THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE GAMBIA: THE CASE STUDY OF THE UNITED PURPOSE “BALLU TIM MARINGO-NGO” (BTM) PROJECT.

Development is one of the most favored words in the contemporary world, where peoples’ well-being and way of life are perceived to be advanced in various aspects including economic, social, political, and cultural. One branch of development is Rural development, defined by Lembani (2020) as the collective process of improving the economic well-being and self-realization of people outside urbanized areas, or areas with lower population density, less social differentiation, and a slow rate of social change. In the Gambia, the problem of micronutrient deficiency has and continues to be a public health burden predominantly affecting women and children (NANA, 2018). Studies in Gambia by Cost of Hunger in Africa (SGHA, 2018) posit that malnutrition occurs as a result of micronutrient and undernutrition deficiency and it has great implications for health, labour force and education. Moreover, malnutrition has contributed to mortality of under-five at 50 percent especially in poor rural areas in the Gambia (WHO report, 2000). Despite intervention efforts by government, populations in rural communities struggle to sustain themselves and are caught up in cycles of poverty, hunger, and social inequality. The lack of adequate government resources and the increasing participation of international and local NGOs in alleviating poverty for rural communities mandated United Purpose (UP) NGO to intervene with the “Ballu Tim Maring Ngo” Project (BTM). This project was launched on 1st of August 2017 targeting five regions in the Gambia: Central River Region (CRR), Upper River Region (URR), Lowe River Region (LRR), North Bank Region (NBR) and West Coast Region (WCR). The project’s broader aim was to provide an increased and diversified production, more robust value chains, better market access, and consumption of fortified and high micronutrient foods that will help in reducing undernutrition and poverty among the vulnerable populations. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to understand rural development, connecting it to the role of NGO in poverty eradication and reduction of micronutrient deficiency of women and children through the sustainable and integrated approaches to food fortification of the BTM Project. The study employs the qualitative research method of critical document review to understand the socio-economic impact of the project. Findings from the project report indicated that achievements have been made as well as challenges are being faced by the project. The project in overall has achieved a significant reduction of undernutrition and poverty of vulnerable populations in rural Gambia. This is said to be achieved through an increment in reduction of malnourished children, wasted children, and reduction in vitamin A deficiency and anaemia in women and children. Findings showed an increase in nutritionally diversified and more resilient agricultural products being realised by smallholder farmers. Evidence is shown on the amount of yield gained from fast growing crops enhancing more food production capacity in its nutritive value. The project led to health benefits, income generation activities from the sale of crops and impact on reduction of poverty and food insecurity. Farmers behaviour on hygiene and sanitation was a challenge in nutrition promotion as well as adapting to new food varieties and modern farming tools. The study contributes to credible information on the growing debate and critiques on the role of NGOs in the given context. It will relatively unpack and assess through the case study of the BTM project of UP NGO in its areas of intervention to enhance poverty reduction. The study will attempt to relate to the large literature that has emerged over the years to explore possible contributions of NGOs to the rural development of rural Gambia