Program concerning regarding social issues [10].
various social issues such as HIV/AIDS, early
marriage, sexual violence, drug addiction In some studies emphasis has given on
perception level of Adolescent Development economic development of poor people and they
Program (ADP) member before and after attempted to assess the social impact of
join in BRAC-ADP. After conducting a microfinance operations of BRAC on the life
comprehensive research on Adolescent cycle of the clients. In fact there is a correlation in
Development Program, they emphasized that socio-economic development of the clients/target
this program has been able to create a positive group [11].

Policies & practices of

NGO

Socio-economic
circumstances of rural
people

Economic Needs/Programs Social Needs/Programs

Income generative Education, Health, Legal

activities, land, Income Rights, Awareness
Savings, Loan, Food, building, Community role
Housing, involvement, Decision
making

Changes in the socio-

economic conditions of the
rural poor

Recommendations based on
research findings

Fig. 1. Research concepts and framework

Source: Authors’ elaboration

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It is also reflected in some studies how BRAC education, health, awareness, participation and
Microfinance program empowered the rural status in community and so on. The indicators
women to enable them to influence decision indicating changes in socio-economic condition
making process. Due to their involvement in of rural poor are presented in the research
BRAC, women have begun to acquire positive framework of the study in Fig. 1.
self-perceptions of their own personal interests.
These self-perceptions will allow them to assert 3.2 Selection of NGOs
themselves and make demands for their rights in
their struggle towards socio-economic The study leads to comprehensive insight into
empowerment. On the other hand, they various programs, planning and implementation
suggested that to sustain the women of the activities in line with the objectives of the
empowerment BRAC should play an effective study. The program coverage, history, nature
role in bringing about changes in the mind and focus of activities were the factors that have
set of society. In their studies they emphasized contributed in the selection of these NGOs and
on economic empowerment in boarder aspect purpose of the study.
but social aspect was given partial prominence
[12]. For this study, 5 largest NGOs were selected:
BRAC, Proshika, Grameen Bank, PKSF and
2.4 Research Concept and Hypotheses TMSS.

Based on the literatures, the authors have 3.3 The Study Area
developed the following research
concept/framework and research hypotheses for 10 villages under two districts of Bangladesh
this intended study presented in Fig. 1. were selected as the study areas. These villages
also fall under the integrated program areas of
Based on the literature consistent with research the selected NGOs.
concept/framework, the following hypotheses
have been developed by the authors: 3.4 Sample Selection
H1: There is a positive relationship between Two types of samples were drawn for conducting
the NGO activities and socio-economic the study, namely, NGO program beneficiaries
development of the rural poor. and NGO officials. As the study was conducted
in selected program areas of beneficiary sample
H2: The NGO activities have a positive but units were drawn. The number of NGO program
insignificant influence over the socio-economic beneficiary (Sample-1) was 750. The program
conditions of the rural poor. beneficiaries belong almost to the same socio-
economic level. Random sampling method was
3. RESEARCH METHODS used to select such program beneficiaries. The
sample was drawn on the basis of the availability
3.1 Research Concept of the NGO beneficiaries during visits to the
villages. On the other hand, the total number of
The research was designed to be both sample-2, i.e., NGO officials was 69. Samples
quantitative and qualitative in way to analyze an from this category were drawn to suit the
understanding of issues and needs. The survey purpose of the study.
was carried out with semi-structured
questionnaire using the quantitative method. The 3.5 Data Collection Techniques
Qualitative method was used for in-depth Information were collected both from primary
interview of the NGO officials. For this pre- sources. The primary level information was
designed checklists were used. The qualitative collected through semi structured questionnaire,
method also helped to produce qualitative data in depth interviews and observation.
by studying respondents' narration and
observable behaviors. The research concept is 3.5.1 Collection of primary data
presented in Fig. 1.
Primary data and information were collected
The development of rural poor has been studied through beneficiary household survey, focus
by applying the socio-economic tools including group discussion, in depth interviews and
income, savings, investment, food, housing, observations. Prior to data collection, fact-finding,

