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Africa: Aid Plus Trade Can End Extreme Poverty

Women carrying cartons of oil to the distribution site an IDP camp in Uganda: Current discourse on aid raises the question of when such distributions of food from international organizations stops being helpful and starts being destructive. (Photo Courtesy IRIN)

Against the backdrop of an international economic downturn and changes in government leadership in the United States and United Kingdom, donors, development officials and economists are looking hard at how to improve the way foreign assistance is administered and used in Africa.

"The global recession… means that spending public money has got more serious, so the hard questions have to be asked and answered. There's a new seriousness of purpose," says Paul Collier, author of The Bottom Billion, a book that focuses on 50 of the world's failing states and the billion people who live in them.

He says the development and global security challenges posed by fragile states, such as Afghanistan and Somalia, have also contributed to the rethink. Additionally, discussion around foreign aid intensified with the release earlier this year of the book Dead Aid by Zambian economist **Dambisa Moyo.

Aiming for sustainability

In her book, Moyo calls for an end to most forms of foreign aid to Africa in five years, contending that the assistance has been largely ineffective and that the continent would do better by relying more on trade, investment and private international finance.

Njongonkulu Ndungane, president of African Monitor, a non-profit company that monitors aid to Africa, is a proponent of greater trade, but not at the expense of targeted foreign assistance.

"If you look at the Marshall Plan after World War II [under which the United States helped rebuild Europe], that was aid," he says. "Helping companies [to survive] the global economic meltdown – trillions of dollars being pumped to help people who have been irresponsible – that's some kind of aid. In this globalized environment we need one another, we need to help one another, whatever we call that."

However, Ndungane, a former Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, wants Africa to move away from aid dependency. "Aid is not sustainable. What is sustainable is trade and therefore we have the slogan 'aid for trade,'" he says. "We need to be channeling aid towards infrastructural development and towards encouraging intra-African trade... and creating an investment-friendly climate in Africa."

New Strategies

Some of the negative views of foreign aid stem from experiences of corrupt governments enriching themselves with donor money while letting their citizens continue to live in poverty. After five decades of foreign aid to Africa, skeptics point to inflated overhead costs, lack of sustainability of projects and a failure by donors to track critically where their money has gone.

Efforts are underway in the U.S. Senate to create legislation that would make short-term improvements to foreign aid, while laying the groundwork for long-term reform. One provision in the bill under consideration establishes an independent evaluation group to evaluate the results of all U.S. foreign aid programs.

"This new institution can address a fundamental knowledge gap in our foreign aid programs," said Democratic Senator John F. Kerry at a Senate hearing on reforming U.S. foreign aid policies. "Quite simply, it will help us understand which programs work, which do not, and why."

There are growing calls from economists and those who monitor aid for donors to insist on knowing how aid money is spent. In Somalia, the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers will provide accountancy services to ensure that aid money does not disappear through graft. Recently, donors have required such oversight before releasing funds.

"The donors should be requiring that, as a matter of course everywhere in fragile states and not just belatedly in an extreme situation in Somalia," says Collier, a professor of economics at Oxford University and the director of its Centre for the Study of African Economics. "That's an example where you've got to face reality. The donors have been slow to do it but they are starting to do it."

Escaping the poverty trap

Jeffrey Sachs, author of The End of Poverty, agrees that the way foreign aid is administered needs to be improved but notes that despite problems in the past,  tremendous gains have been made, saving millions of lives.

"Aid that is well targeted, scientifically based and utilizing powerful technologies to address specific challenges is by far the most successful kind of aid," says Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University in New York.

"And the dominant successes in recent years have been in the health area where all of those criteria apply. If we're targeting malaria control through bed nets and the new generations of medicine, if we're targeting Aids treatment through anti-retroviral medicine, if we're targeting the control of vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio and measles or the worm infections, we see extremely powerful results at very low cost."

Sachs disagrees with Moyo that aid should end in five years. But he believes that within 15 years most countries can extract themselves from the poverty trap.

"I believe we ought to promote trade and investment and targeted development assistance in several critical areas: agriculture, health, education, basic infrastructure and business development," he says. "And I believe that if this is done, extreme poverty can be eliminated by 2025 and countries can be on the ladder of development on their own with self-sustaining economic growth."

** DEAD AID: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa, by Dambiso Moya. The author was not available for an interview for this series of articles.


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Comments 1 to 5 of 6 Post a comment

  • Steve Klaber
    Aug 5 2009, 09:33

    Neither Trade Nor Aid: Real independence is the route out of poverty. Agriculture and development for home use first. The "resource curse" that so many African countries have is an economy oriented toward the outside world. That orientation will always favor foreign workers and companies over your own.

