Why Development Projects Fail in Cameroon

Abstract

The article examines the role of NGOs in helping women reduce poverty via development projects undertaken in the Ngie sub-division, Cameroon. Information was gathered using questionnaires, group meetings, farm visits and participant observation. The objectives of the study are to see how projects were executed and also to determine the extent to which the projects help villagers, particularly women, in alleviating poverty and hunger. The study reveals inefficiencies in the role of NGOs in achieving this objective. The study identifies the need for carefully outlined project objectives, good leadership, transparency, planning as well as a consultative process with full participation of the recipients as the key to strong project success.