This publication describes and analyses the role of non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) of the Southern hemisphere. It is primarily intended as a text for interested outsiders -- such as officials of UN-organizations, politicians, civil servants and scientists -- but it will also contribute to self-knowledge and self-reflection among members of the NGO community. After a brief introduction, the reader is introduced to a substantial number of non-governmental development organizations from three continents by means of organizational portraits, written by the NGDOs themselves. Each contribution is prefaced by a brief description of the organization, and all address the following basic subjects: - Development -- for whom, by whom? - The NGDO's objectives and strategies - Organizational structure - North-South cooperation - The NGDO's achievements - Staff motivation