Decentralization as an NGO

Free report: decentralization as an NGO

Local partners implement programs, know the context and often bear the greatest risks. But who determines the strategy? Who manages the resources? And who ultimately decides what does and does not happen?

More and more Belgian NGOs want to decentralize their operations. Not only to work faster and closer to local reality, but also to build on more equal partnerships . In practice this turns out to be more difficult than expected. Mandates remain unclear, donors expect central control and responsibility is sometimes passed on without the necessary power and resources following.

This report was commissioned by the NGO federation and brings together the experiences of five Belgian NGOs active in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The research is based on document analysis, 28 in-depth interviews and workshops with employees in Belgium and Congo and with local partners.

You will discover, among other things:

1. the difference between decentralization and decolonization;
2. the five phases from a central model to local leadership;
3. the benefits, risks and persistent areas of tension;
4. which new roles Belgian NGOs can take on;
5. a concrete roadmap to get started with decentralization yourself.

The report makes it clear that decentralization is much more than moving tasks or offices. It requires a conscious redistribution of power, resources and mandates . Structures have to change, but also the culture and relationships between head offices, local teams and partners.

No ready-made organizational model, but a clear framework, recognizable practical experiences and concrete exercises with which you can conduct discussions within your own organization.

Download the report and discover where your organization stands today – and what next step is needed to achieve more shared ownership.