The Role of Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Japan’s Foreign Aid Policy

The reinforcement of the Non-governmental organisations’ role in Japan’s ODA program is a challenging task. However, if this objective is achieved, at least three advantages could ensue. Firstly, Japanese NGOs would be able to independently carry out the small-scale aid projects that directly address the needs of local communities in aid recipient countries. These grassroots aid projects could complement the government-supervised large-scale aid projects. Secondly, the Japanese government could utilize NGOs’ staff as an alternative source of information. Finally, effective co-operation between NGOs and the government could help enhancing the transparency of Japan’s foreign aid policy. Under the current system, bureaucrats dominate the policymaking process so that it is difficult for outsiders to access the information on Japan’s ODA program.