    Look to regularizing land ownership and tenure. Arable land is as valuable a resource as there is. People who work and improve their land must be able to be sure that they will retain the benefits. Troubles like the Kenyan Mau forest must be avoided at all costs. Kenya is now between a rock and a hard place. If they don't retake the forest, their land will suffer irreparable damage. If they do, their ability to make commitments is ruined. Private ownership of land is critical to productivity. Not all land can be public, not all land can be private.

    Look to providing yourselves a new, smaller trouble: a food surplus. You CAN do it. And store it away for the rainless day. And make it into biofuel when its shelf life expires. And when you have a surplus to worry about, then grow some for export. Food surpluses, and the subsidies that cause them,are like an army: They're bad economics, but they keep bigger troubles away. But, just like an army, you can't get rid of subsidies. Be careful with them.

    Look to clearing your waterways of weeds. Every gallon of water that they incorporate or transpire is unavailable to your farmers and gardeners. The weeds are the driving force in the dessication of your continent.

    Look to rainwater harvesting, container gardening and biochar.

    Choose independence for wealth and peace.

  • joannedeisen
    Aug 5 2009, 11:00

    Nonsense...your problems stem from your thieving governments....Joanne

  • monsterhunter17
    Nov 19 2009, 05:47

    Seems you're not following anything + you don't know anything. Long since rich nations of the west have exploited Africa's resource rich countries. First the west armed those countries (to support rebel groups fighting against liberal governments) and now when countries are looted and governments corrupt and people poor and they require massive support, big corporations exploit the resources of countries like Kongo, Sudan etc. The corps are getting everything but the people - nothing. The aid goes into wrong hands AND no western countries help fighting these rebels maintaining disorder in the countries because it is gainful for them. It is just wise robbery and nothing more.

  • upliftdarace_144
    Aug 5 2009, 11:37

    THEY COME TO :

    STEAL OUR ECONOMY

    KILL OUR INITIATIVE TO BE SELF-SUFFICIENT

    DESTROY OUR FAMILIES

    1) INFERIORITY = CURRENCY EXCHANGE

    Currency Exchange is designed to puff up certain peoples and nations over others. The numbers are constantly telling some that they are inferior to others. The problem intensifies when those being manipulated by this financial scam buy in to this wicked scheme.

    What’s the solution to INFERIORITY CURRENCY EXCHANGE ? Stop giving away our souls one piece of money ( dollar , pound, franc, rand, deniro, rupal, euro, Chinese renminbi, rupee, Russian ruble,etc..) at-a-time .

    Do research on what price your product gets in the so-called First World countries. And demand that price. This will not work unless people at the local areas do this together. Form Co-Ops and agree to charge the prices you deserve.

    2) INFERIORITY = Pay by Time

    There is another system used to oppress people that feeds the business owners with a lust for MORE profit. One year they may have profits of 50%, the next year they may have profits of 100%, the next year their profits may only be 75%. The system in the world will consider that going from 100% profits to 75% profits is bad for business.

    How is that bad ? Profits are profits ! Many businesses have different levels of pay for the same workers.; levels such as :

    a) Top Salaries – Private and only known to each individual workers b) Medium Salaries – Private “ “ “ “ c) Lower Salaries – Private and only known to each individual workers d) High Hourly Wages e) Medium Hourly Wages f) Minimum Hourly Wages

    I suggest that EVERY WORKER SHOULD BE PAID A LIVING WAGE. The Minimum Wage is like a financial ball and chain ; only giving those receiving it just enough to live to see the next day.

    The Living Wage allows workers to live, invest, spend, save, and thrive. We can dream about having our own businesses , then wake up and attain our dreams. This is great for the businesses that pay Living Wages. For this creates new customers and new generations of customers.

    As long as the system of Living Wages is in place, there will be a thriving economy and a blooming world full of optimistic activities. But it will only happen when business owners see the benefit of paying more pennies to make more dollars ! Which of you business owners will have the insight, recognition, roots, understanding, initiative, moxy, & compassion to make the step most are afraid to make.

    THE TRUTH ABOUT DIAMONDS –

    Did You Know That The Robbers Have Warehouses Full Of 55 Gallon Drums Each Full Of Raw Uncut Diamonds ?

    The Wicked Are Using The Same Schemes On Us. : 1) They Hoard Riches ; Controlling The Supply So We’ll Think The Supply Is Low 2) This Scheme Helps Them To Get A Higher Price & Deceives Most Of Us Into Believing That Things ( Such As Diamonds, Gold, Oil, Etc..) Are In Short Supply & Even Due To Run Out.

