Selected readings 2015: Handbook on the Economics of Foreing Aid
Edited by Mak Arvin and Byron Lew, and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. Presentation: "It would be fair to say that foreign aid today is one of the most important factors in international relations and in the national economy of many countries – as well as one of the most researched fields in economics. Although much has been written on the subject of foreign aid, this book contributes by taking stock of knowledge in the field, with chapters summarizing long-standing debates as well as the latest advances. Several contributions provide new analytical insights or empirical evidence on different aspects of aid. As a whole, the book demonstrate how researchers have dealt with increasingly complex issues over time – both theoretical and empirical – on the allocation, impact, and efficacy of aid, with aid policies placed at the center of the discussion" (Presentation at the Publishers Website). More Information (authors, chapters, contents, etc.) at Edward Elgar Websites:
https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/handbook-on-the-economics-of-foreign-aid?___website=uk_warehouse
Comments (provisional version): "It is a very interesting book which, in our view, deserves a positive impact on real policies addressed to foster international cooperation to development. The book includes many interesting tables, graphics thoughts and conclusions in this regard, like the following ones, among others:
Part I.
page 54: Evolution of Official Development Aid (ODA),
page 84 Evolution of economic development 1980-2010 in 21 major areas of the World. While in the period 2000-2010 some areas experienced an important increase of real income per head around 300 or 400 Dollars per year, some poorest areas experienced almost stagnation even with less than 50 Dollars per year. The international comparisons call to improve the mechanisms of foreign aid in order to reach the desired goals of quality of life for World population.
page 87: quantitative estimation of the impact of 7 main channels of foreign aid to development. It is interesting to have into account not only ODA but also private philantropic aid, remittances, trade, investment and other ways. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Trade (FT) have usually a high impact."
Updated 14th June 2022
Table: 7 channels of Foreign Aid to Development, by Guisan, Aguayo and Exposito (2015) The most important recommendation is to increase all the channel particularly regarding aid to Education and investment.
