LILONGWE - Development aid is not as straightforward a way to bring about change as it seems. The countries that need it most, are often suffering from corruption and a lack of good infrastructure. Malawi is a case in point. 40% of its economy depends on development aid.

The Flemish government has only been active in Malawi since 2007, focusing on supporting the local agricultural industry. In 2009 the Malawian umbrella organisation of dairy farmers and a coffee cooperative applied for project subsidies. They each received €500.000. UNICEF received €2.000.000 to improve access to clean water and hygiene through the WaSH project.

Each of these organisations was required to report extensively to its donors. But in how far did their assertions to the Flemish government reflect the truth?

Filip Huygens and Collins Mtika interviewed locals and looked into the results of three projects that ran between 2010 and 2013. They found out that the reported situation did not always correspond with the state of affairs on the ground...

This project was funded through Journalismfund.eu's Flanders Connects Continents grant programme.

Supported
A grant of €5.000 allocated on 15/06/2016
ID:
FCC/2016/017
Grant:
Flanders Connects Continents

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