David Roodman at the Center for Global Development sees no way around it: economic trouble will mean decreased foreign aid funding. He examines financial crises past around the world and finds that result every time (though to varying degree). A shakeout within foreign aid appropriations is inevitable, but it should make Oxfam America's plea that Congress should keep funding the Millennium Challenge Corporation all the more persuasive. Aid programs that foster country ownership, careful measurement and long-range planning are the ones we should make sure to keep, argues Oxfam.

By the mere act of making multiyear compacts, the MCC is tackling three of the hallmarks of bad foreign aid: disregard for effective governments' own solutions, impatience with long-term investments like institutions, and inattention to the reforms that fight poverty. Addressing root causes takes time, but it produces lasting results from our aid dollars.

Yet, because of slow progress and uncertain outcomes, Senate appropriators are recommending deep cuts to the MCC. Oxfam rightly wants to make sure the MCC's victories are counted before its funding is cut. Among them, Oxfam notes that:

• Benin is improving the operations and infrastructure of its main port.


• Ghana is investing in a rural credit program and repairing schools.


• Madagascar is implementing a land tenure policy that grants rural farmers formal property rights for the first time.


• Morocco is investing in the cultural preservation of the Medina of Fez historic district to stimulate tourism spending.


• Nicaragua is improving cassava, red beans, and fruit crops to raise farmer incomes.

The MCC has, for political and practical reasons both, had many hurdles to clear. From what I understand, its award and procurement process is still far from perfect. But it would be a shame to shut off the funding spigot now, when one of the first wide-scale attempts to do foreign aid differently (and to measure its impact) is starting to show tangible results.