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International Practices to Promote Budget Literacy
Key Findings And Lessons Learned
by Harika Masud
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Budget literacy is defined as 'the ability to read, decipher, and understand public budgets to enable and enhance meaningful citizen participation in the budget process'. It is comprised of two main parts - (i) a technical understanding of public budgets, including familiarity with government spending, tax rates and public debt and; (ii) the ability to engage in the budget process, comprising of practical knowledge on day-to-day issues, as well as an elementary understanding of the economic, social and political implications of budget policies, the stakeholders involved and when and how to provide inputs during the annual budget cycle. Given that no international standards or guidelines have been established for budget literacy education to date, this book seeks to address this gap by taking stock of illustrative initiatives promoting budget literacy for youth in selected countries. The underlying presumption is that when supply-side actors in the budget process -- governments -- simplify and disseminate budget information for demand-side actors -- citizens -- this information will then be used by citizens to provide feedback on the budget. However, since citizens are often insufficiently informed about public budgets to constructively participate in budget processes one way to empower them and to remedy the problem of "budget illiteracy" is to provide budget-literacy education in schools to youth, helping them evolve into civic-minded adults with the essential knowledge needed for analyzing their government's fiscal policy objectives and measures, and the confidence and sense of social responsibility to participate in the oversight of public resources. This book elaborates on approaches, learning outcomes, pedagogical strategies and assessment approaches for budget literacy education, and presents lessons that are relevant for the development, improvement, or scaling up of budget literacy initiatives.
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Lessons Learned From World Bank Education Management Information System Operations
Portfolio Review, 1998-2014
by Husein Abdul-Hamid
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Lessons Learned from World Bank Education Management Information System Operations provides an overview of the World Bank's portfolio in the area of Education Management Information Systems (EMISs) over the course of 17 years, from 1998 to 2014. It seeks to identify overall trends and characteristics of World Bank support in this area, with the intent of informing future project preparation and analytical work. The portfolio review revealed that although several good practices were evident, operational performance of EMIS activities fell short of expectations, with widespread deficiencies that ranged from unclear definitions and understanding of the EMIS to ineffective implementation and utilization. Examples of successful activities include the development of an EMIS to manage teachers and provide access to education (for example, Afghanistan); utilization of an EMIS as a management tool (for example, Bosnia and Herzegovina); creation of an online EMIS to improve access to education data (for example, Honduras); use of an EMIS to strengthen teaching and learning (for example, Guatemala and Lithuania); and use of an EMIS as a management tool for schools (for example, Malaysia). These success stories highlight how a well-implemented EMIS can improve the performance of an education system. The challenges that have been identified as contributing to the shortcomings are related to the following: • Misalignment of activities and unrealistic EMIS goals • Institutionalization of the EMIS • Sustainability challenges resulting from inconsistent leadership • Missed integration opportunities • Private players in education • EMIS at the local level Future projects could benefit from the SABER (Systems Approach for Better Education Results)-EMIS Assessment Framework. The SABER-EMIS Framework focuses on the need for a strong enabling environment, system soundness, quality data, and effective utilization as the key factors essential for the successful implementation of an EMIS. Initial needs assessment of a country's EMIS can play a critical role i n benchmarking countries and provide a valuable foundation for the design of new projects.
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Practical Guidance for Defining a Smart Grid Modernization Strategy
The Case Of Distribution
by Marcelino Madrigal
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Practical Guidance for Defi ning a Smart Grid Modernization Strategy: The Case of Distribution guides stakeholders on how utilities can defi ne their own smart grid vision, identify priorities, and structure investment plans. While most of these strategic aspects apply to any area of the electricity grid, the book focuses on distribution. The guidance includes key building blocks for modernizing the distribution grid and provides examples of grid modernization projects. This revised edition also includes key communication system requirements to support a well-functioning grid. The concept of the smart grid is relevant to all grids. What varies are the magnitude and type of the incremental steps toward modernization for achieving a specifi c smart grid vision. A utility that is at a relatively low level of grid modernization may leapfrog one or more levels of modernization to achieve some of the benefi ts of the highest levels of grid modernization. Smart grids impact electric distribution systems signifi cantly. In developing countries, modernizing the distribution grid promises to benefi t the operation of electric distribution utilities in many and various ways. These benefi ts include improved operational effi ciency (such as reduced losses and lower energy consumption), reduced peak demand, improved service reliability, and ability to accommodate distributed generating resources without adversely impacting overall power quality. Practical Guidance for Defi ning a Smart Grid Modernization Strategy concludes by describing funding and regulatory issues that may need to be taken into account when developing smart grid plans. The World Bank Studies series is available for free download online through the Open Knowledge Repository (https://openknowledge.worldbank.org).
