This book, Decent Aid: An Introduction to Ethics in Philanthropy, by David Mutemwa is a tour de force in the realm of philanthropic ethics research as it invites scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike to engage in thoughtful dialogue on the ethical imperatives that should guide philanthropic strategies in developing regions, particularly in Africa. At its apex, it contributes toward making aid provision an ethical matter as the author proposes a model for ethical evaluation of philanthropic strategies from an interdisciplinary perspective comprising social work, common law, and practical theology.
Besides its significance in the current field of discourse and research, this book also exposes the global influence on African regions exerted through some so-called international charitable or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The author employs a combination of Western theories and methodological approaches and traditional African philosophy, making it possible to understand the ethical dimensions of philanthropy both in an African context and from a Western perspective. This will help charitable organizations to avoid implementing strategies that could be unethical from the local perspective, a critical aspect for both local communities and international organizations as it guides them in the best practices to adopt while implementing their projects in African contexts.
