Assesses the effects of the structural adjustment programmes and economic liberalization in Africa. The editors conclude that little development has actually occurred during the era of structural adjustment, with a general contraction in per capita economic growth. There has also been a deterioration in the position of the worst-off economic groups, especially women. Other findings of the study include: population increases at levels ahead of growth, which have increased pressures on resources, from land and water to state-provided services and human labour; increased vulnerability to recession, famine and disease; and the claim by some critics that the programmes themselves have contributed to the growing crisis.

This study on international development cooperation is a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of aid, including the impact of the end of the Cold War. It reviews the motives, goals, strategies and practices of donor agencies and NGOs in North and South; examines emergency relief and humanitarian assistance as new modes of intervention; analyses the international debates on aid impact and effectiveness; and shows that aid has proved more valuable in recipient countries with coherent development policies and strong political institutions. The authors argue that there is no better alternative to taxpayer-financed aid as a mechanism for promoting greater equality. They present ideas for making aid more effective and efficient, and examine new modes of financing development and of international cooperation.