Hunger: USAID

There are a lot of governmental agencies that deal with hunger issues (at least one for every high-income country), so I'll look at what my own government is doing; specifically, what USAID is doing, specifically in Africa.

The US government works domestically and internationally on hunger issues, but only USAID is dedicated specifically to development. (If you were wondering how to pronounce it, you're supposed to spell it out: U-S-A-I-D.) In Africa, USAID is working on a presidential initiative to end hunger, partnering with the African Union (AU) and individual countries, as well as with other development institutions.

First, USAID is encouraging US scientists, universities, and companies to provide technical expertise. While this has been known to be badly planned (large dams with no maintenance plans, anyone?), the premise is good; the important thing is to be sure that the "experts" are listening to the people they're helping. It's not a good idea to provide something that people don't want and expect them to care for it and pay for upkeep, especially people on the edge.

Second, USAID is trying to build the private sector in many countries, arguing that ending rural poverty will end much of the hunger problems in Africa. While it is true that these programs are much needed (roads and transport for agricultural goods are essential), my cynical side says the US will benefit from more markets being opened. Still, better infrastructure is a good thing.

Last, USAID talks of trying to break the poverty cycle that keeps people in food insecurity, throwing around words like "sustainable" and "integrated". Laudable goals, all, but I'd need to get into specifics to judge how well they're doing, and, frankly, I have enough research to do right now, between class and writing a thesis.

I'm sorry if this seems a little more judgemental than my previous organizational posts. I do tend to be harsher towards government programs because they so often have an agenda beyond ending hunger. Morality and politics don't really seem to intersect often enough for me to trust organizations that claim to marry them . . .