Foreign Aid Research Articles

The land tenure and environmental policies nexus: policy integration and spatial planning in Benin

ABSTRACT This article examines the dynamics of integration between land tenure and environmental policies in Benin. This country is characterised by growing vulnerability to the effects of climate change and is marked by a long history of extraversion and dependence on international aid. This article contributes to the theoretical debate on the integration and coordination of environmental and climate policies by showing that cross-cutting policy objectives can hardly be achieved by State sectoral institutions alone, which are largely dependent on international development aid. It successively analyses the different agendas for rural and urban land issues, the incomplete institutionalisation of a Ministry of the Environment, and finally the growing development, supported by international aid, of a more targeted approach to spatial planning, which is more inclusive of land and environmental issues, but which remains focused on urban areas. The article concludes with a discussion of the structural difficulties encountered by international donors and the Beninese government in reaching agreement on cross-cutting issues, and the sectoral autonomies that contribute to the dynamics of inertia and limit the integration of these issues into bureaucratic routines.

Initiatives on Education Diplomacy/Linkages: The Chequered Experience in Nigeria

Purpose of the study: The study provided clear indications from the studies of comparative education that Nigeria’s educational system is not highly rated when compared to many other educational systems around the globe. Research evidences are also rife on the use of education diplomacy and international linkages for bridging the gaps of educational inequalities between developed and developing nations. Methodology: As a qualitative study, the paper adopted historical research design, relying on documentary analysis to establish the tenets of education diplomacy/ linkages are not only capable of improving Nigeria’s educational system, but can equally be used to elevate it to a point of global relevance and reference. Main Findings: Revealed in the study are the four major purposive initiatives that are corollaries of education diplomacy/ linkages are depicted in the praxes associated with Foreign Aid packages, Technical Aids Corps, Foreign Studentship schemes and Internalization programme in higher education. The treatise critical appraises the exploration and use of these initiatives for educational image-making and cautious integration of the country’s educational system with global best practices. Despite the chequered experiences identifiable with the initiatives, the inherent derivatives of these initiatives are extremely gainful to the overall development of education in Nigeria. Novelty/Originality of this study: Finally, the paper strongly advocated that Nigeria needs to carefully re-engage and follow through the gains in these initiatives, so as to unlock and tap from the intrinsic benefits and humongous opportunities derivable from the thrusts of education diplomacy linkages.

The Samaritan bureaucracy in international transfers

AbstractConventional wisdom tells us that other-regarding sentiments are desirable as they yield positive social outcomes. However, the consequences of other-regarding behaviors are broadly ambiguous and may have unintended consequences, especially when they must pass through institutional filters. In this paper, we use the Samaritan’s Dilemma model to understand the perverse unintended consequences of institutionalized commitments to resource transfers expressed through international transfer organizations (ITOs), the collection of government and non-government international organizations involved in transferring foreign assistance. To do so, we maintain the core logic of the classic Samaritan’s Dilemma model but alter its assumptions to account for two features of international transfers. First, transfers are channeled through an ITO bureaucracy, which we call a “Samaritan Bureaucracy.” Second, the recipient effects that extend beyond a single person (the target recipient) to include various heterogeneous individuals. We illustrate these effects by analyzing two different harmful recipient effects—reinforcing a corrupt status quo and exacerbating social conflict.

Revisiting the determinants of tax revenue: an integrative model with conventional, economic policy and institutional factors

PurposeThe Indian government is grappling in generating sufficient revenue resources through taxation to meet their expenditure on public goods and services. Therefore, the government authorities must possess adequate information on factors affecting the taxation revenue of the country to craft and execute policies effectively. Hence, this study endeavors to explore the determinants of tax revenue by incorporating conventional, economic policy and institutional factors.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling by using the data set from 1991 to 2022 according to the availability of the data.FindingsThe findings illustrate that trade openness, life expectancy, value added by the manufacturing sector and per capita GDP (Gross domestic Product) positively affect the tax efforts of the government in the conventional determinants. Similarly, in economic policy factors, the financial deepening also exhibits a favorable effect. Conversely, the inflation rate positively boosts the tax efforts in the short run, but it ultimately erodes the tax effort of the government in the long run. In the institutional factors, the official development assistance also illustrates a positive effect.Practical implicationsThe findings assert that the Indian government should devise better macro-economic and foreign trade policies with expediting the economic restructuring and bolstering their ability to manage and utilize the foreign aid assistance to boost the tax revenue of the country.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to incorporate these factors in the Indian context.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2024-0314

Biophysical and socioeconomic characterization of Agewmariam experimental watershed in Northern Ethiopia: insights and management options.

