Does aid help Africa?

The big issue being debated on the Katine website at the moment is: does aid help Africa? Katy Taylor outlines the arguments and asks for your thoughts Stella Ililo and her daughter, two year old Betty, in bed under their mosquito net, at dawn. She is a recipient of aid donated by Guardian readers and Barclays and delivered by Amref as part of the Katine Community Partnership. Photograph: Martin Godwin On the face of it, it seems simple. Africa is undeniably poor, we are indisputably richer. If we donate some of our wealth then Africa will surely be better off. Or will it? In the debate we're hosting on the Katine site, four leading development experts outline their reasons for believing foreign aid to the continent is beneficial or not. International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander MP writes: "It is morally right to... [read full story]