The Ethiopian Developmental State Approach and the Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Democratic Governance: A Study on Selected Local NGOs

Abstract

The developmental state approach has been getting currency after the 'East-Asian miracle' has been taken as a success story by different scholars, analysts and the international community. Nowadays, a global focus is also being given on building a democratic-developmental state in developing countries including Ethiopia. In this case, in addition to building its own institutions, a particular state is expected to work closely with non-state actors including the civil society which will enable it to achieve its democratic and developmental goals. The main purpose of this study was to identify, describe and produce an analysis of the Ethiopian developmental state approach and the potential role local NGOs in democratic governance. A semi-structured and in-depth interview schedules have been prepared and distributed to a purposefully selected four local NGOs, one consultation forum and concerned government institution. The selected NGOs have been operating for more than ten years, so that their activities can be assessed vis-à-vis the Ethiopian developmental state approach that has become an official government's paradigm in the last ten years or so. The results of the study showed that, the role of local NGOs in democratic governance is important and can promote a democratic developmental state's agenda. Additionally, the government should play a vital role by strengthening the playing ground for non-state actors including the civil society and achieve a democratic developmental state's objective. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the importance of and attitude towards local NGOs in the realm of a democratic-developmental state paradigm. Based on the results, it can serves as a basis for further research in the field.