<p>Development Assistance is based on the idea that Rich Countries can and should help Poor countries to find the path to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction—especially those that lack sources of capital. The paper began by reviewing the various sources and composition of net capital flows to developing countries and examined the respective roles of private and public flows in social program it further discussed the arguments and evidence on both sides of the question of whether aid is effective in promoting economic growth. The evidence of a direct effect on growth is inconclusive. Does this mean that aid should be cut back? Not necessarily. The impact of Aid should be evaluated not only in relation to its direct effects, but also in terms of its role in improving governance and economic management, and its contribution to social amenities such as basic education, health care facilities and access, water and infant mortality.</p>