A stranger has big eyes but sees nothing: How indigenous social welfare systems endure and survive the dark side of international aid

Abstract

ABSTRACT Criticisms against international aid in Africa focus mainly on the notion that aid creates dependency, induces corruption, fosters currency overvaluation, hurts economic development, and doesn’t allow aid recipient countries an opportunity to take advantage of the global economy. Neglected by these arguments are how aid efforts weaken the cultural capital, resourcefulness, and ways of life of recipient communities. The strength and sustainability of any community lies in its cultural values and systems. In this paper, we frame indigenous beliefs in the context we know and work (Namibia), outline indigenous social welfare practices, and argue that aid is not neutral or value-free, but loaded with assumptions, motives, and beliefs alien to the recipient country, which can harm local systems, practices, and institutions.