USAID’S CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS SUSTAINABILIT Y INDEX IN NIGERIA (2009-2022): A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper analyses time-series data from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Civil Society Organizations Sustainability Index (CSOSI) for Nigeria, covering 2009 to 2022. The index was launched in select countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, in 2009, and it was implemented for 14 consecutive years until 2022.The authors analyse the key factors that have contributed to the viability of the Nigerian CSO sector, adopting time-series analysis of the CSOSI data for Nigeria, spanning 14 years. The analysis is framed by systems theory; CSOs are viewed as crucial substructures of the political system that perform input functions for the system’s proper functioning. The analysis shows that trends across the seven CSOSI dimensions indicate an evolving CSO sector in Nigeria from 2009 to 2022. The sector evolved in terms of sustainability throughout the 14-year lifespan of the Index, with slight improvements in organizational capacity, service provision, sectoral infrastructure, and public image. Advocacy showed the greatest improvement, rising from a score of 3.9 in 2009 to 2.5 in 2022, making it the only dimension with enhanced sustainability among the seven. However, the dimensions of the legal environment and financial viability did not improve. The analysis thus reveals a mixed picture of successes, challenges, and resilience of the CSO sector in Nigeria amid a paucity of funds, largely due to dwindling donor funding and a struggling local economy. Despite these difficulties, many organizations have shown a high level of resilience in advocating for reforms, providing services, and supporting the less privileged in society.