The Economic Impact and Effectiveness of Development Aid

HL 278, Sixth Report of session 2010-12

Author:

House of Lords - Select Committee on Economic Affairs

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £13.50

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'The Economic Impact and Effectiveness of Development Aid (HL 278)' examines the Government's plans to increase official aid spending in real-terms by 37% in the four years to 2015. The report does not address humanitarian aid for relief of acute distress following conflict, famine, natural disasters or other emergencies, which is less than 10% of official aid spending.

This inquiry has shown that finding ways to realise the simple ambition of reducing poverty by means of development aid is hugely challenging. Economic growth is essential if poverty is to be reduced.

There is however no agreement amongst experts as to the effectiveness of development aid in promoting growth or which forms of aid are the most effective. There is also disagreement as to the best way of channeling aid, and whether aid should focus on those countries where poverty is most acute - regardless of effective governance.

There is further disagreement as to whether aid is a tool that enables donor countries to combat corruption and bring about internal peace, or whether it tends to feed corruption and sustain damaging internal conflicts.

Expert opinion is virtually united in agreement that the Department for International Development (DfID) enjoys an outstanding reputation internationally as an effective aid agent. But it is feared that sometimes it pursues various good objectives that are likely to prove mutually incompatible.

Extent	61 pages	ISBN	9780108475757
Size	A4	Price	£13.50
Format	Paperback	Published	29 Mar 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges