"For God's Sake, Please Stop the Aid!" - Kenyan Economist Sounds off

[Maikeru-sama]

I thought this was a pretty interesting and atypical read.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,363663,00.html

[Soluzar]

I've been saying the same thing for years now. You can't necessarily help a country, or a continent, by just throwing money at it. If the money isn't properly spent, then it does more harm than good. The same goes for food aid, if not properly distributed. He makes an excellent point about local farmers, too. This suggests that even if aid is used in the best possible way, it can't help but have some negative effects on the economy.

People are starving, suffering and dying unnecessarily in Africa in spite of aid. Are we truly to believe that this is simply because there is not enough aid, or is it in fact more logical to believe that aid cannot solve these problems?

The nations of Africa need to build an infrastructure. Until they do this, no amount of aid will help, and it may even prevent them from doing so. Perhaps some nations could still use a greatly reduced amount of aid, of the kind which involves assistance with building wells and irrigation systems, but the nature of the developed world's approach to development aid for Africa must change.

[master terrence]

This is a political thread BTW. Somewhat against the rules.


I agree overall with the first portion about the paradox of financial aid (can't be bothered to read the erst of it right now). This is the World Bank's solution to the problem: throw money at them!! The World Banks money is suppose to go towards building infrastructure.. so they gave the money to political leaders... because they know what to do with it :rolleyes:. I wonder what small businesses have opened up in Africa due to the financial aid, surely some must exist.

[HSaabedra]

This is a political thread BTW. Somewhat against the rules.


I agree overall with the first portion about the paradox of financial aid (can't be bothered to read the erst of it right now). This is the World Bank's solution to the problem: throw money at them!! The World Banks money is suppose to go towards building infrastructure.. so they gave the money to political leaders... because they know what to do with it :rolleyes:. I wonder what small businesses have opened up in Africa due to the financial aid, surely some must exist.

You're forgetting stuff that actually helps such as microloans and the fact that the IMF is just as guilty of this as the World Bank. It doesn't help people like Bono have no idea about international economics and infrastructure, yet insists on begging the G8 for more aid. This coming from a guy that started a private equity firm and bought 25% of Palm Inc. Somehow, the Product RED campaign isn't the best way to resolve the issue.

[JESSU]

They should drop care packages with food and meads.

[tenshi_a]

So, um.... Fairtrade is ok, right?

[HSaabedra]

So, um.... Fairtrade is ok, right?

That thar be t'other can of worms.

[Raziel_MGS]

I have been saying this for years too, but only because I am tired of America giving aid. We should focus on our own people first and when every man woman and child in America is secure, then we can actually help others

[Bernard_Monsha]

They should drop care packages with food and meads.


Meads are always great when air dropped! Just make sure to drop cheese, sausage, and bread with it.

[Soluzar]

So, um.... Fairtrade is ok, right?
It's better than just plain old handouts. It involves paying a decent price for locally produced goods. Whatever the flaws in the scheme, it's not as bad as development aid, which actually has the effect of holding back development. Of course it runs counter to the sacred doctrine of market forces, which I dare say is why Axl referred to it as a can of worms.

[HSaabedra]

It's better than just plain old handouts. It involves paying a decent price for locally produced goods. Whatever the flaws in the scheme, it's not as bad as development aid, which actually has the effect of holding back development. Of course it runs counter to the sacred doctrine of market forces, which I dare say is why Axl referred to it as a can of worms.

You are correct. See NAFTA for said can of worms.

[396fire]

Giving aid to Africa is just fine. But they are self-destructive, you could give them all the things in the world and they would still need help. I know 10 people in America that could use some help. I’m sure we all know people. How about America help itself. If were not giving money away to people, it all goes to the politicians. So what do we do? We have been giving aid for 200 years and it has not helped. All it does is reissue wealth. Turning this world socialist, I am not a negative person or in to politics. But aid has nothing to do with helping people. Do some research.

[HSaabedra]

Giving aid to Africa is just fine. But they are self-destructive, you could give them all the things in the world and they would still need help. I know 10 people in America that could use some help. I’m sure we all know people. How about America help itself. If were not giving money away to people, it all goes to the politicians. So what do we do? We have been giving aid for 200 years and it has not helped. All it does is reissue wealth. Turning this world socialist, I am not a negative person or in to politics. But aid has nothing to do with helping people. Do some research.

tl;dr I can't make my point.

Socialism doesn't work because it puts a major strain on infrastructure and doesn't allow for market corrections, due to government intervention by artificially fixing prices and not taking into account supply and demand. By doing this inflation increases exponentially and currencies cannot keep up without being devalued.

[Leader Desslock]

They should drop care packages with food and meads.
How do I get them to designate my yard as a drop target?

Meads are always great when air dropped! Just make sure to drop cheese, sausage, and bread with it.
Ooo. Thinking ahead. Very good.


Regarding the article, yep, it's got a strong ring of truth to it.

[CrossboneGundam]

Africa's not a place where modern western political or economic systems ought to be imposed.