Slum Dogs and a trillion dollar industry

For instance, there is little purpose in providing local community members with microfinance for new business ventures if they have no business knowledge or skills. Programs should instead be complimented by education and training, in for example business management, thus eliminating the likelihood of failure.

One approach that fits these needs is the sustainable livelihoods approach. This development philosophy generates resilient livelihood strategies for participants by involving local community members as active participants in projects, while attacking multiple aspects that impact development.

Ultimately, there is a long way to go in understanding what the best way to promote development is in situations far different to our own, and what best practice policy in aid development is.

But that is the point; there is no one recipe for aid delivery.

Instead, aid must be tailored for each project, and new development venture must look at the multiple factors that effect poverty and involve participation of the local community for it to be truly successful. Participatory approaches such as the sustainable livelihood approach allow for this to occur.

If policy is to follow current good practice, there should be an encouragement to use participatory approaches. The evidence that this is the best way to promote true long term development is clear, and well documented.

It also eliminates the colonial legacy of western superiority. It's time to acknowledge that the west doesn't know any better than the rest.