Local environmental government NGOs should do everything that they can to support the efforts aimed at improving smallholders’ livelihood. Taking care of the environment has been a core function of the local government but over the years, there has been too much government interference and dominance in the management of the environmental sector, which has forced the private sector, church-based organizations, and an array of NGOs to step up.
NGOs are increasingly being recognized as potent forces for environmental change, as well as social and economic development. As such, NGOs have become valuable forces in promoting the qualitative and quantitative development of environmental policies. Smallholder support is important because smallholder farmers especially make an essential contribution to meeting the food and environmental demands of the growing population.
Environmental NGOs play a role in helping to bridge the gap by conducting research to facilitate policy development aimed at improving smallholder livelihood. This can be done by building institutional capacity and facilitating independent dialogue with the civil society to help smallholders live more sustainable lifestyles. While there are still many barriers to be lifted, NGOs have come a long way and will continue to advance their efforts in the future.
Since there is an increasing interest within the civil society regarding environmental issues it has led to more independent research, communication, and grassroots outreach. NGOs play a significant role in leading and promoting grassroots initiatives, which are especially directed at helping smallholder livelihood. Moreover, the capacity for NGOs to supply an independent view is crucial to creating programs aimed at helping smallholders.
NGOs are also important for the promotion of agricultural production through small farmers as well as enabling them to earn a sustainable livelihood. Environmental NGOs have all the necessary skills and capable human resource teams that can assess the problems of smallholders and identify appropriate interventions to solve the pressing issues. Dedicated members of these NGOs can interact closely with smallholders to mentor them and help them gain confidence to take part in active developmental programs.
Environmental NGOs can also identify the priorities of smallholders and coordinate among various stakeholders on a regular basis so that effective planning and implementation of various smallholder development activities can occur. This increased level of involvement, commitment and flexibility can be exercised by the environmental NGOs that are interested in uplifting smallholders. The favourable models that have been created successfully by environmental NGOs can then be replicated widely through various development schemes so that more smallholder livelihoods can be uplifted.