Chris Blattman

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A sign that something may be wrong with the international presence in Liberia

“How long are you here this time?” is a question I get asked most meetings.

I’m a little embarrassed to say. Just 16 days. As a researcher, what can you accomplish in two weeks (and change)? You barely have time to get out of the capital. Or get your head around anything but the most superficial economics and politics. Make a meaningful discovery? Dispense policy advice? Hardly. Granted, I’m here just to set up and design a project—a prelude to a longer stay and investigation.

Even so, the universal answer so far? “Oh!” they say, with evident surprise and pleasure, “so you came for a long visit!”

Something tells me the world may not be offering the most insightful technical assistance and advice…

2 Responses

  1. Imagine how short the visits would be if Monrovia had international flights more than a 3 times a week!

    On a more serious note, I would disagree that the international community is only providing short-term assistance to Liberia. As can be seen by the number of NGO and international organization vehicles on the streets of Monrovia (and the profusion of sushi restaurants) a lot of organizations are providing long-term assistance to Liberia. GEMAP is a good example in my view (though Liberians might disagree). The bigger danger is that support for Liberia will wain once new crises emerge.

  2. Couldn’t agree more, Chris. To be fair, you’re not professing to have an in-depth knowledge. Plenty do, even with such short stays.

    There’s no way to get anything done at all in development without a long term presence, or a link to a very trusted, capable colleague (whether national or internaional) who’s there long-term. None.

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