The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Governance and National-Level Policy Processes in Bo City, Sierra Leone
Fassie Manju
, Jonathan Sahr Kpakima , Ibrahim Munu
Key Words: Civil Society Organizations, governance, policy
Abstract This research investigated the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in governance and national-level policy processes in Bo City, Sierra Leone. The study highlighted the significance of CSOs in promoting democratic governance, fostering civic participation, and influencing public policy development at both local and national levels. Bo City, as a hub for civic engagement in Sierra Leone, provides a critical case for understanding how CSOs interact with government institutions, advocate for citizens' rights, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies. A randomized sampling technique was employed to select a representative sample of every stratum contributing to national development in Bo City The sample size was determined. By using appropriate statistical data to ensure the adequate representation of multi-sectorial stakeholders. The research begins by situating CSOs within the broader framework of governance and policy processes in Sierra Leone. It examined the historical evolution of CSOs in the country, their foundational principles, and how their role has evolved over time in response to political, social, and economic changes. Sierra Leone’s post-conflict recovery, democratic transition, and decentralized governance reforms have created a conducive environment for CSOs to engage with the state and other stakeholders in policy dialogue. Bo City, being the second-largest city, reflects the dynamics of civil society activism outside the capital Freetown, offering insights into how grassroots organizations influence governance in non-urban centers. The specific objectives of the research are to examine the role of empowered CSOs in enhancing good governance and policy processes in Bo City, to identify the key factors influencing the sustainability of CSOs capacity building initiatives in Bo City, and to provide recommendations to local councils, MDAs, CSOs, and development partners. The ways in which CSOs in Bo City participate in governance and policy formulation, the challenges they face, and their strategies for overcoming these obstacles. It focuses on three key areas of CSO engagement: advocacy for good governance, public policy development, and accountability mechanisms. CSOs in Bo City are instrumental in shaping governance structures by holding local government authorities accountable, monitoring service delivery, and promoting transparency in resource allocation. Their role extends to raising awareness among the population about their civic rights and responsibilities, fostering citizen participation in the democratic process, and providing platforms for marginalized groups to voice their concerns. The research concludes that strengthening the capacity of CSOs in Bo City is essential for enhancing their role in governance and policy processes. It recommends that both the government and development partners provide technical and financial support to CSOs to enable them to contribute more effectively to national-level policy dialogues. Additionally, fostering greater collaboration between CSOs, local government, and other stakeholders is crucial for creating more inclusive and responsive governance systems in Bo City and Sierra Leone as a whole.
"The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Governance and National-Level Policy Processes in Bo City, Sierra Leone", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.9, Issue 10, page no.151 - 163, October-2024, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2410018.pdf
Volume 9
Issue 10,
October-2024
Pages : 151 - 163
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_212544
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2410018
Downloads: 000347232
Research Area: Social Science and Humanities
Country: Bo City, Sierra Leone , Sierra Leone
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13929823
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