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visits to the selected villages were undertaken to these NGOs and the changing socio-economic
collect basic information and to get introduced to condition of the rural poor. The checklist included
local people and local NGO officials. During questions on socio-economic development policy
these visits, the purpose of the study was framework, analysis, implementation, monitoring
explained to them and basic information about and evaluation, constraints faced by the
the villages was collected. respective NGOs in addressing socio-economic
issues at the beneficiary level as well as at the
The data were collected in two stages: first time organization level.
without NGO involvement and second time with
NGO involvement (after 1 year). After that, the 3.5.1.3 Focus group discussion
information were compared to investigate if there
were any significant changes occurred on the Focus group discussion meetings with NGO
socio-economic status of the beneficiaries, two in each study area, were
participants/beneficiaries. The data collection conducted. In each meeting, on average, ten
form sample-1 involved a variety of methods like NGO beneficiaries, mostly women attended. The
household survey, Focus Group Discussion and main purposes of these focus group discussion
observation. Secondary data collection method meetings were to solicit information from them
was mainly used to collect data such as NGO about various aspects of NGO operations, the
project reports, periodicals, published sources effects on their socio-economic and cultural life.
etc.
3.5.1.4 Observation
For sample-2, in depth informal interview method
was used to obtain the pertinent information The authors have visited NGO offices, both
needed. headquarters and local, program/project areas
i.e. villages in order to undertake the required
3.5.1.1 Household survey first hand information. A detailed observation on
socio-economic development related activities
Beneficiary household survey was carried out such as health, education, income generating
with semi-structured questionnaires. One activities, decision making was carried out. Local
questionnaire was designed to solicit information level meetings and NGO beneficiary group
from the respondents of sampled households. discussion meetings were attended to observe
Respondents were all women. The semi- the participation of women and men.
structured questionnaire was pre-tested before
the actual survey to check if there was any 3.5.2 Collection of secondary data
inconsistency in the questionnaire. Change and
modifications in the questionnaire were made on To collect data and information from secondary
the basis of feedback received from the pre- sources, both published and unpublished
testing. materials were studied. These included books,
journals and relevant literature on NGO activities
Household survey was conducted to gather to in general policies, programs and project
assess the impact of NGOs interventions in documents, annual reports etc. of the selected
socio-economic development of rural poor. In NGOs were also consulted.
total, 750 NGO beneficiaries from NGO
households were selected for the survey. In 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
conducting household survey, two students of
Dhaka University assisted the researcher.
4.1 Demographic Distribution of the
3.5.1.2 In-depth Interviews Respondents

In-depth interviews were conducted with 69 NGO To investigate the impact of NGO’s role on the
officials belonging to 5 NGOs. In depth interviews socio-economic status change of the
were conducted with the help of pre-designed beneficiaries, the study analyzed the socio-
checklist, so as to make them informal and to economic circumstances of the participants in
keep the areas for questions open. The purpose two stages: before NGO involvement and the
of these interviews conducted to gather after effects (1 year) starting from Table 3. The
information from the NGO officials of various first two tables have illustrated the demographic
levels regarding the socio-economic concerns of characteristics of the respondents while Table 3

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to Table 5 have highlighted the change in socio- distribution projects more or less similar
economic status of the participants before and distribution pattern.
after effective involvement have been
summarized on tables: 4.2 Socio-economic Changes of
Participants before and after NGO
The Table 1 presented projects the Involvement
distribution of sampled respondents by
age. It can be observed that majority of Since the contents of first two tables are not
them are between the age group of 36-45 and significantly changeable within one year; the
46-55. authors just identified them as the sources of
demographic information. The authors have
Household family size was determined as small, considered three factors as the indicators of
medium and large consisting of 1 to 4, 5 to 10 socio-economic determinants of the participants
and 10 to 15 members respectively. The in this study: land holdings, monthly cash income
collected data presented on the above table and school going children. Such changes have
given suggested that majority of the total been indicated in the following Tables 3-5. The
respondents had a medium family. The authors have highlighted the changes of the
Second largest group is the small household participants as the beneficiaries of five stated
consisting of one to four members. NGO wise NGOs as the % of change.

