Figures released today show continued drop in aid spend
The OECD has released its latest raft of aid figures today, revealing that aid continues to slips further as governments tighten budgets.
The statistics show that development aid fell by 4% in real terms in 2012, following a 2% fall in 2011. The continuing financial crisis and euro zone turmoil has led several governments to restrict their budgets, which has had a direct impact on aid to poor countries. There is also a noticeable shift in aid away from the poorest countries and towards middle-income countries.
Since 2010, the year it reached its peak, official development assistance (ODA) has fallen by 6.0% in real terms. Excluding 2007, which saw the end of exceptional debt relief operations, the fall in 2012 is the largest since 1997. It is also the first time since 1996-97 that aid has fallen in two successive years.
However, on the basis of a survey on Donors’ Forward Spending Plans, a moderate recovery in aid levels is expected in 2013.
See how all the donors fared on the OECD website.