"The purpose of this paper is to analyze and assess the role of these increasingly important actors [Civil Society Organisations] in development. What can CSOs [Civil Society Organisations] do to promote local economic development and poverty alleviation? Are CSOs effective advocates of policy change? Do they have a role in ensuring greater accountability and transparency in governance? In the course of discussion, we [the authors] highlight the opportunities, challenges and threats they face, illustrating, wherever possible with examples of good practices." (Quoted from paper)