It is widely recognised that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have undertaken an increasingly important role in both human development and environmental conservation efforts in the less-developed nations during the past three decades. Much of the literature on NGOs focuses on, or is sponsored by, large Western-based international NGOs which themselves undertake or direct many of the development and conservation efforts. This book cuts through sensitive subjects including government corruption and manipulation, the misuse of NGOs and the limitations of small, under funded local development organisations to identify the crucial role of local NGOs in the challenging context of rural development in Sub-Saharan African. His observations and insights are highly useful and provide important contextual understanding for future human development and environment conservation projects in rural African settings.