Corruption, especially when associated with governance can present a huge barrier to Development. Gamos has contributed to a broad study of the nature and impact of corruption having been engaged by Tearfund to perform expert analysis upon data gathered through surveys in Cambodia, Peru and Zambia. The findings highlight the differences in the ways corruption manifests itself in different countries.

Based upon respondent interviews, the survey data and desk research this study suggests that the impacts of corruption on development can be grouped into seven broad categories:

• Corruption undermines the quality of, and access to, public services;
• Reduces access to justice;
• Perpetuates the abuse of women;
• Contributes to environmental degradation;
• Wastes scarce financial resources;
• Makes people economically poorer and;
• Undermines trust and social cohesion.

Notable findings include:

• 15% in Cambodia said that somebody from their household had been asked to pay a bribe (in any form) within the last year; compared with 18% in Peru, and 37% in Zambia.
• The proportions of respondents claiming to have reported a corrupt act are 7%, 11%, and 14% for Cambodia, Peru, and Zambia respectively. The main reasons preventing people from reporting corruption are fear of reprisals, and lack of awareness of processes.
• One of the major impacts of corruption that participants mentioned was the lack of trust in society. This is a complex issue as the household survey didn't seem to show a direct correlation between lack of trust and experiences of corruption. This suggests that it is maybe an attitude of being wronged by those in power based on years of observation of the squander of public monies.
• Suggestions offered for combating corruption are consistent across the countries surveyed. The most prevalent being improved law enforcement and legislation, educating and mobilising citizens on their rights, the dismissal and shaming of corrupt officials and promotion of reporting.

Read the full report here – Corruption and its Discontents