Abstract

This article aims at investigating the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting peace and security in Somalia, grounded in the theory of social capital, which provides the significance of social networks and community engagement in fostering peace. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys, engaging 200 participants, including NGO staff, community leaders, and beneficiaries. The findings revealed that 90% of participants recognized NGOs' contributions to humanitarian aid, with a mean score of 4.50, while 85% acknowledged active NGO engagement in peace initiatives, reflected in a mean score of 4.25. Additionally, the study identified challenges such as security concerns (82%, mean 4.10) and limited funding (75%, mean 3.85) that NGOs must navigate to enhance their effectiveness. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of NGOs in enhancing stability in Somalia and provides the need for strategic recommendations, including strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders, increasing funding for peace initiatives, and enhancing capacity-building programs. Thus, it was recommended that Donors and international agencies should increase financial support for NGO-led peace initiatives to expand their reach and impact.

 

Keywords

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Industrial Transformation
  • Sustainable Innovation
  • Economic Expansion
  • Borno State
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Digital Innovation
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Renewable Energy
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
  • Human Capital Development
  • Green Economy
  • Technology-Driven Growth
  • Economic Resilience

References

  1. Ahrens, M. (2013). NGOs and Peacebuilding in Somalia. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 57(2), 123-145.
  2. Granovetter, M. S. (1973). The Strength of Weak Ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360-1380.
  3. Huxham, C., & Vangen, S. (2005). Managing to Collaborate: The Theory and Practice of Collaborative Advantage. Routledge.
  4. Kettani, A. (2016). Community Engagement and Peacebuilding: The Role of NGOs in Somalia.
  5. Peace Studies Journal, 14(3), 45-67.
  6. McNeely, C. (2002). Social Capital and Peacebuilding in Conflict Zones. International Journal of Peace Studies, 7(1), 1-19.
  7. Norrgard, K. (2015). Youth and Social Capital in Peacebuilding: The Role of Networks in Conflict-Affected Areas. Journal of Peace Research, 52(2), 145-159.
  8. Putnam, R. D. (1993). Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy. Princeton University Press.
  9. Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
  10. Rudd, J. (2016). Legitimacy in Peacebuilding: The Role of Social Capital. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 34(1), 27-48.
  11. Woolcock, M., & Narayan, D. (2000). Social Capital: Implications for Development Theory, Research, and Policy. World Bank Research Observer, 15(2), 225-249.
  12. Zakaria, S. (2011). Social Capital and Conflict Management in Post-Conflict Societies. International Journal of Conflict Management, 22(3), 295-313.