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Summary: An alternative way to aid Africa
Comment: This book is written by a Canadian working in international development for 30 years, predominantly in Africa. Calderisi is therefore well placed to write this critical analysis, challenging in a number of ways the understandable response of many to try and solve the problems of the continent by increasing aid. The major problem the author has to overcome from a sceptical readership is his long association with the World Bank and the accusation that his view is a thinly veiled justification of the position of that powerful organisation. However, he largely succeeds in providing a challenging, counter-cultural approach to the problems of Africa, both because his arguments are sound but also because his love and respect for the continent are so much in evidence. He refutes the belief that all Africa's problems can be laid at the door of the former colonial powers. His thesis is that much of the problem is now the fault of Africans themselves.
Despite his harsh criticisms of African countries, leaders and on occasion their people, he succeeds in enhancing the dignity of Africa and Africans by giving back responsibility. This book is timely. There is a risk that rich countries and rich people will tire of aid for Africa if results do not emerge soon from all the giving; Calderisi provides a powerful diagnosis and, even if his suggested ways forward in later chapters at times appear practically flawed, the challenges he poses provide an excellent contribution to the African debate. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone wanting an accessible understanding of the politics of aid to Africa.
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Summary: Asking the right questions
Comment: Aid to Africa does not work. Or at least, it does not work anything like as well it has elsewhere in the world. Despite billions of dollars from donors, led by the World Bank, more Africans are poor today than ever, whether as a percentage its population or as a grim figure. Why is this? If you maintain - like Bono and Bob Geldof - that the answer to the continent's crisis is to double aid to Africa, then look out: The Trouble with Africa by Robert Calderossi will make you very cross. But do not for that reason ignore this outstanding contribution to an under-informed debate. Mr Calderossi knows what he is talking about. He has worked in the front line of the aid businesss - as one of the World Bank's all-powerful resident representatives (in Cote d'Ivoire), and as the Bank's head of public relations. And if you believe that before well-meaning observers come up with answers to Africa's crisis, they should be first asking the right questions, this seminal book, as hardhitting as it is compassionate, provides a quiverful.
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