Geoffrey Ferster, Ph.D. has written a timely and thought-provoking book titled The Sincere Veneer: What Drives the Development Industry off the Rails and How to Get it Back on Track.
Problems & Diagnoses
Having spent more than four decades as an applied economist working in the development industry Ferster seeks to explain why the vast resources that have been devoted to developmental issues in recent decades have borne so little fruit. Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Ferster has concludes that industry experts are far more adept at delivering exceptional rewards to themselves than to those in need. Armed with the best of intentions (sometimes) and the generous donations of taxpayers and huge foundations and NGOs, a grown cadre of “experts” has, in the course of time, brought into being that self-perpetuating behemoth we call the Development Industry.
Blueprint to Change the Development Industry
But all is not lost in Ferster’s view. The talent and resources are in place: what’s needed to get the “industry” back on track is a reorganization of the intellectual infrastructure that guides the system. In the pages of this timely book, Ferster gives us a refresher course in the history of the industry, describes how it works now, and offers a clear and compelling blueprint for change.
Sincere Veneer and Beyond: Added Major Benefits to Readers
Readers will find that the book’s framework, analysis, and examples will help them see through the mists and self-serving sensationalism that so often engulf the reporting of current events. It will give them tools to focus on core issues and investigate them productively within a circumscribed timeframe. Ferster presents two examples of current affairs (The Ebola Crisis 2014 and Sanitation in India) through the prism of The Sincere Veneer.
Readership
The Sincere Veneer was written with a worldwide readership in mind, the major constituents of which would be concerned citizens, professionals in the development industry, and students. The book would be a useful supplementary text in economic development and international affairs – exposing the fresh and curious minds of students to a dynamic approach in alleviating poverty. It would also encourage lively discussions in book clubs.
The background, structure, links and forward advances in Sincere Veneer and Beyond can be found: The Sincere Veneer
