Assessing the Organisational Capablities of Youth-Serving NGOs in the Context of Youth Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of the study that was conducted was to investigate the organisational capabilities of youth-serving non-governmental organisations in the context of youth poverty alleviation in Nigeria. In this article it is argued that the improved capabilities of these organisations play an important role in reducing youth poverty and its negative consequences in Nigeria. In view of the fact that these organisations are experiencing difficulties in reducing youth poverty in that country due to various challenges relating to organisational capabilities, this study aimed to provide insights into the assessment of these organisations’ capabilities. Data was obtained from a random sample of 187 managers of youth-serving non-governmental organisations and was analysed using a t-test analysis. The theoretical framework for this study was the adapted SCALERS model. The results revealed that the organisations investigated had been able to meet their staffing, communication; alliance-building, replication and stimulating market forces needs effectively. However, it was found that some of the NGOs investigated did not have long-term donors and sponsors that were major sources of income for the organisations and that others had not been successful at attracting government agencies and officials to provide financial support for its efforts. This article argues that the effective management of the organisational capabilities of youth-serving non-governmental organisations could contribute positively to the reduction of youth poverty in Nigeria. This study contributes to research on non-governmental organisations that focus on youth poverty and also to the use of the SCALERS model by re-contextualising it to assess the organisational capabilities of youth-serving NGOs in Nigeria.