The worldwide economic crisis has enforced a massive withdrawal of European donors and their support for civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nicaragua. The withdrawal caused major changes within the sector due to the sudden lack of resources, increased competition, and the struggle for survival of many organizations. This is even more alarming as CSOs seem to remain the only force able to challenge the increasingly autocratic style of government of current President Ortega.
However, this paper argues that at a second glance these transformations constitute a chance for the Nicaraguan CSO sector as well – in the way that they enable organizations to become independent from external donors, re-concentrate on their proper agenda and reframe their connection to the general population.
The paper explores the risks and the opportunities that arise out of the situation. Findings are based on interviews with Nicaraguan civil society experts and on a literature review.
