On the 17th of March, Foreign Correspondent (yes on the ABC) had an interview with Dambisa Moyo a Zambian-born economist. This is some of the information from the ABC web site.
"In her new book, Dead Aid, she argues that official aid is easy money that fosters corruption and distorts economies, creating a culture of dependency and economic laziness.
Moyo is particularly dismissive of the ‘celebrity aid’ model popularised by international stars such as Bob Geldof and Bono and says many aid organisations and NGOs are more interested in perpetuating poverty in order to justify their own existence."
Interesting thoughts indeed. Moyo is a believer in trade and the power of the market as opposed to the aid model in which she claims the only growth occurring is in the Swiss banks accounts of the political elite.
Lastly she claims that 10 percent of Africans were living in poverty in the 1970s compared to 70 percent now.
What do you think? It would be good to hear some comments for a change.... (PS this is not a new concept it is new for an African economist to be suggesting it though)
I think you should put up a poll asking people what they think about this...my personal opinion is that every little helps - in the short term - but it may well hold back long-term development. You know the old adage - give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but teach him how to fish, and you feed him for life...
ReplyDeleteI disagree with her comments about official aid “creating a culture of dependency and economic laziness”. Not EVERYONE is receiving money, and is not being given out so freely and regularly that people can depend on it.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I’m not concerned about the reasons behind celebrity aid (self promotion and whatnot), but of the impacts and benefits derived from it.
Moyo believes in trade over aid, but trade has not worked for them so far. Africa is better off (even if it is just slightly) with the help from richer nations. As James pointed out in our debate where would Africa be if richer nations did not offer them help?
“Moyo concedes humanitarian and charity aid can help but not in the longer term” – rejecting help and relying on their economy MAY help in the future, but what if it doesn’t? People who will be suffering more in the short term and who can assure trade will even work out for Africa?
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ReplyDeleteP.S. you never mentioned in your "about me" that you were a communist
(However, in the light of pauline hanson's nudie pixxx i have never so whole heartedly supported internet censorship of nudity)
This is reminiscent of the Infant Industry claim by the Australian Car Industry. The funds are being pumped in, creating a dependence on it, yet the funds are doing nothing to curb the problems evident in each respective system.
ReplyDeleteThe claim that the African people would prosper under less aid and more dependence upon market influences was introduced in the class debate, where it was proved that the global markets do in fact aid the people of Africa.
Whilst cheap publicity is accessible through tossing funds to our African neighbours however, the practice will not stop.
Chi, the Australian government engages in censorship. Would you call them communist? The point behind comment moderation is to prevent people with limited vocabs (F@&$$) and to make this a safe place for students to comment without any worries.
ReplyDelete"give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but teach him how to fish, and you feed him for life..."
ReplyDelete- That's intense