There is famine again in the horn of Africa and a burgeoning tragedy that seems to repeat itself there over and over.
Ethiopia and northern Kenya are particularly affected. I know the rains have failed, but the real problem seems to be chronic and unsustainable population growth. The Ethiopian population has grown from somewhere around 65 million in 2000 to around 90 million in 2011. See here. Kenya's growth is less dramatic but still very large. See here.
We of course will see the usual appeals for help and support, and Ireland will probably lead the field in donations, but I really am beginning to question the whole issue of whether aid works at all or are we just salving our consciences with it?
Coupled with exploding population growth is endemic corruption and what I more and more believe, is an "aid culture & economy". Is there any point in giving aid? Would it be better to do the unthinkable, and leave Africa to solve it's own problems?
Ethiopia and northern Kenya are particularly affected. I know the rains have failed, but the real problem seems to be chronic and unsustainable population growth. The Ethiopian population has grown from somewhere around 65 million in 2000 to around 90 million in 2011. See here. Kenya's growth is less dramatic but still very large. See here.
We of course will see the usual appeals for help and support, and Ireland will probably lead the field in donations, but I really am beginning to question the whole issue of whether aid works at all or are we just salving our consciences with it?
Coupled with exploding population growth is endemic corruption and what I more and more believe, is an "aid culture & economy". Is there any point in giving aid? Would it be better to do the unthinkable, and leave Africa to solve it's own problems?