I work a lot with USAID. They actually do work on poverty alleviation. The more relevant question is whether those programs are effective. Most poverty in developing countries is structural and/or the result of political conflict and feudal-like or post-colonial exploitation. USAID has little impact on those situations except palliative assistance. However, in less dysfunctional countries, USAID (and other donors) has funded local organizations (esp.NGOs/CSOs) that effectively address poverty and empowerment.
I work a lot with USAID. They actually do work on poverty alleviation. The more relevant question is whether those programs are effective. Most poverty in developing countries is structural and/or the result of political conflict and feudal-like or post-colonial exploitation. USAID has little impact on those situations except palliative assistance. However, in less dysfunctional countries, USAID (and other donors) has funded local organizations (esp.NGOs/CSOs) that effectively address poverty and empowerment.