Economic Development in Africa Report 2002: From Adjustment to Poverty Reduction: What is New?

The 2002 Report examines the shift from structural adjustment programmes to poverty reduction strategies in Africa and evaluates the extent to which policy frameworks have changed in practice. It analyses issues of policy ownership, participation, conditionality and macroeconomic management, as well as the increasing emphasis on governance, health and education. The Report compares the objectives and implementation of earlier adjustment programmes with newer poverty reduction approaches and assesses their implications for economic development and poverty alleviation. Particular attention is given to the balance between macroeconomic stability and social development objectives. The analysis highlights areas of continuity and change in development policy and discusses policy options for enhancing the effectiveness of poverty reduction efforts in African countries.