The Trouble with Aid: Why Less Could Mean More for Africa (African Arguments) - Hardcover

Glennie, Jonathan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1848130392 ISBN 13: 9781848130395

Publisher: Bloomsbury 3PL, 2008

Synopsis

Africa is poor. If we send it money it will be less poor. It seems perfectly logical, doesn't it? Millions of people in the rich world, moved by images on television and appalled by the miserable conditions endured by so many in other countries, have joined campaigns to persuade their governments to double aid to Africa and help put an end to such shameful inequality. It seems simple. But it isn't. In this book, Jonathan Glennie argues that, along with its many benefits, government aid to Africa has often meant more poverty, more hungry people, worse basic services and damage to already precarious democratic institutions. Moreover, calls for more aid are drowning out pressure for action that would really make a difference for Africa’s poor. Rather than doubling aid to Africa, it is time to reduce aid dependency. Through an honest assessment of both the positive and negative consequences of aid, this book will show you why.

About this title

Review:

"A very informative read for anyone interested in the future of development policy. Glennie challenges some widespread assumptions about development aid and broadens the policy agenda for campaigners. A well argued account of aid's problems and potentials and the importance of other policy agendas if we are serious about helping Africa. Readable, reasoned yet radical; Glennie urges governments, campaigners and others to look beyond aid and consider other ways to help impoverished nations and citizens stand on their own feet."

About the Author:

Jonathan Glennie has worked as a policy analyst in several international development charities. He is currently Christian Aid’s country representative in Colombia. He has played a key role in campaigns in the United Kingdom and around the world, including the Make Poverty History campaign in 2005.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury 3PL
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1848130392
• ISBN 13: 9781848130395
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 186