IDA's Partnership for Poverty Reduction

Book excerpt: During its 40-year history, the International Development Association (IDA) has worked to improve global welfare by allocating resources to growth and poverty reduction programs. In 1990, a new framework for IDA's poverty reduction efforts was created which resulted in significant structural change to its programs. The focus of the programs became one of labor-intensive growth and expanded access to social services and safety nets to improve incomes levels among the poor. Additionally, the IDA agenda was expanded to include gender, the environment and governance as facets of the poverty reduction framework. This report evaluates IDA's performance from 1994 through 2000 against the three specific replenishment commitments of the period. While finding the performance level only partially satisfactory, the review suggests ways to improve the effectiveness of IDA programs, replenishment process and its ability to match corporate and country priorities.