The Development Trap

Anyone thinking about a career in international development needs to read this book - a dose of reality therapy about what can go wrong and how to make things go right. If program directors take the lessons of this book seriously, the results of their efforts will be less costly and more effective - a win for everyone. - H. Russell Bernard, Research Professor, Arizona State University, USA Finally those of us who have been looking for a balanced approach to international development as a field of practice and study have a book we can confidently refer our colleagues and students to that offers a truly realistic assessment of the possibilities and challenges involved in this line of work. - Oystein S. LaBianca, Professor, Andrews University, USA This thought-provoking book offers a sound analysis of development and its misconceptions. The proposition that development has failed is hard to accept but arguments presented are undisputable. Feeling inspired to keep development uncomplicated and yet pioneering and people-focused are key takeaways for me. - Denison Grellmann, CEO, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), New Zealand The Development Trap is a must read for those in development work. As someone who has worked in humanitarian aid, Adam Kis brings a breath of fresh air to the question 'can we end poverty altogether?' No donor should continue to give hand outs before reading this practical and insightful book. - Luc Sabot, former Country Director for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Laos, Canada The author has lived among the poorest of the poor in Africa and elsewhere and brings a fresh, middle ground, alternative perspective to arguments that have become increasingly polemical. This is the book to read to understand economic and social development in all its complexities, and it is clearly and engagingly written. - Edward C. Green, formerly Senior Research Scientist, Harvard University, USA