Question
2. Is it possible that foreign aid both helps in some ways and causes harm in other ways? What are examples from the film that show how aid can cause harm? What are examples from the film that demonstrate how aid can help? Describe some of the lessons we can learn from these examples in order to make aid more effective and less harmful. i. Clips demonstrating how aid can cause harm -food aid in Sudan/Ethiopia (6 min) 00:09:16-00:15:42 - aid supporting dictators Somaliland (4 min) 00:43:57-00:47:35 - aid prolonging post genocide fighting in Rwanda (2 min) 00:49 -42 51:20 ii. Clips demonstrating how aid can help - Patrick and Margarite in Rwanda (9 min) 00:51:20-01:00:00 - Microfinance (3 min) 01 :04:33 - 1:07:07 - Emile in South Africa (3 min) 1:14:45-1:17:52
Solution
4.4
(343 Votes)
Elton
Master ยท Tutor for 5 years
Answer
2. Is it possible that **aid** helps in some ways and causes harm in other ways? Yes. The provided film clips offer examples of both the beneficial and detrimental impacts of aid.**Examples from the film that show how aid can cause harm:*** **Food aid in Sudan/Ethiopia (00:09:16-00:15:42):** This segment likely illustrates how well-intentioned food aid can disrupt local markets, undercutting local farmers and creating dependency. Farmers can't compete with free food, leading to a decline in local agricultural production. This can make the region more vulnerable to future food shortages.* **Aid supporting dictators in Somaliland (00:43:57-00:47:35):** This clip probably shows how aid can inadvertently empower corrupt regimes. By providing resources to a dictatorship, aid can strengthen its hold on power and prolong its oppressive rule, potentially diverting resources away from the people who need them most.* **Aid prolonging post-genocide fighting in Rwanda (00:49:42-00:51:20):** This segment likely depicts how aid, if not carefully managed, can fuel conflict. For example, if aid is distributed unequally or perceived as favoring one side over another, it can exacerbate tensions and prolong violence.**Examples from the film that demonstrate how aid can help:*** **Patrick and Margarite in Rwanda (00:51:20-01:00:00):** This clip likely showcases a success story of how aid helped specific individuals rebuild their lives after the Rwandan genocide. It likely demonstrates the positive impact of targeted assistance on individuals or families.* **Microfinance (01:04:33-01:07:07):** This segment probably illustrates the empowering potential of microfinance programs. By providing small loans and financial services to individuals, particularly women, microfinance can help them start businesses, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to their communities.* **Emile in South Africa (1:14:45-1:17:52):** This clip likely highlights another positive example of aid contributing to individual empowerment and positive change, possibly through education, healthcare, or other support services.**Lessons we can learn from these examples to make aid more effective and less harmful:*** **Focus on long-term sustainability:** Aid should aim to empower local communities and build their capacity for self-reliance rather than creating dependency. Supporting local markets and agriculture is crucial.* **Ensure accountability and transparency:** Aid distribution should be transparent and accountable to prevent corruption and ensure that resources reach those who need them most. Monitoring and evaluation are essential.* **Consider the local context:** Aid strategies should be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the recipient community. A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely effective.* **Promote peace and conflict resolution:** Aid should be designed to avoid exacerbating existing conflicts and to promote peacebuilding initiatives. Careful consideration of the potential impact of aid on power dynamics is crucial.* **Empower local communities:** Involving local communities in the design and implementation of aid programs is essential for ensuring their effectiveness and sustainability. Local ownership and participation are key.* **Evaluate and adapt:** Regular evaluation of aid programs is necessary to identify what works and what doesn't, and to adapt strategies accordingly. Learning from both successes and failures is crucial for improving aid effectiveness.