Table 1. Distribution of respondents (Sample-1) by age group

Name of NGOs Age range

16-25 26-35 36- 45 46 -55 56 – 60 Total
BRAC 22 49 33 41 17 162
Proshika 9 55 38 29 31 162
Grameen Bank 13 37 55 51 49 205
PKSF 7 12 23 31 28 101
TMSS 13 24 33 29 21 120
Total (N) 64 177 182 181 146 750
Source: Filed interview

Table 2. Distribution of respondents (Sample-1) by family size

Name of NGOs House hold family size

Small (1-4) Medium (5-10) Large (11-15) Total
BRAC 89 73 49 211
Proshika 65 78 59 202
Grameen Bank 49 85 51 185
PKSF 12 23 31 66
TMSS 24 33 29 86
Total (N) 239 292 219 750
Source: Filed interview

Table 3. Distribution of respondents (Sample-1) by land holdings

Name of NGOs Household land holdings (in decimal)

1-10 (B) 1-10 (A) 11-20 (B) 11-20 (A) 21-30 (B) 21-30 (A) Total
BRAC 64 69 48 57 44 31 209
Proshika 51 81 39 51 39 33 126
Grameen Bank 49 55 61 69 60 22 109
PKSF 41 48 44 52 49 27 187
TMSS 62 68 55 58 44 29 119
Total (N) 267(B) 321(A) 247(B) 287(A) 236(B) 142(A) 750
Note: B=Before/A=After; Source: Field survey

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To judge the economic situation of the Similar to Table 3, the monthly income of
beneficiary respondents, information were first two groups have increases although the
collected regarding their land holding before and increase is not significant (+2% and +1.34%
after NGO involvement. Ownership of land respectively). However, surprisingly, the monthly
property is an important socio-economic indicator income in case of third group has declined
in a developing society. It can be observed that (-3.33%).
majority of the beneficiary participants had the
first group (35.6%) of landholding (1-10 decimal) We can observe an overwhelming increase
before. Only 18.93% respondents had the in the percentage of school going children
highest decimals of landholdings. of the beneficiaries after involving with
those five NGOs. The participants reported that
After a year, there is a significant change of with the suggestions and motivations made
landholdings in the first (+7.2%) and second the NGO officials, they have understood
groups (+5.4%). However, the change is the significance of education and hence
negative for the highest landholders. In this decided to send their children to school who
category, there is a significant negative (-12.53) previously helped them in household and field
change. The participants were asked regarding works.
such changes and they reported that the
marginal or lower order landholders invested
4.3 Results of Qualitative Analysis
their income to lands where the third category
landholders sold the land and used the loans
provided by the NGOs with some profitable This section covers summarized results of
businesses to increase income. qualitative analysis of this study that was
conducted with NGO officials (Sample-2) and
Data and information on the income level of the also the beneficiaries (Sample-1). The authors
beneficiary respondents were also collected to talked about the NGO’s policies and procedures
assess their economic situation. The majority with in-depth informal interviews. On the other
participants (42.4%) fell on the first group of hand, focus group discussion technique has
monthly cash income earning indicating their been used to obtain the information required
poor economic circumstances before NGO from the beneficiaries. The summarized results
effective involvement. have been highlighted below:

Table 4. Distribution of respondents (Sample-1) by monthly cash income

Name of Monthly cash income (in Bangladeshi Taka)

NGOs Less than Less 5000- 5000- 11000- 11000- Total
5000 (B) than 10000 10000 (A) 15000 15000
5000 (A) (B) (B) (A)
BRAC 87 91 91 83 55 24 226
Proshika 71 75 63 75 41 22 172
Grameen Bank 75 78 51 61 37 27 152
PKSF 42 45 49 54 24 18 109
TMSS 43 44 47 38 21 15 91
Total (N) 318 333 301 311 131 106 750
Note: B=Before/A=After; Source: Field survey

