Be cautious about blaming aid culture

I WOULD like to respond to your article “Aid culture blamed for Niger famine” (Irish Examiner, August 1), and some of the views expressed.

Self Help Development International agrees with the view that crisis aid is not the answer but that long-term solutions are needed to combat the recurring crises on the African continent.

Nonetheless, commentators should be cautious about blaming an “aid culture” for the famine in Niger - as this sentiment infers that those who support the many humanitarian efforts underway in Africa are in some way contributing to the problems.