Why does USAID provide assistance?
The U.S. provides substantial economic assistance to developing countries through USAID. Sometimes this is purely humanitarian in nature, such as aid for disaster relief and emergency food programs. In other instances, it is due to special historical or security relationships. But most often, economic assistance is just one element of U.S. relationships with developing countries – relationships that also include mutually-beneficial trade and investment flows and educational and cultural exchanges. USAID programs are financed by American taxpayers. Many Americans believe that the U.S. has a responsibility to help developing countries achieve better lives for their people. Providing development assistance helps the U.S. build closer ties with developing countries. The U.S. also benefits economically because economies that are developing and growing are better trade and investment partners.