Watershed characterization is essential for sustainable watershed management and effective resource utilization, particularly in assessing changes resulting from interventions. This study investigates the biophysical and socio-economic conditions of the Agewmariam watershed, aiming to develop land capability and suitability maps while identifying viable management options. Biophysical data, including land slope, soil properties, erosion severity, stoniness/rockiness cover, and vegetation cover, were collected through field surveys and analyzed using overlay analysis in ArcGIS. Socio-economic data, encompassing population demographics, income, and expenditure, were gathered via individual interviews, complete census, and focus group discussions and summarized using descriptive statistics. The study identified 259 households with an average family size of 4 and a demographic dependency ratio of 96.6%. The major sources of income are crop production and livestock rearing supplemented by casual labor and food aid. The average farmland holding size is 0.5ha, with sorghum, barley, teff, and wheat as the dominant crops. The watershed is characterized by six land capability classes (classes II, III, IV, VI, VII, and VIII). The suitability analysis indicated that the watershed is not currently suitable for wheat and teff crops unless physical, chemical, and biological management improvements are implemented. The study revealed that the major limiting factors for land capability and suitability were slope, erosion severity, stoniness, soil organic matter, and soil texture. The socio-economic characterization enhanced awareness about the local socio-economic condition, informing appropriate planning and management strategies. The study recommends intensive soil and water conservation intervention, afforestation on hillsides, changing the land use system, and the addition of organic matter and fertilizers to enhance land capability and suitability for sustainable agricultural practices.

Shifting official development assistance during COVID-19: earmarking, donor concentration and loans

ContextIn contrast to bilateral aid, aid disbursed from multilateral institutions increased significantly at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, at a time when a coherent and effective multilateral response...

ROLE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IN ENSURING LIQUIDITY AND STABILITY OF THE CURRENCY MARKET OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF MILITARY CONFLICT

In the conditions of military actions, liquidity of the currency market is of critical importance for the financial stability and security of the state, which stipulates significant relevance of the issue of instruments of liquidity provision. The research aims to identify the influence of the instruments of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) on the liquidity of the currency market of Ukraine within the context of long-term military conflict.The methods of regression analysis, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance were used in the study to determine the leading factors that influence the liquidity of the currency market in Ukraine in the conditions of military conflict.The study of the liquidity of the currency market through the prism of linear regression reveals the relation between the core economic indicators and the level of liquidity of the currency market during the military conflict. The model with a coefficient of determination 0,774 was found to effectively describe 77,4% of liquidity variability, underlining the significant influence of such factors as central bank policies and macroeconomic conditions. Significant coefficients for central bank interventions (1,7867), regulatory measures (59,8199), volume of international aid (-1,5684) and inflation (-99,9780) indicate their influence on the liquidity of the currency market in the conditions of military conflict. The influence of regulatory measures with a correlation of 0,59 is especially important.The article emphasises the necessity for minimising dependence on external financing and inflation control through monetary measures to ensure price stability. Further study perspectives involve consideration of the influence of digital currency of central banks on the liquidity of the currency market.

Sino-US Competition for Political Influence in Africa: Can Bilateral Aid Buy UN Votes?

ABSTRACT As the bilateral tension and geopolitical turbulence intensify, both the US and Chinese governments are escalating their efforts to garner political support from members of the international community. A strategic avenue for this endeavour is the provision of financial aid. This paper examines the effects of Sino-US financial aid to Africa on the voting behaviour of African nations in the UN General Assembly. The findings reveal that financial aid from both China and the US can influence UN General Assembly votes. Specifically, US aid not only directly diminishes Africa’s political support for China but also indirectly undermines the political returns of Chinese aid through its economic and diplomatic engagements with Africa. However, these direct and indirect effects are not reciprocated by Chinese aid vis-à-vis the US.

Amerika Syarikat, Misi Judd dan Darurat di Tanah Melayu, 1948–1960

This study centres on the discussion of the special mission visit of the United States of America to Malaya during national state of emergency in the year from 1948 until 1960. The Judd Mission visit took place in Malaya and other countries in Southeast Asia on 1953. To meet the objective of this study, the Judd Mission visit was assessed in terms of the benefit it has on Malaya as well as its importance at Southeast Asian level. The chronology of the discussion is then followed by its geostrategic importance which includes the distribution of economic aid for Malaya. To fulfil the aim of the study, a qualitative research approach was employed. An analysis on primary documents obtained from an archive was utilised to form a more informative and authoritative discussion of the research topic. The primary documents analysed in this study were published papers such as documents from Foreign Relation of the United States (FRUS) and Pentagon Papers as well as other related primary documents available online. Besides that, this study also employed sources from The Department of State Bulletin, Hathi Trust Digital Library and Public Papers of the President of the United States. All of the sources were analysed, translated, organised and processed to form the chronology of discussion of the Judd Mission in Malaya. Secondary sources such as books, articles, journals and doctoral thesis were also utilised to build a more systematic narrative of the discussion. Lastly, this study concluded that the Judd Mission visit from the United States to Malaya during the national state of emergency brought forth geostrategic and economic importance for both parties.

