Trump’s abolishing of USAID is a godsend for some and death knell for others

As the dust settles following the freezing of the activities of the United  States Agency for International Development (USAID) globally, work supporting climate change interventions, particularly Climate Smart Agriculture in developing regions of the world will face a serious setback. Most of this  work has been going on under the flagship USAID initiative known as Feed the Future (FTF). FTF was launched in 2010 by the United States Government and the Obama Administration to address global hunger and food insecurity.

Divided opinion

Opinion remains divided about the abruptness of the freeze, which will officially last for three months (90 days), and which was made on President Trump’s first day in office. The point of contention is whether it bodes well or ill for beneficiary countries. Those who support the move argue that for most developing countries, particularly those in Africa, including Kenya, still rely on donor aid for essential life support services – food production and health.

Coming 60 years since the end of colonialism across most of Africa, it is no longer understandable why these countries remain dependent on tax funds by citizens of other countries. To those supporting the freeze, it could not have come at a better time. Governments in Africa have allowed corruption and wastage to take root in their countries, with most of the corruption blame being placed at the doorstep of topmost leaders: presidents and heads of governments.

Leaders of Asian Tigers had foresight

Unlike in many countries in Asia, which realised much earlier on that they must take the responsibility of developing their countries using their own resources, most sub-Saharan countries are yet to acknowledge this reality after six decades of self-government. To those who support Trump’s decision to literary abolish USAID, this disruption is just what the doctor ordered for these corrupt African leaders.

USAID “intermediaries” to go back to the drawing board

The counterargument by those still smarting from the freeze, which are intermediary agencies that have always taken the cream of the resources meant for Africa and other developing regions – the likes of Chemonics, Palladium, RTI, ACDI/VOCA and several others, a vital lifeline has been permanently cut. They must go back to the drawing board or cease operations. Unfortunately, the same is true for local organisations that have actually been doing the actual work and in many instances helping to improve lives and livelihoods to unprecedented levels.

The result will be the sudden unemployment of those who have been working directly in USAID-supported climate change related projects. Should US funding resume for any length of time, it is highly unlikely that any of the support will go towards projects relating to climate change adaptation. The main reason is that Trump has many times denied the reality of the phenomenon saying that funds going towards fighting its devastating impacts have literary gone to waste.

Indirectly, a wide range of support entities such as suppliers, firms providing professional and consultancy services and even property owners accommodating USAID workers, will feel the pinch. Many experienced development professionals will be without work and communities that have been dependent on these initiatives will experience a stumbling block.

Irrespective of which side of this equation one belongs, development initiatives will have to change. Government’s that have been casual about the fight against corruption and wastage will face unprecedented pressure to change their ways. Some might even fall, sooner rather than later as citizens demand accountability.


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