Table 5. Distribution of respondents (Sample-1) by school going children

Name of NGOs Number of school going children

Before After Total
BRAC 21 201 -----
Proshika 31 113 -----
Grameen Bank 37 188 -----
PKSF 33 147 -----
TMSS 49 88 -----
Total (N) 171 737 750
Source: Field survey

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The NGO officials (Sample-2) reported that first of all, they identified the priority requirements of
the beneficiaries before proceeding with the improved. They stated that before NGO
assistance. They told us during the informal membership they did not have their meal three
interview that they identified three basic areas: times in a day with their children. They had no
health, economy and education. Regarding knowledge about nutrition of food and vegetable.
health issue, the officials arranged one meeting After getting NGO membership, they were able
each week with the female members where they to take meal three times in a day with their
were instructed about the cleanliness, nutrition children and also know about the nutrition of food
and diet meals. Regular health checkups also and vegetables. Now they can have fish, egg,
been arranged. The members were instructed milk, lentil and meat with their family member.
about the pregnancy issues, basic health care
procedures and nutrition. The participants (Sample-1) reported that they
were not much concerned regarding the child
Regarding the economic issues, the members education. They did not understand the
(Sample-1) were instructed on how to create importance of teaching their children. They did
earnings through agro-farming, small shops, not buy the reading material of their children due
household products, fishing and livestock. They to lack of money. Being the NGO member, they
were also given the advice regarding savings. become conscious about the child education.
After they were instructed, the officers gave them The importance of child education is discussed in
a small amount of loan that should be repaid in the issue meeting of their village organization.
installments. The officers also reviewed the load Alongside, by doing small business and farming
utilization process regularly. The repayment rate they have become able to buy reading material
was 100% successful. and pay tuition fees of their offspring. They
stated that as their money crises slow down, they
The NGO officers informed the members about get courage in mind concerning children
the importance of child education and motivated education.
them to send their children to schools. They also
got success in this case and more than 90% They stated that they had slight knowledge
members sent their children to schools. regarding health issue. They shared that if any of
them were attacked by dirrehoea, they provided
During the field visits respondents (Sample-1) him/her juice of tree leaves and did not let
stated their economic condition was not so him/her drinking water. They used latrine in bare
affluent before their NGOs membership. They do foot. Their tube-well ground was not brick
not know the proper way of farming. They could constructed. They did not know how to wash
not have meal three times a day. They took hands properly. After being NGO members, they
money with high interest from local money become aware about their health, nutrition and
lenders. After attending weekly and monthly food. They now know about neat and cleanness,
meeting, their knowledge was enriched on how danger signs of pregnant mothers, tuberculoses,
to make proper utilization of the loan. They water born diseases and also the rules of using
bought cattle, tailoring machine, auto rickshaw, sanitary latrines. They have also stated regular
invest in fisheries and set up small shops. They pregnancy check-up. They can identify the red
also opined that they did not know about savings and green marks of Arsenic prone tube wells.
before NGO membership but through NGO They know that they have to boil water before
membership, the realized the importance of drinking. They can wash their hands before and
savings. They made up their mind for savings after cooking and having meal. They know that
and they could understand the advantages of the vegetables are to be washed before cutting.
savings for facing unavoidable situation. Their They are conscious about the diet food of
savings are increasing day by day as they pregnant mother and immunization of pregnant
deposit their money for savings regularly. They mother as well as their child.
can understand that through savings, they can
increase money and earn profit. The respondents (Sample-1) expressed that
before NGO membership they had no honor in
Most of them stated that they had thatched and the community. As they were poor, they were not
soil made dwelling house. Now they have built tin aware of their rights as citizens and hence were
roofed semi brick constructed and brick ignored by the elite society. Their husbands did
constructed dwelling house. Through NGO not evaluate their opinion in family matters.
membership, their dwelling house condition has Through NGO membership their economic socio-

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conditions improved. As they can collect loan activities. It is mentionable that 20% respondents
from the village organization (cooperative), their told that they could not withdraw savings
status has increased to their husbands, children whenever they needed. They had to depend on
and in the society as well. the wish of the NGOs staffs.

