FBOs and African Development

This week, while looking through shelves to pick out some pre-searched books in development economics and macroeconomics from a University Library, I came by a title on the role of religious organisations in African development. At that instant, I was reminded that I had once thought out the inevitable role of piety in the development of religious Africa.

In order to design appropriate and effective interventions for Africa, it is necessary to study the culture and structure of the average African personality. In recent history, economic agents, who seek to take advantage of the fearful, insecure and superstitious African, have been observed to design appropriate media messages, methods, and materials that perpetrate their trade.

Using fundamental brainwashing tactics, religious extremists reck a lot of havoc on the minds and perspectives of adherents. The monumental damages to human lives and infrastructure, engineered by such religious devotees can be observed throughout Africa.

Furthermore, in many African States, actions of ethnic jingoists, who esteem tribal bigotry far above unity-in-diversity and peaceful coexistence, have stimulated civil wars, tribal wars and painful genocidal episodes. 

On the other hand, several faith-based organisations (FBOs) promote inclusive development with unique institutional frameworks that fund enterprise development, empowerment programmes, rural health care interventions, technical training, formal education of indigents.

Programmes of FBOs and civil society organisations (CSOs) who work with fervour for local development tend to be more effective and far-reaching in impact than many impassionate state-aided initiatives. Local philanthropists, international donors, and funding agencies who recognise this reality are more likely to advocate support of FBOs and CSOs in Africa.

The coalition of constructive private agents and state actors can continuously accelerate sustainable development and peace across the continent.

#FBOs

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Photo credit: African Development Partners