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On Aid and Growth – An Interview with Sam Jones

28 February 2014

In this interview Sam Jones summarizes the findings of original UNU-WIDER work on the impact of aid on growth. Using data covering longer time frames, the overall picture is that aid amounting to 10% of GDP can, on average, lead to 1% higher GDP.

Drawing on his experience of Mozambique, he reflects on development priorities for the country.  Stimulating productivity in the agricultural sector must be a priority, for example by investment in higher productivity seeds and better roads This can stimulate growth in wage employment and contribute to other industries such as agro-processing.

As a younger scholar, Jones sees UNU-WIDER as a valuable and well-respected network, which encourages academic exchange without ideological barriers, within the UN system.
 
Sam Jones is an Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen, his previous work includes assignments in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Mozambique.

by Roger Williamson