Bread for the World: Incoming USAID Chief Needs Clout

Washington, DC, November 10, 2009 – Bread for the World today voiced its optimistic support for the nomination of Dr. Rajiv Shah to be Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

"We are hopeful that Dr. Shah's unique combination of knowledge about global health, agriculture, and other issues will allow him to provide a strong and indispensable development voice as major decisions are made about U.S. foreign policy," said Rev. David Beckmann, president, Bread for the World. "Since he has lived in a developing country, he knows first-hand the importance of long-term, sustainable development – in contrast to the State Department's typically short-term, political approaches."

According to Rev. Beckmann, USAID full-time staff has shrunk by 40 percent in recent years, and this is one of several factors that have hampered its effectiveness, especially regarding world agricultural development. "To allow Dr. Shah to do his job effectively, it's crucial that a diminished USAID regains its authority, which has been severely eroded.  The Agency simply needs more muscle than it now has to accomplish its mission."

Rev. Beckmann added that he looks forward to supporting Dr. Shah and the Obama Administration in their efforts to strengthen development and make foreign assistance more effective and accountable for the 21st-century.

Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.