    Diamonds Are In Abundance And Their Supply Is Being Controlled By Persons Under The Control Of Spiritual Wickedness In High Places (Ephesians 6:12) .

    We Saints Serve An Infinite God, What He Placed Here On This Earth For His Children Is Also Infinite. When You See A Volcano Or Magma ; The Liquid Land Flowing Out Of Volcanos, Think Of Growth. The Earth Is Steady Growing.

    Once God Settles Things With The Rightreous & Un-Righteous . [Definition – Righteous Means The Desire To Do Right ]

    Diamonds Are In Abundance And Their Supply Is Being Controlled By Persons Under The Control Of Spiritual Wickedness In High Places (Ephesians 6:12) . [http://janineroberts.org/]

    1. The Bakken Oil Field Find

    2. 55 gallon drums fulls of unprocessed diamonds.

    * These are just a few of the suppressed world riches this beautiful world created by God (Jehovah, Father of Jesus Christ)..

    3. Minister Lindsey Williams has known for 30 years of a major oil find in Alaska.

    * He says that he sat in on meetings of the rich and powerful. These men decided not to use this oil to help America.

    * Beware Africans, the wolves of deception are always around riches.

    * Hosea said we perish for two reasons. Most people only remember one reason why we perish.

    - Hosea said MY PEOPLE PERISH FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

    - AND…because they REJECT KNOWLEDGE

    - In other words, they DON’T KNOW & THEY DON’T WANT TO KNOW !!!!

    4. For those who want to know I suggest you guys who can get the Internet do these things :

    a) Listen to broadcasts like : Alex Jones (Infowars), Derry Brownfield, The Power Hour

    (Joyce & Dave), Jeff Rense, and other broadcasts on the Genesis Communications Network.

    b) Here’s an appetizer of information on the subjects I have just written on :

    • Do a search use IX Quick search engine .They don’t record your computer’s address ; protect your privacy [ http://ixquick.com/]

    • Here are three(s) separate subjects that I mentioned that you can search for

    (i) – Bakken Oil Field Find

    (ii) – Lindsey Williams (YouTube videos)

    (iii) – Janine Roberts :Glitter & Greed : The Secret World of The Diamond Cartel

    ANOTHER SUGGESTION IS FOR THOSE LIVING IN THE CITY TO POOL THEIR RESOURCES TOGETHER AND MAKE NEIGHBORHOOD COOP GREENHOUSES . HERE YOU CAN GROW SOME KIND OF FOODS AND NOT BE TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON GROCERY STORES.

    Our only enemies are in Hell , waiting for their life-sentence of damnation.

    You are in my prayers. Pray for each other too

    Have Faith in God and Love for each other. May The Lord God Bless You real good

    The Swine Flu Vaccination Hoax - Explained URL – [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbFxV_C8Yw4 ]

    [Check Out :

    3) Who Brought The Slaves To America ? URL = [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuzhnKy63io ] Or [http://wideeyecinema.com/?p=911]

    WAKE UP !!! STAY UP !!!

    [http://www.infowars.com/infowars.asx] / [gcnlive.com] / [http://alexjonesringtones.net/] Life Is A Game. Have Fun . Luke 18:17 - Isaiah 11:6

  • upliftdarace_144
    Aug 5 2009, 11:42

    AMERICA IS THE WHORE OF BABYLON : Revelations 17 & 18 AND Jeremiah 50 & 51

    HERE ARE SOME KEY POINTS :

    Jeremiah, chapter 50 : 8 - 9

    8: Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks. 9: For, behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon AN ASSEMBLY OF GREAT NATIONS FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from there she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain. . [ Their will be an exodus of nations leaving America ; returning to their ancestral homes e.g. Black Africans to nations like Ghana, Sierra Leone, etc…] [ .Get out of New Babylon America !!! ]

    [ 1 ] Jeremiah, chapter 50 : 16 16: Cut off the sower from Babylon ;and him that handles the sickle in the time of harvest .For fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.

    [ 2 ] Jeremiah, chapter 51 : 6

    6: Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul. Be not cut off in her iniquity. For this is the time of the LORD's vengeance; he will render to her a recompence.

