The text in blue is taken directly from the World Bank's Private Sector Development Blog. This is a good quick look at arguments for and against increased aid. Many are currently pushing for more aid from rich countries, while others are skeptical because aid has been increasing for years and they feel they are not seeing a reduction in poverty.

Both sides seem to say that aid has failed because of the sloppy ways it is often used.


Aid works! No it doesn't!

In a debate on the BBC News website, Frederik Erixon explains:

The new 'big push' of development aid has been tried many times before but always with dismal results. The call for redoubling aid to eradicate poverty has been responded to many times over, but it has never delivered what it promised.

Jeff Sachs retorts:

Aid works, when it is practical, targeted, science-based and measurable. Hence, we have seen the successes of immunisation campaigns for children in impoverished countries, against diseases such as polio, diphtheria, and measles.


Yes, it's neary 1:00 a.m. and I'm reading blogs because my brain has decided it's not yet time for me to sleep. Too bad my work schedule can't conform to my body's sleep patterns.

Try also:

Global-Growth.org and, my personal favorite, Johan Norberg's blog.