Graduate School of International Studies Ajou University
Publication Year
2015-02
Language
eng
Alternative Abstract
ABSTRACT
Foreign assistance could be seen far back during the Marshal Law for the reconstruction of Europe and that of developing countries, especially Africa, from the 1960s with the introduction of the organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD). Recently however, new development donors – BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) – mainly China, have derailed from the rules established by traditional donors. This has consequently sparked up scholarly and political debates as to the impact of such aid to developing nations.
In fact, the lack of ample information, non-interventionist tendency to recipients’ local politics, and neglect of human rights abuses during disbursement of China’s foreign assistance, China’s aid to developing countries over the last few decades has been one of most contentious development prospects. Based on a vigorous infrastructural expansion towards enhancing better opportunities to developing countries (thus Cameroon), China’s aid has called world attention, stunning friends and rivals alike. While some see these numerous aid as win-win, others ponder on the potential role of China’s development aid effectiveness to recipient countries’ health welfare and independence.
This research paper thus exposes how similar or conflicting is Chinese aid to OECD-DAC aid and which fits best as enhancer of the health domain in Cameroon. It also attempts to verify the impact of OECD-DAC ODA and Chinese aids to the health welfare of Cameroonians. The research equally analyses how the non-official exposure of ample information by Chinese aid agencies undermine accountability and good governance in Cameroon. This research also adds to the ongoing debate in socio-political and academics circles on the long run outcome of these recent aid partners to developing countries. Overall, this paper seeks to clarify some sharks of doubt and settle some dust on the impact of these aid to Africa as a whole and Cameroon in particular.