Miami Herald - June 21, 2005

G-8 can help

President Bush should follow the lead of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and commit to doubling development aid to the continent. The plan is for the Group of Eight (G-8), the world's wealthiest countries, to provide $50 billion a year by 2010. The U.S. share of that would be $15 billion to $20 billion, about what the Pentagon spends in 10 days.

Targeted to countries that have instituted good-government reforms and to projects with measureable results, development aid could stem malaria, boost food production, improve education and lower population growth. The results would reduce the hopelessness that breeds failed states, terrorism, mass migrations and other troubles that spill over to the rest of the world, the United States included.

Africa is home to 34 of the world's 48 poorest countries. Despite having 11 percent of the world's population, its economy accounts for only 1 percent of global output. It's the only region in the developing world where food production has dropped in the last 20 years. Ravaged by HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases, average life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa has plummeted to 46 years. The bleak picture is part of a downward spiral.

Currently the United States earmarks $3 billion a year for aid to Africa -- at a time when Congress is budgeting more than $1.5 billion a day for defense spending next year. About $1 billion goes to fight AIDS in Africa. Another $1 billon for emergency food aid is needed stop-gap relief, but doesn't prevent the next famine. Much of the rest goes to U.S. consultants.

Prevent, treat diseases

What's needed to reverse the downward spiral is a greater, sustained level of investment in development that only the G-8 nations can provide. The investment should go to programs that pay off in future dividends. Preventing and treating diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis will improve productivity. With better seeds, fertilizers and small-scale water-management technology, small farmers could vastly improve their yields. Eliminating school user fees would make education more widespread -- another key element on the road to development. Infrastructure improvements -- roads, ports, electricity -- are needed to jump start investment and economic growth.

The United States and other G-8 nations have a historic opportunity to help Africa with development aid. They should seize it when they meet in Scotland next month.

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