The alms bazaar

by Ian Smillie

Threats to the independence of voluntary organizations are the central focus of The Alms Bazaar. These dangers - from governments, from UN agencies, and from charities themselves - are interwoven with other themes; efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, North-South relations, the impact of images used by charities for fundraising and 'development education'. The author attempts to demystify the world of the NGOs whose projects, as well as their fundraising, research and advocacy networks stretch from Harare to Oslo, from Delhi to Washington. This is a story about lessons of heroism and folly, of bungling and luck and failure - and of achievements that have improved the lives of millions.