Beyond security failures: The complexities of addressing Boko haram in Nigeria

The fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria highlights the complexities of addressing a multifaceted insurgency that thrives on political, social, and economic dysfunction. This article examines the critical failures in Nigeria’s security and justice systems, which have allowed Boko Haram to flourish despite military interventions. It explores the limitations of a purely military response and underscores the importance of addressing the broader socio-political issues that contribute to terrorism. The article evaluates how government corruption, poor governance, and the lack of accountability within the security apparatus have weakened Nigeria's capacity to combat Boko Haram effectively. Moreover, it considers the role of international stakeholders, including the United States, in supporting Nigeria's counterterrorism efforts, while emphasizing that foreign assistance must align with domestic reforms to be effective. The application of complexity theory is proposed as a framework to understand the interconnected factors contributing to the persistence of Boko Haram. This approach underscores that addressing Boko Haram requires more than just military solutions; it demands addressing economic stagnation, political corruption, and social grievances that fuel the insurgency. The article concludes by recommending a holistic strategy that combines security sector reform, governance improvements, and international cooperation as the path forward for Nigeria.

Exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sustainable food aid programmes across Europe

Abstract Background Food insecurity has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. In some EU high-income countries, more than 70% of food aid users experience food insecurity, highlighting the need for food aid programmes to provide good quality and sustainable services and maximise the social inclusion of food aid users. The aim of this study was to identify areas that can promote sustainability in food aid programmes. Methods Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sustainable food aid were assessed via a quantitative questionnaire. Socio-demographic data were also collected. The survey was translated and disseminated online across 5 EU countries (Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal), targeting staff and volunteers involved in food aid programmes (20 per country, total N = 100). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results Most participants were female (68%), 18-49 years old (87%) and occupied in a NGO (89%) as employee (55%). The mean total knowledge score was 11.8 out of 19 (SD 3.2) with low knowledge (% of correct answers) on household food waste (18%) and environmental impact of cooking appliances (29%). In all countries (except Austria) more than 70% of participants agreed that they can apply sustainability through their work; however, more than 50% agreed that sustainability is not always feasible in food aid programmes. Food loss/waste, access to local food and the economic crisis were the main parameters reported to impact sustainability in food aid (≥70% of N). The most frequently applied practices were storing food according to expiration date, monitoring quantities in food distribution, considering beneficiaries’ needs and reading food labels. The least frequently applied practices were composting food leftovers and using energy-efficient methods to distribute food. Conclusions Sustainability is considered important; however, more effort is needed to promote and embed sustainability parameters in food aid programmes. Key messages • Sustainability is considered important in food aid programmes; however, more effort is needed to promote and embed sustainability parameters in practice. • Identifying sustainability areas in food aid programmes can lead to successful educational and training initiatives.

Ideology, financial circumstances, and attitudes toward public and private foreign aid

Does ideology influence voter preferences for foreign aid in the same way it does for domestic redistribution? Economically vulnerable left-leaning citizens, who are normatively strong proponents of government aid, may not be as committed to increasing actual spending. Such citizens may see themselves as competing with the foreign poor for domestic resources. Similarly, while affluent right-leaning citizens may oppose increasing foreign aid due to skepticism about government spending, this might not extend to private donations. Instead, they may view non-governmental organizations and charities as alternatives that leverage private expertise to assist poor countries. Using four years of public opinion data from 15 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development donor countries, I find support for the conditional effect of ideology and economic self-interest on both public and private aid attitudes. By focusing on three different measures—the morality of aid, public aid spending, and private donations—I further explore variations in aid attitudes.

