Foreign Aid, Economic Growth, and Poverty Reduction in Bolivia

Foreign aid has been a critical instrument in addressing economic development and poverty reduction in many low-income countries. This article investigates the relationship between foreign aid, economic growth, and poverty reduction in Bolivia, shedding light on how various factors, including institutional quality, human capital, economic freedom, and the level of democracy influence the effectiveness of foreign aid. Employing smooth transition autoregressive models, the analysis highlights the intricate interplay between foreign aid, economic growth, and poverty reduction. The empirical findings provide evidence that foreign aid exerts a positive influence on both economic growth and poverty reduction, especially when aligned with investments in human capital and the enhancement of economic freedom. However, the revelations brought forth by this study challenge the conventional wisdom, revealing that these relationships are not linear. In emphasizing the nuanced nature of aid’s impact on economic development and poverty reduction, this study contributes significantly to the ongoing discourse on foreign aid efficacy. It underscores the importance of tailoring aid interventions to the specific contextual intricacies of the recipient country. The interplay between foreign aid, institutional quality, human capital, economic freedom, and democratic governance makes clear that a tailored, context-specific approach is needed for foreign aid to have the best possible impact. If the case of Bolivia serves as a useful example for other developing nations, the principal recommendation emanating from these findings is that foreign aid must be carefully tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the recipient nation. A one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient in harnessing aid’s full potential to foster sustainable economic growth and meaningful poverty reduction. The findings presented here serve not only as a contribution to the academic literature but also as a roadmap for policymakers and development practitioners navigating the complex terrain of foreign aid. By emphasizing the intricate dynamics of foreign aid and other important institutional, economic, and human capital factors, the empirical findings in this article advance the understanding of foreign aid’s role as a catalyst for transformative change and set the stage for more targeted, effective interventions in the pursuit of economic development and poverty eradication.