Haiti: NGO Sector Study
Summary — This study, conducted from January 1996 through January 1997, examines the NGO sector in Haiti as part of the World Bank/GOH Haiti Poverty Assessment. It analyzes the role of NGOs in providing basic services and safety net programs, especially in health, education, water supply, and sanitation, following the 1991-1994 coup d'état against President Aristide.
Key Findings
- NGOs played a critical role in providing basic services during periods of political instability.
- NGOs were responsible for significant improvements in key social indicators, such as fertility rate and immunization coverage.
- The GOH has limited capacity in water supply and sanitation, relying heavily on NGOs.
- A significant portion of primary and secondary schools are run by NGOs or private institutions.
- Most NGOs in Haiti are multi-sectoral and target benefits geographically or allow beneficiaries to self-select.
Full Description
The NGO Sector Study in Haiti, conducted from January 1996 to January 1997, was initiated as part of the World Bank/GOH Haiti Poverty Assessment. The study involved qualitative interviews and site visits with 75 international and national NGOs, along with a quantitative survey of 100 community-based organizations (CBOs). It explores the historical and current role of NGOs in social sector service delivery, particularly in the context of political instability and economic reforms. The study examines the effectiveness of NGO interventions in health, education, water supply, sanitation, agriculture, and human rights, while also addressing issues of poverty targeting, benefit delivery, and institutional capacity.