One of the oldest paradoxes of development centers on the balance between inputs and outputs, broadly defined, and raise some important issues. This question is all the more poignant as international aid continues to dwindle in an era where nations increasingly resort to austerity. Contrary to popular perceptions, aid is not just money – however, of what does constitute money, not only do significant amounts of aid not leave donor countries, but a comparable amount finds its way back to its source through various means, including expatriate salaries and taxes. Demands for impact have intensified in recent years with the global financial crisis. It’s easy to build boreholes and roads in needy communities, yet many of the world’s most pressing development challenges, like conflict and terrorism, are too complex to solve in the short term. Repeated calls for greater global transparency and accountability in aid management are pertinent, but will require a targeted campaign if they are to create any lasting change. Read more here.
Source: Nonprofit Quarterly
