The Alms Bazaar: Altruism Under Fire--Non-Profit Organizations and International Development

by Ian Smillie

Overview

Written by an insider, this study of international development agencies ranges from Biafra to Rwanda, from administrative costs to participatory development, from the bright hopes of the 1960s to the implications of the latest Mexican financial crisis. The phenomenon of the transnational mega-charity is examined as are the threats to the independence of voluntary organizations from governments, UN agencies and from charities themselves. This is also a story about lessons of heroism and folly, of bungling and luck and failure - and of achievements that have improved the lives of millions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781853393013
Publisher:	Practical Action Publishing
Publication date:	09/28/1995
Pages:	286
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Ian Smillie is an Ottawa-based development consultant and writer. He has lived and worked widely in Africa and Asia, and his knowledge of Bangladesh spans more than three decades. Author of several books on international development, he was a founder of the Canadian development organization, Inter Pares, and was Executive Director of CUSO. In addition to his other work, he is associated with the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University and serves as Research Coordinator on Partnership Africa Canada's 'Diamonds and Human Security Project'. He is a participant in the intergovernmental 'Kimberley Process,' which has developed a global certification system for rough diamonds.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

... pleads for a new dynamic between the donor and the NGO, between the vast and complex and angst-driven worlds of the NGO communities of North and South. Ahd he suggests by example, how such a dynamic can be achieved. It is the way of the future if development is ever going to mean anything of value for us millions in the South Essential reading for those of us who are part of the Alms Bazaar. Aban Marker Kabrap, International Union for the Conservation of Nature ... a rich and realistic assessment of the non-governmental sector involved in 'development' (and much more including the environment, health, rights ...). The author believes in the 'voluntary' sector He knows of its origins. North and South, of its great variety, of its insecurities and foibles - but above all he has studied its strengths and weaknesses in terms of results. Richard Sandbrook. International Institute for Environment and Development This is a remarkably well informed, wide-ranging and witty account of the NGO phenomenon. The Alms Bazaar avoids the reckless idealism which weakens much of the NGO literature, but retains a strong commitment to the principles of the voluntary sector. David J Lewis. Centre for Voluntary Organisation, London School of Economics