Is USAID mainly serving US interests? (2013)

The article discusses the criticisms surrounding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its alignment with U.S. interests rather than the needs of foreign aid recipients. It highlights a Bloomberg Businessweek op-ed by Charles Kenny, which argues for reform in USAID practices, particularly in relation to food aid in Haiti. The op-ed cites studies indicating that U.S. foreign aid often increases for countries on the UN Security Council, suggesting that aid is used as a tool for political leverage. Kenny points out that USAID's food assistance program primarily benefits U.S. farmers, as it purchases American crops and incurs high shipping costs, rather than sourcing food locally in recipient countries. This practice undermines local agriculture and fails to address the timing of food aid delivery, which should align with local harvests. The article also notes that the blame for these inefficiencies lies with Congress and lobbying efforts that prioritize U.S. economic interests over effective aid delivery. Despite the potential for USAID to implement effective programs, structural issues and political motivations hinder its ability to serve the needs of developing nations.

- USAID practices often prioritize U.S. economic interests over the needs of foreign aid recipients.

- U.S. food aid programs primarily benefit American farmers, undermining local agriculture in recipient countries.

- Political leverage is a significant factor in the distribution of U.S. foreign aid.

- Structural issues within USAID and lobbying efforts impede necessary reforms.

- Effective aid delivery is often compromised by congressional priorities and political motivations.