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Failure of Structural Adjustment Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policy Design or Policy Implementation?

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  • Nana Yaw Oppong

Abstract

World Bank/International Monetary Fund adjustment programmes prescribed for ailing Third World economies have been described as a failure. The aim of the article is to assess if the failure is due to the policies as designed by the World Bank/IMF. or as results of implementation by adjusting nations. Twenty peer review journal articles on SAP programmes from 1990 to 2005 covering varied SSA countries and regions, socio-economic needs, and many approaches form the data for the study. The publications are summarised and presented. The results are then discussed (1) to confirm or otherwise the failure; and (2) to ascertain if the failure results from policy design or policy implementation. It is found that SSA is integrated into the global economy as a result of SAPs; needs assessment are rarely conducted before programme prescriptions; there is lack of commitment from governments of adjusting nations; and adjustment programmes are unable to „adjust‟ the ailing economies. it is concluded that SAPs have produced abysmal results signifying a failure, which is mostly attributed to policy design than policy implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Nana Yaw Oppong, 2014. "Failure of Structural Adjustment Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policy Design or Policy Implementation?," Journal of Empirical Economics, Research Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 3(5), pages 321-331.
    • Handle: RePEc:rss:jnljee:v3i5p6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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