Networks for Lifelong Learning and Rural Poverty Reduction in Asia – Lessons and Challenges

Abstract

Who should fund development? This billion dollar question has ideological, perceptional, operational and political connotations. Public sector, private sector, donor agencies and external aid are some of the sources which fund development at different levels in different regions. Scholars like Jeffrey Sachs, Special Advisor on the Millennium Development Goals to the United Nations Secretary General, argue for enhanced external aid and donor agency support to break the poverty trap in developing countries and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In an interview, he1 reiterated that “Donor financing for the MDGs should take a new approach. Developing countries should design MDG-based poverty reduction strategies, including investment plans to 2015, and donors should fund those strategies”.