Research and Development Alliance for Competitiveness and Product Value Enhancement in the Hand Tools and Aids Industry

Through ongoing research and development (R&D), there has been great progress, including the development and improvement of medicine, health practices and nutrition that can extend lives. With the ageing population, it is important that the elderly require the help and assistance they may need to carry out their daily lives and have the best quality of life possible. Taiwan is an example of a country where the ageing population continues to grow, to the extent that Taiwan is an Aged Society. Distinguished Professor Dengchuan Cai is Director of the R&D Centre of Product Innovation and Assistive Technology, which is based within the Department of Industrial Design at the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. He is passionate about R&D and its crucial role is pushing forward scientific enquiry. He and his team are working to develop tools and devices that can benefit the lives of the elderly. Cai is harnessing his background in human factors engineering and industrial design to apply knowledge in skills in functionality, useability and appearance to advance his investigations and wider R&D. One of many foci for the Centre is competitiveness and product value enhancement in the hand tools and aids industry, which is particularly beneficial for the elderly. A key invention for the Centre has been pillows with different heights for when a person is lying on their front or lying on their side to help maintain the natural posture of the spine when sleeping and thereby improve sleep quality. Another key technology is a dementia prevention bicycle built on the concept of reverse pedalling.

Food insecurity, associated climate factors and intervention mechanisms: a theoretical and empirical analysis of Ethiopia’s case

Purpose In our world, nearly nine million people die every year from hunger, losing one person to hunger every few seconds. Ethiopia is among the leading countries in the total number of people facing hunger. Several actions have been taken to achieve food security globally and at the household level. However, the problem of food insecurity is still high in many parts of the world. Why are we failing to achieve food security? And where should we start? This study aims to answer these main questions. Design/methodology/approach Relevant quantitative and qualitative data were duly used to describe food insecurity and associated climate factors globally and nationally. For this, PRISMA review methodology was used to help the systematic review. More than 90 relevant empirical and theoretical literature in the field were reviewed in an integrated way with practical evidence from Ethiopia. Governmental technical reports, NGOs reviews and other relevant empirical data referring to Ethiopia are thematically analyzed. Findings The subjectivity, dynamism and complexity of the concept of food security are found to be some of the issues challenging the practice of achieving food security. The unresolved issues in the combination and interaction of the four pillars of food security (food availability, access to food, food utilization and stability) are affecting its measurement. In this study, it is emphasized that food insecurity in rural and urban areas should be treated differently, as food insecurity in rural areas is directly related to food production which depends on rainfall patterns. In rural Ethiopia, rainfall variability was among the main causes of food insecurity. More importantly, it is indicated that rainfall variability does not affect all pillars of food security equally; its effect is more pronounced on food availability and stability aspects. Deconstructing the concept of food security to make it more pragmatic, and understanding the factors behind the rainfall variability should be the starting tasks in achieving food security. Further, even though food aid is preferred to react to transitory food insecurity, focusing on long-lasting preventive measures that address the root causes of the recurring food insecurity in rural areas of Ethiopia would be an effective way of addressing the problem. Practical implications Policy makers and other governmental and humanitarian agencies working on food security can make an evidence-based decision, shape policies and programs if they have clear information about the features of food insecurity, the nature of rainfall variability and critiques of the reacting mechanisms to food insecurity. Shortages of food in some place and food price crises in the other places have been both referring to food insecurity. This makes the understanding of food security situations more difficult to explain and communicate. Originality/value This study primarily clarifies the conceptual complexity surrounding food security as it currently exists. Further, it provides a comprehensive and quantitative description of the state of global to national food security, along with the associated variability of rainfall patterns that are related to it. It also provides a brief overview of the intervention mechanisms for addressing food security, with a specific focus on Ethiopia. This study has set a clear demarcation to assess food security in rural and urban areas.

Predictors of Food Insecurity and Food Assistance Program Usage Among Puerto Ricans Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Holyoke, Massachusetts

Background/Objectives: Puerto Rican households often face elevated rates of food insecurity. Frequently, households experiencing food insecurity turn to federal and emergency nutrition assistance for urgent or prolonged aid. This study analyzes factors influencing food insecurity and food assistance program involvement among Puerto Ricans in Holyoke, Massachusetts, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using a combination of community-based participatory recruitment, purposive sampling, and web-based tools, we collected 284 survey responses. Our paper employed Pearson’s chi-square, logistic regression, and hierarchical linear models to assess relationships between demographic and household attributes and food access outcomes. Results: Variables such as having children in the household and age significantly influenced food relief participation and food insecurity outcomes. Puerto Rican heritage and low educational attainment were strong predictors of obtaining federal food aid. Low-income participants disproportionately faced food shortages and depended on emergency food initiatives. Our findings indicate that demographic and household factors significantly influence food insecurity and accessibility. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the pandemic made it challenging for households to obtain consistent, safe, and affordable nourishment. The impacts were unequally spread; hence, Puerto Rican communities and low-income groups were most affected.