5. RESEARCH FINDINGS NGO beneficiaries now avail more health care

services than before. As the government health
Analysis of primary and secondary data and care services have limited scope, the NGOs in
information from both quantitative and qualitative this arena provide services in large scale
perspectives reveal that the rural poor especially on the raising awareness about
beneficiaries of studied NGOs have benefited pregnant mothers’ risks and diet, child
from various programs undertaken by these immunization, common diseases, family planning
NGOs. and so on. It is inferred that awareness programs
of health care run by the NGOs stimulated the
It has been observed that the food intake of the beneficiary households to take more health care.
NGO beneficiaries has increased considerably. Sanitation practices of the NGO beneficiaries
Now almost 100% of the beneficiary household have improved than before. After NGO
members have three meals in a day. The membership 50% of the NGO beneficiary
nutritional status has also improved. Now the households have constructed sanitary latrine.
beneficiary household members more frequently This positives change in the sanitation situation
have food contents like fish, egg, milk and meat of the NGO households may be attributed to the
in their meals. It can be referred that the increase increase in the awareness level about hygienic
in the house hold income through income living and also to the rise in the income level.
generating activities has contributed to the
increase of food intake and food content. Almost all the NGO beneficiary households drink
safe water. The main source is tube well. Tube
Condition of the dwelling houses of the well, in most of the cases, was installed by the
beneficiary households has improved after NGO beneficiaries’ won cost. Approximate 95%
membership. Earlier, majority of the households beneficiaries’ become aware about neat and
had mud made houses. Now the majority of them cleanness; and hygiene practices of latrine. 40%
possess tin roofed houses. Majority of the NGOs respondents told that they did not know clearly
beneficiaries opined that as a result of using loan about common diseases and health tips before
in income generating activities, their monthly NGO membership. Rahima, a BRAC health
incomes increased although the trend was very beneficiary respondent shared that she had
slow. Majority of the respondents invested loan superstition about Diarrhea but right now, she
money in their small business and cattle. It is knows what to do in such a case.
noticeable that 30% beneficiaries invested loan
in domestic animals, 25% percent in small In case of education, the rural poor have more
business and 15% in buying rickshaw and access to education than ever before.
leasing land. The second largest sector is small Educational advancement level of the NGO
business which indicates microcredit beneficiaries has also increased. All the
entrepreneurship has started to rise slowly beneficiaries are now literate. They can at least
among the rural poor. However, 5% beneficiaries sign their names. Here it may be mentioned that
faced problems for managing loan installment being able to sign name is a precondition for
money and they borrowed from others. 20% NGO membership. Now the children of the
beneficiaries started to sell storage paddy for beneficiary households are going to schools in a
family food. The household land holding and rapidly increasing numbers. It was found that
farming land holding of some members are 95% female children study in the NGOs school.
almost same as before NGO membership. In this Now parents are more conscious about better
area, the scenario of change is significant except education for their children. The parents told that
one or two exceptional cases. they admitted their children here for a number of
reasons such as: flexible school timing, close to
90% beneficiaries told that they had no savings the students’ houses, small class size managed
practices before NGO membership. After NGO by local female teachers, little or no homework,
membership, 100% beneficiaries deposited child-friendly environment and relevant
savings regularly according to their ability and curriculum that provides a basic education. To be
they used the savings for their family welfare more co-curriculums based, children are keen to

