What influences giving to international development?

New UK research suggests that at times of public cynicism with governments’ international policy, NGOs and others must communicate clear and positive messages to supporters. The research is part of a programme studying what determines giving to development, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the UK’s academic research funding body.

It found negative perceptions of international aid fuelled by the media, misunderstanding and misinformation. Stories of developing country corruption and mismanagement particularly appeared to inhibit giving. One participant worried about giving ‘because there are so many corrupt governments out there. I wonder how much is actually going to get to the starving’.