Problems, Promises, and Paradoxes of Aid Africa's Experience

Other author Ndulo, Muna
Other author De Walle, Nicolas van
Format Electronic
Publication InfoNewcastle upon Tyne : Cambridge Scholars Publisher Bristol : ISD [Distributor]
Description395 p.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects

SeriesCornell Institute for African Development Ser.
Summary Annotation This book is an anthology of essays contributing new scholarship to the contemporary discourse on the concept of aid. It provides an interdisciplinary investigation of the role of aid in African development, compiling the work of historians, political scientists, legal scholars, and economists to examine where aid has failed and to offer new perspectives on how aid can be made more effective. Questions regarding the effectiveness of aid are addressed here using specific case studies. The question of ownership is examined in the context of two debates: 1) to what extent should aid be designed by the recipient country itself? and 2) should aid focus on "need" or "performance"? That is, should donors direct aid to the poorest countries, regardless of their policies and governance, or should aid "reward" countries for doing the right thing? The future of aid is also addressed: should aid continue to be a part of the development agenda for countries in sub-Saharan Africa? If so, how much and what type of aid is needed, and how it can be made most effective? The major criticism against aid is that it cripples the recipient country's economic growth by turning it into a passive receiver; in addition, it has been noted that aid is mostly supply-driven, depending upon donors rather than the actual needs of recipients. For this reason, aid may not meet the goals for which it was intended. To meet the needs of the communities they want to help, donors should work through consultation and a measure of recipient ownership. Donors need to understand context, to protect human rights, and to be guided by principles of social and environmental justice. Other suggested strategies for making aid more effective include peer review; self-assessment; the empowerment of women; encouraging accountability; investing in agriculture; helping smallholder subsistence farmers; introducing ethical and professional standards for civil service; and raising the competence of civil servants.
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
ISBN9781443867450
ISBN1443867454 (Trade Cloth) Forthcoming
Standard identifier# 9781443867450
Stock number01436906

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Electronic Resources Access Content Online ✔ Available