Water, Health & Women's Empowerment- Guinea Bissau

Foreign Aid

People want to make a difference and help others in any way they can. However, when giving to charity, it can be difficult to know exactly where your donations are being directed and whether your money is making a profound impact.

There are many problems associated with foreign aid and as a non-profit organisation we believe that it is important to highlight these issues. Often we can have the best intentions to help, but can in fact have the opposite effect by creating more problems than they solve if we are not careful and respectful. There are great benefits for people to be gained from foreign aid and if done well, it can work to serve communities.

In this report, I aim to talk through some of the problems that countries in West Africa face as a result of foreign aid and also share a few of the ways that WellFound tackle these issues by working to create sustainable change.

Dependency  

A problem often associated with foreign aid is dependence. Countries and communities can become reliant on money from foreign sources which results in complacency. Receiving large sums at their disposal can mean that local business is not promoted which prevents development. However, foreign aid can also fuel independence by helping to improve infrastructure, health-care, agriculture and education. Such programmes set up by organisations can create long lasting change through sustainable methods.

By partnering with villages we are able to establish women-led market gardens which offer a sustainable source of income for the community. Projects such as this encourage self-sufficiency as villagers grow their own food and and start their own business. Educating and training is absolutely vital, and once communities have the knowledge and initial investment, they can become entirely self-sufficient. 

As part of our work we provide training on safe water storage and well maintenance in order to prevent illness such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid. We encourage communities to adopt good hygiene practices which have been of particular importance amid the coronavirus pandemic. There is also great emphasis placed on women’s health, sanitation and skills which will allow people to make money. 

Impact

Another problem that can arise as a result of foreign aid is what is referred to as the ‘duplication of effort’. This is when two different agencies arrive in the same village to carry out activites while neglecting another village in the same region that could also benefit. This results in certain countries or communities receiving help at the expense of others. Additionally, some countries do not gain access to the aid they need while others gain more, and there is little that the people can do to change this.

To tackle this issue, organisations should target areas where there are no other agencies present. Such locations, although difficult to reach, mean that the people in the areas we work are truly benefiting. 

Partnership

The effect of aid is often limited because outside volunteers and programme officers do not fully understand the issues that occur in the country. When volunteers try to help, they focus on short-term, ‘band aid’ solutions, while the underlying issues behind these problems still remain. These methods do not improve the situation in the long run, ultimately leaving levels of poverty and inequality unchanged. In addition, there may be a cultural disconnect between residents and volunteers which leads to problems in the area left unaddressed. This is often a result of using volunteers that do not reside in the area.

At WellFound, we believe aid is most effective when it is carried out in partnership with local people, which is why all staff must be local to the areas they are working in and live in each village for long periods of time to fully understand village dynamics and culture. 

Corruption

Foreign aid can create an environment that encourages corruption. Large sums of money are often cut off from those who are most in need of the aid, which is instead shared amongst those in positions of power. Money from aid has trapped many countries in West Africa in a cycle of corruption, slow economic growth and poverty. This aid can unfortunately be counterproductive in helping those in poverty, causing more damage than good.

WellFound has learnt from this and is committed to making your donations as effective as possible. The work we do ensures that 100% of all donations go directly to fund projects in vulnerable communities, helping people and maximising your impact. By providing grassroots solutions, with high value for money, little wastage and by putting the community at the centre of the decision-making process, we can ensure that resources are distributed fairly and effectively. Communities must be at the heart of the project and have complete ownership. 

In truth, foreign aid can cause problems. However, it can also have an overwhelmingly positive impact and create long lasting change when used appropriately. Effective, long term solutions can better communities and improve the standard of living for many. With the help of donations, we can give more communities access to clean water and promote sustainable living.