NGOs and the Internet in Nepal

Abstract

The number of registered [non-government organisations, or] NGOs in Nepal has skyrocketed in the last ten years, growing in number from 220 in 1990 to somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 today. At the same time, the Internet and the use of e-mail has increased rapidly. The Electronic Networking Project, funded by the International Development Research Centre and implemented by the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, was key in joining these two sectors. This article outlines the growth of both sectors, and analyzes how NGOs view the Internet and how they are using it. There is an overwhelmingly positive attitude towards these technologies among NGOs and a view that they are primarily useful in allowing individuals and organizations to access a great deal of information easily for the first time, and also for maintaining contacts and creating networks internationally. Issues for NGOs regarding the Internet include the cost of telephone calls and integration of the use of the Internet and the development and maintenance of Websites into other office routines. Finally, a common perspective about knowledge sharing in Nepal is explored as it relates to the use of the Internet and the structure of Websites in Nepal.