Communist Ideals to Capitalist Realities: Uncovering Kerala Model’s Struggle with Foreign Aid(ed) Dependency and Disempowerment of the Marginalized

This article analyses Kerala’s development model through dependency theory, highlighting its reliance on foreign aid and consequent policy constraints. It examines how tied loans eroded Kerala’s policy autonomy and social model, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. The state’s financial crisis and strained central relations led to accepting loans with neoliberal conditionalities, undermining welfare policies. Using the World Bank-funded Jalanidhi project as a case study, it contextualizes Kerala’s aid dependence within global capitalism, where aid often acts as “euphemized domination.” It reveals the model’s vulnerabilities, interlinked with exploitative global relations, and advocates for economic restructuring fostering self-reliance and people-centered development.

Italian Libyan Relations 1951 – 1969 Eecnomic Study

This study explores the economic dimensions of Italian-Libyan relations from 1951 to 1969, a period marked by the shifting sands of post-colonial geopolitics and economic development. After Libya's independence in 1951, Italy, as a former colonial power, sought to maintain and reshape its economic ties with the newly sovereign nation. This period witnessed significant Italian investment in Libyan infrastructure, oil exploration, and trade, reflecting both countries' evolving economic priorities and strategies. The study examines key agreements, economic aid, and the impact of the oil boom on bilateral relations. By analyzing trade data, investment flows, and political agreements, the research highlights how economic considerations influenced diplomatic interactions and contributed to the broader geopolitical landscape of the region. The findings provide insights into the complexities of post-colonial economic relationships and the strategic maneuvers of a former colonial power seeking to secure its interests in a rapidly changing world.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION UNDER MILITARY THREATS: UKRAINIAN EXPERIENCE OF ADAPTING TO CRISIS SITUATIONS

The article examines the Ukrainian experience of public administration under conditions of military threat as of 2022-2024. The key challenges faced by Ukraine during the full-scale war are analyzed, including the destruction of critical infrastructure and the need to ensure uninterrupted provision of public services. Special attention is paid to the digitization of public administration, which played a decisive role in maintaining the stability of state institutions. The role of the «Action» platform and other innovative solutions that enabled interaction between citizens and the government in crisis conditions is described. The impact of decentralization on the ability of local authorities to respond to the challenges of war has been studied. The interaction with international partners within the framework of the SIGMA program, which is aimed at providing support in the reform of public administration with a course towards European integration, is characterized. A comparative analysis of the Ukrainian experience with other European countries that faced large-scale crises was carried out, and unique aspects of the Ukrainian model of adaptation were revealed. The article analyzes strategies for the restoration and modernization of the state administration of Ukraine in crisis conditions. Attention is focused on the interaction between the state and corporate sectors to maintain economic activity even in conditions of active hostilities. The role of business relocation to safer regions and the influence of state support on the stabilization of the labor market and the economy are outlined. Programs aimed at restoring infrastructure and vital services in cooperation with international partners are mentioned. The experience of implementing temporary solutions to ensure the basic needs of the population is described. It examines the impact of international aid and financial support through IMF and World Bank programs that helped maintain budget stability and avoid economic collapse. The perspectives of public administration during Ukraine's integration into European structures and further strengthening of public administration are highlighted. Special attention is paid to the prospects for the development of public administration in the post-war period, the solution of socio-economic problems, the restoration of infrastructure and the attraction of investments. Strategic directions for reforming public administration for the future are proposed, taking into account the experience of the war and cooperation with international institutions.

U.S. foreign aid: Marketization, social responsibility, and economic returns

U.S. foreign aid: Marketization, social responsibility, and economic returns

Entering civic space: youth experiences in sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy in Ethiopia, Mali and Mozambique

ABSTRACT Young people are increasingly involved in advocacy on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), but research documenting their experiences remains limited. This article explores how young people advocate for SRHR in Ethiopia, Mali and Mozambique, what motivates them, what barriers they face, and how they overcome them. Building on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the findings show that across the three countries, youth are motivated to advocate for SRHR because it resonates with their direct realities, but experience challenges throughout. This is linked to a need for accessible and flexible funding for youth initiatives, trust from established organisations acting as allies, and freedom to establish advocacy agendas. Young people furthermore recommended more diverse youth perspectives should be represented in initiatives. Insights from this study are relevant to youth-led organisations, non-governmental organisations and governments interested in equal partnerships with young people in decision-making, and funders supporting international development aid.