    [ 3 ] Jeremiah, chapter 51 : 9 9: We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed. Forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country. For her judgment reaches to heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

    Jeremiah, chapter 50 : 35 - 37

    35: A sword is upon the Chaldeans, the inhabitants of Babylon, her princes, and her wise men; says the LORD. 36: A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote. A sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed. 37: A sword is upon their horses, chariots, and upon ALL THE MINGLED PEOPLE that are in the midst of her; they shall become as women. A sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

    ALL THE MINGLED PEOPLE – What Nation Has More Different Cultures Than America ?

    Jeremiah, chapter 51 : 7 7: Babylon has been a golden cup in the LORD's hand; that made all the earth drunken. The nations have drunk of her wine. Therefore the nations are insane.

    10: The LORD has brought forth our righteousness. Come, and let us declare in Zion (our souls) the work of the LORD our God. [ Zion = The Kingdom of Heaven which is within us..within our souls ]

    [ This same spirit of the Medes ( Arabs)…is against New Babylon (Anerica) ]

    [ 1 ] Jeremiah, chapter 51 : 11 11: Make bright the arrows; gather the shields. The LORD has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

    [ 2 ] Jeremiah, chapter 51 : 27 - 28

    27: Set you up a standard in the land. Blow the trumpet among the nations. Prepare the nations against her. Call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz. Appoint a captain against her. Cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- These three(3) kingdoms today are : a) Ararat - (Armenia / Turkey) b) Ashchenaz – ( ? ) c) Minni – Armenia These kingdoms are (Arabic ) Medes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- 28: Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains, all the rulers of it, and all the land of his dominion.

    [ The people will stop immigrating to America; once the word gets out of her impending doom ]

    [ 1 ] Jeremiah, chapter 51 : 44 -45

    44: And I will punish Bel in Babylon. I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he has swallowed up. And the nations shall not flow together any more to him. Yes, the wall of Babylon shall fall. 45: My people, go you out of the midst of her, and deliver you every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.

    [ a) For Two(2) years shall the people [ still here ( in America) ] hear rumors b) Civil Wars will break out before the final day of America’s destruction

    [ 1 ] Jeremiah, chapter 51 : 46

    46: And lest your heart faint, and you fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land. A rumour shall both come one year. And after that in another year shall come a rumour, and violence in the land; ruler against ruler. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------

    REVELATIONS 17 & 18 : Also witnesses to Babylon’s destruction

    OBAMA DECEPTIONS

    Matthew 24:4 “ Take Precautions Against Being Tricked By Anyone ” – [Paraphrased] * Unless They’re Likeable ?

    #1

    [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrpRocaEfQE]

    [ http://www.infowars.com/obama-feigns-ignorance-of-cfr-nau/ ]

    [http://www.infowars.com/michelle-obama-flashes-%E2%80%98el-diablo%E2%80%99 -hand-signal-on-cover-of-vogue/ ]

    #2 Here is evidence of Point 2 of the Georgia Guidestones on Reproduction .

    Don't be deceived :

    [http://www.infowars.com/?p=7259]

    Here are search result links to what the Georgia Guidestones are

    [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_Guidestones ]

    #3

    BY PEACE SHALL Many Be deceived (Daniel 8:25) .

    DOES THE TERM PEACEKEEPERS ring a Bell ?

    Ask the people in Rwanda (who survived that Peace-keeping) about the

    United Nations PEACEKEEPERS .

    President Obama’s UNITED NATIONS AMBASSADOR SUSAN RICE cut her teeth on

    the RWANDA MASSACRE…. OOOPs!!! She said.

    (Here’s a Search Link To Many Witnesses To THE NEW U.N. RICE MONSTER)

    [http://ixquick.com/do/metasearch.pl?query=Susan+Rice+Rwanda&cat=web&pl=ff& language=english]

    FAMILIES LINE UP FOR MASONIC CHILD ID PROGRAM ! UNCLE BEAST WANTS YOU !!!

    [http://www.infowars.com/families-line-up-for-masonic-child-id-program/ ]

    FRITZ SPRINGMEIER A Bold Christian Truthseeker The Top 13 Illuminati Bloodlines [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k73Q2_f4vKU ]

    The Swine Flu Vaccination Hoax - Explained URL – [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbFxV_C8Yw4 ]

    [Check Out :

    3) Who Brought The Slaves To America ? URL = [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuzhnKy63io ] Or [http://wideeyecinema.com/?p=911]

    WAKE UP ! STAY UP MY BROTHERS & SISTERS ! BE SELF-SUFFICIENT IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

    [http://www.infowars.com/infowars.asx] / [gcnlive.com] / [http://alexjonesringtones.net/]

    - Life Is a Game. Have Fun. [ Luke 18:17 / Isaiah 11:6 ]

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