If only some of Bono and Co's moral outrage could be directed against agricultural subsidies in the First World, it might have a chance of actually doing Africa some good.
I'm currently considering donating something like 25% of my income to microcredit charities (still haven't made up my mind which ones). I've tentatively concluded that although microenterprise isn't a substitute for systemic reform in the developing world, it may be the most efficient means for a private individual to alleviate poverty (on a nanoscale of course, I have no illusions about that). But I'm also wondering if I shouldn't reserve some of my giving for direct relief organizations, since starving or sick people aren't in much of a position to help themselves. But I have to wonder how much of this private aid gets sucked down the black hole of corruption and resource substitution. Does anyone here with some knowledge (preferably firsthand) of development economics have an opinion on this dilemma?
If only some of Bono and Co's moral outrage could be directed against agricultural subsidies in the First World, it might have a chance of actually doing Africa some good.
I'm currently considering donating something like 25% of my income to microcredit charities (still haven't made up my mind which ones). I've tentatively concluded that although microenterprise isn't a substitute for systemic reform in the developing world, it may be the most efficient means for a private individual to alleviate poverty (on a nanoscale of course, I have no illusions about that). But I'm also wondering if I shouldn't reserve some of my giving for direct relief organizations, since starving or sick people aren't in much of a position to help themselves. But I have to wonder how much of this private aid gets sucked down the black hole of corruption and resource substitution. Does anyone here with some knowledge (preferably firsthand) of development economics have an opinion on this dilemma?