Research Article

The merits and demerits of extending long-term assistance to developing countries whose own self-help efforts are inadequate, as well as potential measures that could promote greater self-help efforts

Asiimwe Moses

College of Business and Economics, University of Rwanda, Kigali-Rwanda

Author E-mail: mosesasiimwe99@yahoo.com; Tel: +250782661616; P.O.BOX 1514

Accepted 27 December  2014

Abstract

The question of extending long-term assistance to developing countries whose own self-help efforts are inadequate has been matter of serious concern. Billions have been extended as aid to improve the standards of living and uplift development in developing countries but the question of whether or not this huge assistance has done what it was intended for remains hanging. It boils down to why developing countries should receive assistance. The matter of developing countries detaching themselves from this kind of assistance has been one of the top debates in parliaments but implementing it has remained a nightmare in most of them. This essay brings out the reasons as to why developing countries should continue getting long-term assistance. However, the same essay points out the ill side of long-term assistance being extended to developing countries whose own self-help efforts are inadequate. It as well brings on board possible measures to promote greater self-help efforts.

Keyword: Long-term assistance, Developing Countries