How to determine if an aid project is a good idea

June 22, 2009

How to determine if an aid project is a good idea

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Jun 22, 2009 6:14:00 AM | Aid recipient concerns, Choosing a charity

5 Comments

I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, but I think you also have to think about the "macro" consequences. An example:

Will you be able to import goods for the project in a way that won't hit the exchange rate, or somewhere along the line are dollars going to be sold on the local currency market to pay for all this, and if so, what's the likely exchange rate response, and what's that going to do to export industries?

Also, political economy: is there a realistic chance of this orphanage getting provided by the state? If we build it, do is the state going to absolve itself from the responsibility of caring for orphans in the future?

Posted by: ian beale | July 14, 2009 at 06:24 AM

Rachel,

Thanks for the link, I'm sure they thought donating bras is a good idea... I've actually already addressed donating bras in my post "5 questions to ask before donating goods overseas" it's funny that it's come up again.

Posted by: Saundra | June 22, 2009 at 05:57 PM

Siena,

I couldn't agree more. It's definitely been the theme of several postings but you're right, I should have included it in this as and example as well.

Cheers,

Saundra

Posted by: Saundra | June 22, 2009 at 05:02 PM

about an hour after i read this post of yours, this link popped up in my e-mail box:

http://togetherweflourish.com/?p=1714

SIGH.

Posted by: Rachel | June 22, 2009 at 04:32 PM

Interesting approach. I would also suggest donating only to organizations that buy locally-sourced products for distribution. Particularly in terms of food aid and malaria nets.

Posted by: Siena | June 22, 2009 at 07:25 AM

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