Politics of Poverty

“A shoe company exec, a human rights activist, and an aid nerd walk into a government building…”

September 28, 2012 Posted by Gregory Adams

Sounds like the start of a really lame joke, right? In fact, it’s a clue to the breadth of the coalition that wants the US to invest more aid dollars directly in the success of local governments, community groups, and businesses in poor countries. Yesterday this broad coalition of activists, companies, NGOs, and think tanks wrote to USAID Administrator Raj Shah to support USAID’s efforts to put more development dollars directly in the hands of the leaders and activists who are trying to change their countries from the ground up.

Over the last several years, we’ve had the privilege to work with many of these leaders to get the US government to change the way it gives aid—to put poor people and their leaders in the driver’s seat. Some are local entrepreneurs who think aid should do a better job of helping firms in poor countries create jobs and opportunity. Some are human rights lawyers and anti-corruption whistleblowers who want the US to fund reforms in their governments to improve respect for rights and the rule of law. And some are US firms—like Nike—who know that there are huge opportunities for American businesses if we can help poor countries lead their own development.

With her successful fish farm, Kim Nay Heang is a leading entrepreneur in her village of Kampong Preh, Cambodia. USAID support for mending value chains is transforming livelihoods for villagers and providing growth opportunities for women. Omar Ortez/Oxfam America.

These leaders are all voicing their support for USAID’s Implementation Procurement Reform (IPR)—a package of reforms meant to direct more aid to where it can do the most good, strengthening citizens and governments in the fight against poverty. And by implementing the reforms at the institutional level, we can effectively fight corruption and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.

But don’t take our word for it—take the word of the heroes who are fighting to make their countries and communities more just and less poor. USAID’s reforms make sure that US aid dollars are working best to support these brave men and women on the front lines of the fight against poverty and injustice.

Gregory Adams

Gregory Adams directs Oxfam America’s advocacy work on aid effectiveness and reform of US foreign aid and development policy. He works with allied organizations and individuals to generate momentum for foreign aid and development policy reforms that are driven by a long-term commitment to effectively reduce poverty.

Prior to Oxfam America, Adams spent more than 10 years working for members of the US House of Representatives, covering national security and foreign affairs issues. He served as legislative director for Representative Diane E. Watson of Los Angeles. In this role, he helped craft Watson’s positions on the Millennium Challenge Corporation and other dimensions of US foreign aid.

Adams has given briefings and presentations at venues including the United Nations, US Department of State, US Agency for International Development, and American University. In addition, he has also briefed Members of Congress on aid effectiveness issues and recently sat on an anti-corruption panel at the 14th Annual International Anti-Corruption Conference in Bangkok. Adams is a frequent commentator in the media including The Washington Post, Foreign Policy,NPR, and Politico.

More information