The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill

International aid can remain beyond politics

by Kate Schecter, Ph.D. - 01/09/17 2:25 PM ET

As a new Administration prepares to take office, there are once again questions about America’s proper role in the world. Is it our place to help people lift themselves out of poverty and build societies that allow and enable individual and communal fulfillment? If so, who does it, and how? Namely, does it make sense for the federal government to spend tax dollars on programs to further economic and social development in other countries around the globe?

To help answer these questions, it’s important to understand that the majority of US international aid programs—public and private–are not charity. Unlike charity, these programs are not meant to be providing aid indefinitely. Rather than perpetually alleviating the suffering caused by poverty, development projects are designed to help eliminate it.

{mosads}Since most people in the developing world are involved in some stage of food production, a large number of U.S. government international aid goes to agricultural development programs.

From our 65 years working in global development, we have learned that successful agricultural projects have the following characteristics in common:

First Things First. Most agricultural production in the developing world is undertaken according to traditional methods, many of which have been passed down for hundreds of years. There is often enormous wisdom in these techniques.

The key is to combine effective traditional methods with appropriate and sustainable modern innovations, most of which are simple and inexpensive. Improved seeds, up-to-date (low tech) tools, small-scale alternative energy sources, use of animal waste for organic fertilizer and pesticides and basic training in how to implement these innovations can greatly improve agricultural yields. Higher yields and the cost savings derived from lower cost organic inputs result in quick increases in profits and incomes. These profits can then be invested to further increase output, educate children and other uses that expand wealth-creating capacity and opportunity.

In Burkina Faso, we worked with a local partner to teach livestock farmers to “finish” their cattle with weeks of feeding of inexpensive and nutritious natural fodder. Prior to this simple innovation, cattle roamed over areas without fences and clearly defined boundaries. This led to lower weight and communal conflicts. The “finished” cattle weigh more, which results in significantly higher prices and income for producers.

Innovation takes Education. It’s one thing to have new seeds and tools, but how to use them effectively requires education. Much of this can be transmitted through hands-on work. But at least some of it requires continued access to current information and the means to communicate with new suppliers and customers. This can be a powerful catalyst for the development of new ideas about how to both produce and sell food, as well as other ways to reduce losses and increase profits.

In the Burkina Faso example, livestock farmers who “finish” cattle in contained areas need to acquire basic animal health techniques and medications. The skills learned with cattle are then transferrable to other livestock, reducing losses due to disease and illness and further raising family incomes.

Grow for the Market. Real development means building the capacity to identify and sell to real markets. Even more, it means moving up the value chain–food processing, marketing and even exporting.

In Peru, we are helping local farmers raise and sell guinea pigs (cuy) that are fed organic alfalfa. These animals command a premium price in markets and restaurants, including some of Lima’s top-ranked establishments. Peru also exports frozen guinea pigs around the world, including the U.S. Our partners are exploring the potential U.S. market for the organically raised cuy that is a delicacy in Peru.

Taken together, these three elements of successful agricultural programs translate into sustainable livelihoods. It is only through improving an entire food system–sustainable development–that aid organizations can “work themselves out of a job.”

More importantly, it is only through sustainable development that poverty and suffering are reduced and, eventually, eliminated. We can all play a role in this. In fact, if you pay federal taxes, you do play a role. You help fund the programs that help lift millions out of poverty and lay the basis for a more stable and peaceful international community.

International aid–public and private–is one of America’s great success stories. We all have a stake in policies built on the truth that helping others is the best way to help ourselves.

Dr. Kate Schecter is President and CEO of World Neighbors, Inc. an international development organization founded and based in Oklahoma City.

The views expressed by authors are their own and not the views of The Hill.