Thesis:

Evaluation of local Non-Government Organizations in social development projects. A case study of Ardi in Ruhango District, period 2007-2012

This research project has five parts which are the key component area of the study namely Introduction, Review of related Literature; Research Methodology used, Research findings and discussion, Summary, Conclusion and recommendations and references. Introduction to the study shows a reflection on the background to the study, clearly gives statement of the problem and it contains a set of objectives pursued by the researcher. Literature review looked at the existing literature on the subject researched on which was “Evaluation of local non-government organizations in social development projects”. While the review is organized on various themes of reviewed literature but it has also identified gaps on the existing literature. The overarching perception is that local NGOs through their projects, contribute to improving people’s social and economic welfare by participating in governance, community mobilization activities; health and education initiatives. It is also assumed that effective evaluation of these projects is one of the ingredients of good project performance; that it provides a tangible means of accountability demonstrates transparency to the stakeholders and facilitates organizational learning for the benefits of any future projects. However, there continues to be challenges in local NGOs to effectively evaluate the projects they implement. The methodology to be used in this research project was both quantitative and qualitative in order to obtain a good amount of data that led to a correct analysis of the problem and come up with a well-researched paper. It has also used qualitative methodology by conducting key interviews with some ARDI senior officials and a reflection on reviewed available ARDI strategic documents. Findings from the research pointed towards recommendations that may help an evaluation of Local non-government organizations in social development projects or simply contribute to improve the existing good practices of evaluation within Rwandese Local Non-Government Organizations.