The Aid Paradigm for Poverty Reduction: Does It Make Sense?

Author: Weiss, John

Source: Development Policy Review, Volume 26, Number 4, July 2008 , pp. 407-426(20)

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Abstract:

Thinking on economic policy for development has undergone many shifts in response to the perceived weak results of earlier adjustment reforms. A new donor consensus has emerged based around the central themes of economic growth, good governance and social development. This article examines the logic behind this new aid paradigm, revealing a nuanced story with country circumstances playing a critical role and particular interventions varying in impact. For example, growth does not always lead to gains for the poor that match the national average; public expenditure needs to be targeted to achieve social development, but effective targeting is difficult; governance reform may be critical but there is no simple governance blueprint, and the corruption-growth association need not always be negative.

Keywords: Poverty; social development; growth; institutions; international agencies

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7679.2008.00416.x

Affiliations: 1: Professor of Development Economics, University of Bradford, UK ( )., Email: j.weiss@bradford.ac.uk

Publication date: 2008-07-01