In Need of Aid 03: Agency and Responsibility

Some very personal musings regarding development aid and poverty alleviation on the “white board” called WordPress… (concluded with an equally personal reflection at the end of the blog)

I am currently reading the book “Interventions” by Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the UN (1997-2006). I’ll be completely transparent here in that I knew absolutely nothing about him prior to purchasing the book. In fact, I only began to research him and his works as a result of Bono mentioning him in the book “Surrender.” Since starting the book, Annan has quickly become one of the more iconic sources of inspiration in my life (my Facebook postings over the past year include numerous quotes from him). The book is amazing and provides incredible perspective and insight into his tenure of leadership at the UN.

This evening I came across two short phrases in the heart of the book on pages 174 and 177: (1) “Agency lies with the people [of Africa]” and (2) “The responsibility lies with Africans…” The broader context here is an entire chapter devoted exclusively to Africa and its perceived fate from the eyes of Annan as based on his experiences as an African and his time at the UN. While he makes the argument that “outsiders can help,” he is equally clear and adamant that the process and pathway to real, lasting change belong to the peoples of Africa. To that end, in the margins of the book I wrote in capital letters the following: AGENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY.

The word agency is most readily understood to mean “action or intervention.” Along those lines, a simple rendering of “responsibility” is “having a duty to deal with something.” Combined, the idea is straightforward. In Annan’s opinion, the onus for change in Africa rests with the inhabitants of the continent (and the individual, respective countries thereof). Again, “outsiders can help,” but ultimately, the agency and responsibility belong to the peoples who call that part of the world “home.”

Two short thoughs here as I sum up this blog…

First, as it relates to development aid… much of Annan’s thinking here reflects the present development atmosphere in which we currently live. Extending beyond the recent emphases on “localization,” this is a fundamental shift that encourages the peoples most impacted by the challenges of Africa to take ownership and leadership. Hear me out. This is not to say or infer that they haven’t and/or aren’t doing just that currently. My LinkedIn account is filled with “contacts” of African people who are laboring both diligently and sacrificially to improve the quality of life in their home countries. Their commitment is breathtaking; their passion is inspiring. In my mind, it is clear that the peoples of Africa are taking both agency and responsibility. Rather, my point here is that we in the West, in particular, need to embrace a paradigm of support and service as opposed to the historic one of seeking and/or assuming leadership per se. As “outsiders,” we can help. More to the point, we SHOULD help. But I think we need to offer ourselves as servant-volunteers (if that concept makes sense). Africans should lead. They take agency and responsibility. And we, in turn, seek to support them by serving them in their efforts.

Second, as it relates to my own personal journey here… Am I taking full agency and responsibility for this current Divine calling? If I truly believe I am called to serve those seeking to improve their home countries, am I investing the necessary time and effort required to make myself of value to them? The UN Volunteer portal has helped immensely by exposing me to many different local, grass-roots organizations and demanding from me the development of new skills and talents. However, beyond that, there is an immense need in my life to address the issues of my own ignorance and lack of knowledge regarding Africa and the potential role of development aid in this current era. In the same way that Annan believed agency and responsibility rested with the people of Africa, I recognize that I must take ownership of the dream and calling I believe I have received from God. No one else can do it for me. I must put in the work. I must make the sacrifices. I must take action and fulfill this duty.

AGENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY…