A literature review shows that regional differences and corruption are major contributing factors in perceive aid inefficiencies, and a qualitative research methodology as described and recommended to further address these issues and develop practical recommendations for addressing and correcting the situation. Background Despite ongoing efforts in recent history to establish a more democratic and stable state in Afghanistan, the nation largely remains in a state of chaos and disarray, especially in certain regions (Ahmad, 2002; Reynolds, 2006; Worden, 2010)
This exacerbates the problem of effective use by preventing even the subsistence aid and what infrastructure growth might be available, and perpetuates problems of aid dependency and of threats to personal security (Marsden, 203; Mills & Kitch, 2006). A series of long-running societal issues are contributing to the problem of state stability and security in Afghanistan, from a lack of education affecting most ages and classes in Afghanistan -- and thus leading to leadership vacuums or problems with leadership generally -- to general corruption and allegiances to forces other than the Afghan government and people (Barfield, 2010)
The political, social, and economic instability the country has experienced has led to a great deal of foreign aid involvement in the recent decade, especially (Marsden, 2003; Mills & Kitch, 2006). The geographic spread of the country and other factors have led to a development pattern that is highly fragmented, with populations in more far-flung and rural areas of the country living with a lack of basic infrastructure while certain city populations have urbanized and industrialized to a degree (Ford & Davis, 2001; Barfield, 2010; Jensen, 2011)
A long history of international intervention in the nation and the region, as well as regime changes within Afghanistan itself, have contributed to instability and a lack of focus and unity in the government and the power hierarchies within the country, and the fact that these are often not the same thing contributes to modern instability (Ahmad, 2002; Jensen, 2011). The political, social, and economic instability the country has experienced has led to a great deal of foreign aid involvement in the recent decade, especially (Marsden, 2003; Mills & Kitch, 2006)
Research Questions The research questions have been partially identified above, but can be more explicitly stated as, what groups/communities/popuations in Afghanistan are currently in the most need of foreign and local aid? What groups/communities/populations/individuals are currently receiving the majority of local and foreign aid funds? What is the degree of disparity between where the aid should be going and where the aid is actually going currently? What are the mechanisms by which aid is currently being diverted away from those groups, etc., most in need? Literature Review One of the major consistent problems with the current system of aid dispersal in Afghanistan is the fact that the aid simply does not seem to be reaching the Afghani people, but is being siphoned off for other projects or simply to enrich specific leaders and groups (Mills & Kitch, 2006; Mullen, 2010)
The military has also been a major draw of foreign aid funds, and while this is warranted in part due to the security needs in the country and the lack of personal safety in many regions, this has also been the cause of a great deal of controversy and a potential source for increased levels of corruption by certain regionalized units or individual commanders within the Afghani armed forces (Mills Kitch, 2006; Mullen, 2010). The increased militarization of the country has also come with -- in response to, according to the justifications for continued military aid, and with some rationality -- and this along with other factors has made it difficult for democratization and true social involvement to occur on a broad scale in the areas where it is most needed, and among the populations and communities that are currently the most marginalized (Reynolds, 2006; Constable, 2007; Worden, 2010)
A series of long-running societal issues are contributing to the problem of state stability and security in Afghanistan, from a lack of education affecting most ages and classes in Afghanistan -- and thus leading to leadership vacuums or problems with leadership generally -- to general corruption and allegiances to forces other than the Afghan government and people (Barfield, 2010). This contributes to the funneling of aid to particular causes held in individual esteem by the decision-makers, and in some cases to outright corruption (Worden, 2010; Mullen, 2010; Jensen, 2011)
According to Reuters, "world leaders have pledged massive assistance to rebuild Haiti after the earthquake killed as many as 200,000 people, but five days into the crisis aid distribution was still random, chaotic and minimal." (Cawthorne and Bremer, 2010)
For generations, nations did not try much to change moral issues in other states. According to the research, "realist scholars argued that it was inappropriate for states to consider moral issues in foreign policy" (Allendoefer 2010 p 7)
S. Defense Department and State Department programs that provide assistance to security forces in other countries, imposes a mandatory vetting and validation requirement" which is partly based on a nation's potential for violating international human rights laws (Chishti 2011)
Rating system which places countries in specific tiers based on their efforts to curb human trafficking. Ratings are downgraded when nations are "not complying with minimum standards required to address the trafficking of people" (Hunt 2012)
In fact, Nielsen (2012) illustrates how many private donors refuse to give aid to some violators, but give much more to others, representing how aid is not restricted equally. According to the research, "foreign aid donors impose aid sanctions for human rights violations," yet "they do so selectively" (Neilson 2012 p 2)
In fact, it has been a strategy that has been used, yet this use has often proved to be unregulated and uneven, costing crucial effectiveness. The United States spends over $2 billion annually on economic support funds (Lum 2008)
Latin America shares similar features with Africa in terms of strong presidential features and poor legislature. For this reason, Latin America embraces the aspect of accountability and reshapes their weak institutions by enhancing the rule of law and amplifying democracy (Angelesm & Kyriako, 2009)
S plays a larger role in providing foreign aid in both Latin America and the Caribbean nations since the early 1940s. However, considering the political instability and economical upheavals in the two countries, the foreign aid dispensed was low up to the 1960s with the onset of communism (Barro; 1990, Barro; 1991 Barro; 1996)
S plays a larger role in providing foreign aid in both Latin America and the Caribbean nations since the early 1940s. However, considering the political instability and economical upheavals in the two countries, the foreign aid dispensed was low up to the 1960s with the onset of communism (Barro; 1990, Barro; 1991 Barro; 1996)
S plays a larger role in providing foreign aid in both Latin America and the Caribbean nations since the early 1940s. However, considering the political instability and economical upheavals in the two countries, the foreign aid dispensed was low up to the 1960s with the onset of communism (Barro; 1990, Barro; 1991 Barro; 1996)
Foreign Aid and Economic Development Does foreign aid boost hinder economic development? In theoretic perspectives, foreign aid should be capable of triggering social and economic growth, mostly in developing nations through financial assistance offered by affluent developed nations. Thereafter, this foreign aid should trigger economic growth by improving infrastructure, introducing modern technologies and innovative ideas, reinforcing fundamental social amenities, for instance, education, health and political structures (Brautigam, Deborah & Stephen, 2004) In addition, the aid offers humanitarian support in the course of crises, and replenishes the economy after an economic downfall
But it also noted that, despite these improvements, the majority of families remained very poor (LOC). Impact in the Case of Nepad Chukwuka 2013) Two issues characterized the negotiation process between Nigeria and the international or multilateral aid agencies (Chukwuka 2013)
Actions of Nigerian Leaders Corruption heads the list of reasons for the failure of the objectives of foreign aid. One illustration is provided by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Nuhu Ribadu who accused former leaders of stealing donors' assistance from Western countries worth $500 billion since the country gained independence (Ojeme & Ezinwa 2006)