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go to school. Majority of the Grameen Bank and further investigations in a wider scope. The
BRAC beneficiaries of pre-primary school told policymakers, as well, can get some important
that during winter their children find it difficult to information and recommendations provided that
study sitting on the cold floor. would help them to formulate and implement root
level decisions regarding the improvement of
The social status of the NGO beneficiaries has strategies and process.
also improved now. They enjoy more respect in
the household and in their community. Monowara 7. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS AND
Begum, a group leader of BRAC microfinance CONCLUSION
told that at first while she was admitted in the
NGOs and worked with the members, the 7.1 Policy Recommendations
community people slanged them. But now the
scenario has changed. But now she is an elected The authors would like to provide some action
member of local union council. Majority of NGOs recommendations. The recommendations have
beneficiaries’ respondents’ community level been made on the basis of the research findings
participation and status have been increased as discussed earlier. Such policy recommendations
their economic condition improved than before. are expected to make the studied NGOs more
All the NGOs have endeavored to make focused on socio-economic development of the
beneficiaries aware of their legal rights in the rural poor.
context of inheritance property, marriage and
divorce. In the study, it was found that most of - Needs-based training programs should be
the beneficiaries have become aware about their developed and efforts should be taken to
legal rights. implement the training programs
extensively.
The majority of the respondents of this study had - NGOs need to improve the knowledge and
been participating in NGO activities for the last skills of rural poor in income generating
one year. It does appear from the respondents’ activities as well as the legal rights issues.
views and the data and information that the NGO Training policy should be redefined giving
beneficiaries enjoy a relatively better life more focuses on beneficiaries’ training.
compared to many non-beneficiaries. However, it Also, initiatives should be taken to monitor
will therefore be improper to suggest any these training programs from time-to-time
significant change is the non-availability of to improve effectiveness and to assess the
benchmark information for comparison. The impact.
study depends on recall method. Having realized - Policy should be developed by the NGOs
these limitations in identifying change through so that particular program beneficiaries
this study, an attempt was made to know from can know all the services provided by
the respondents what changes they experienced others programs.
as a result of their participation in NGO activities - The saving policy should be redefined.
in the last one year. The respondents told about Early marriage and dowry should be
the social and economic changes. incorporated in parents meeting issues of
NGOs pre-primary schools. Rational
6. THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL initiative should be taken to improve
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY infrastructure of NGOs’ pre- primary
school.
This study was conducted on the field level using
information directly provided by the beneficiaries 7.2 Conclusion
and officers. Therefore, the primary data and
qualitative information are believed to be more The rural poor of Bangladesh are extremely
trustworthy and consistent. Further, it was carried underprivileged in terms of standard
out on the base level of five largest NGOs measurements of development. Such a lower
operating in Bangladesh. Therefore, the authors socio-economic standard is due to low literacy
believe that the results are more representative rate, low access to socio-economic resources
and guide the future investigations with and lack of knowledge of utilizing their human
consistent results. capabilities. In fact, majority of them are not
aware of their socio-economic condition. The
The authors are hopeful that the results of this emergence of NGOs in Bangladesh can be
study using mix methods will be a guideline for traced back to history. In the beginning, they

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were primarily involved in relief operations. But in and awareness concerns of the poor people. We
the mid–1970’s NGOs changed their operational can expect that in future, the progress will be
emphasis to various sectors development. NGOs further widening up although there are some
have started to lunch various program and limitations in their operations as of now.
projects through a continuous process enhancing
socio-economic condition of the rural poor. 8. LIMITATIONS AND FURTHER SCOPE
NGOs believe that the increase in income is not
enough for the emancipation of rural poor. So, The study has obviously a few limitations First of
the NGOs considered in this study emphasized all; this study is limited to one particular area thus
on integrated approach for socio-economic confined to one particular culture. A cross
development of the rural poor. Through this study cultural study considering more substantive
an effort was made to investigate the NGOs areas might provide some more representative
concerns for socio-economic development of the outcomes to the readers. Second, the authors
rural poor. have considered only one year comparing the
difference between the socio-economic status of
Presently NGO beneficiaries have more access the beneficiaries. It is logical to comment that
to resources such as credit, marketing, training such gap could be three to four years to be more
production inputs etc. This has been made stabilized results. The authors expect that future
possible since the NGOs are making many of researchers would consider such limitations in
these resources available to them. In terms of their investigations and carry out more and more
long term sustainability, the scenario is not studies in this important element of academia.
positive. It is notable that some of BRAC
COMPETING INTERESTS
microfinance beneficiaries told that they withdraw
loan only to build their house and after that they Authors have declared that no competing
will leave BRAC microfinance program because interests exist.
the loan is a burden for them. It is observed that
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