Education, training and extension services as well as availability of credit foster self-reliance and initiative in people of all segments of society. Where a socio-economic ambiance of this quality has been put into effect it has led to impressive economic success from which the lowest income groups have also benefited, since government expenditures in the education and social welfare sectors could be financed from it. Such countries have also been more successful than others with respect to the ecological sustainability of their development policy. On the contrary, in most cases stagnation at an already low level or even reversals have been the result. A number of sub-Saharan countries can serve as warnings in that regard.
Poor governance generates a social environment detrimental to development.
In such cases external aid, whatever the amount or intention, has little effect. Indeed, it can even be harmful if it contributes to prolonging an undesirable state of affairs. Where there is long-term investment in people's health and education, where both men and women, regardless of their social status, have access to the necessary means of production, extension and credits, they can take their fate in their own hands and make use of opportunities to improve their quality of life. A national development policy of this caliber can then be successfully supported through international cooperation. Humanitarian aid is the aspect of development cooperation directed towards bringing speedy relief during emergencies, such as those caused by natural disasters or war.