http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7142965.stm

This article has wound me up slightly. Of course from a humanitarian perspective the ultimate aim is to develop the economies of 3rd world countries to be on a par with the Western world, but surely these countries need to walk before they can run? The move from surviving to actually pushing foward and developing can't happen over night.

As much as many people feel morally obliged to give to charity, the fact is that they aren't in any legal or practical way so any donation should be welcomed. Besides, as said, purchasing a donkey or goat for a family doesn't necessarily mean someone will get one, but that the money will be used in a related project. Gift horses, mouths and all that...