The Pros And Cons Of Cutting Foreign Aid

By 2050, the world’s population will reach 9 billion. The first question coming into people’s mind is where can we fit all these people? However, the most important question should be, how are we going to feed all these people? While other regions have reached the limits of agricultural yield per hectare land, 60 percent of Earth’s uncultivated land is located in Africa. Not only that, but Africa’s resources such as coal, oil, and gas are in demand and the majority of the developed world has taken notice, one of which happens to be China. China has prepared for its future by securing agricultural land in Africa to feed its people. In the past, we have given direct foreign aid to the African continent, rather than directly invest in it. We should start, by investing in not only Africa’s agricultural sector, but also its infrastructure. This will result in an economic growth for both sides and a successful future for both sides as well. Section 1. Building Trust with African Leaders and its people Foreign forces have colonialized Africa not too long ago, and the consequence of colonization lingers to this day. To have both the United States and China or others want to invest in the continent will make the African leaders and its people suspicious and suspect neocolonialism. We need to approach this in a different manner and send the message that we want to invest on the continent, rather than take advantage of it. The first and best way to approach this, is by instituting a diplomatic relationship based on trust by sending our representatives (diplomats, ambassadors, and the president) to negotiate with the African leaders and people. To build trust, our representatives must show that we, America can be reliable by making sure we stick our words. If we promise to build railroads, roads, highways, etc., we do it. Simultaneously, our representatives should discuss reducing …show more content…
With that in mind, we must do what the Chinese are doing except better. Export American made materials to help build the African infrastructure to have a successful agricultural land to cultivate food. Exporting American materials will also help American businesses, thus increasing American …show more content…
Cutting Foreign Aid

For every dollar that least developed nations receive, $ 8 are sent back as debt payment. Meaning, foreign aid is futile to some extent. Furthermore, when foreign aid is given to a LDC, we do not know where the money is going. It could go to a corrupt government, warlords, etc. Directly investing is the way to go, since it helps us keep track of where our money is going, how it is spent, and in return, we see positive gains for both sides. Of all FDI going into least developed nations, Africa alone took in 12 percent. This insinuates that foreigners, specifically corporations, have taken notice of the African markets and we, America should do the same should we wish to see and enjoy economic prosperity.

Authorization of Appropriations China’s FDI has in Africa has grown by 53%, while the US stayed at 14%. This past summer, President Obama met with African leaders in Washington, to discuss increasing FDI, and announced $14 billion will come from American businesses; $14 billion in FDI will not do. While China had $210 billion in bilateral trade with Africa, US had only $85 billion. Not only does the US need to increase FDI, it also needs to increase bilateral trade with Africa to see more