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From Compliance to Learning
A System For Harnessing The Power Of Data In The State Of Maryland
by Husein Abdul-Hamid
Part of the World Bank Studies series
From Compliance to Learning: A System for Harnessing the Power of Data in the State of Maryland builds on a 2015 World Bank report that assessed Education Management Information Systems (EMISs) in the state of Maryland. That report uncovered a successful system, and this one expands on lessons learned and ways to apply them in practice. The goal of this study is to distill Maryland's good practices in education data systems and share them in a way that is useful to education stakeholders interested in harnessing the power of data to strengthen learning outcomes. This study also examines the history of education data collection and use in the United States with a focus on Maryland, including a review of federal and state legislation that has helped to shape Maryland's education data policies and systems. In the digital age, information is power. When information is effectively harnessed and aligned with student learning, it carries the potential to radically transform the delivery of education, as well as the sector as a whole. Increasingly, education systems are moving away from using education data narrowly for compliance purposes; instead, they are embracing data as a tool to drive systemwide innovation, professionalization, and, most importantly, learning. Whether to prioritize and optimize data and information systems around student learning is no longer an option; it is imperative for education systems that aim to excel and achieve strong learning outcomes. Over the past several decades, fundamental shifts have occurred in the way that education data are collected, managed, and used. Today real-time learning data inform classroom instruction; predictive analytics identify at-risk youth before they drop out of school; and data from preschool to workforce are linked to help guide education reforms. These represent just a few of the innovative ways that schools and other stakeholders across the United States are harnessing data to improve education. The state's success in establishing an enabling environment for education data systems and data utilization has built a strong foundation. Maryland effectively aligned a complex, statewide data system to deliver value. Prioritization of integration and alignment was key. The state then launched a longitudinal data system center that would drive an adaptive education system with insights that track students from pre-kindergarten to entry in the workforce. Data across the state are high quality and follow strict rules to preserve privacy and enhance security. Maryland's utilization of data also offers valuable lessons. The statewide data system supports policy makers and decision makers in planning and management, as well as teachers, students, and families in instruction and learning. Consistent across Maryland's structuring and use of data systems were a strong vision and a road map to execute that vision. Maryland's journey offers many lessons, not only for countries with advanced data systems but also for those in less developed stages. While the technology and information exist to achieve data for learning, harnessing data within the right information system and ensuring utilization are challenging endeavors. An array of factors must align-leadership, policies, processes, and resources, to name a few-to effectively harness data to support and drive strong learning outcomes.
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Logistics Competencies, Skills, and Training
A Global Overview
by Alan Mckinnon
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Despite the spread of automation and new supply chain management paradigms, logistics remains dependent on a rather specific set of skills and competencies, whether for managerial, administrative, or blue-collar jobs, such as trucking or warehousing. This dependence implies that the logistical performance of businesses, industries, and nation states is strongly influenced by the quantity and quality of the workforce. Insufficient resources of a competent and properly trained workforce in logistics adversely affect the quality of service, reduce productivity in sectors dependent on logistics, and ultimately reduce trade competitiveness. While other interventions that affect logistics performance-such as international infrastructures, trade corridors, regulations, and services-have already been reviewed extensively, this report is the first to cover the contributions of human resources and explore how to develop skills and improve competencies, especially in developing countries. The study proposes a framework for the skills needed according to the logistics activity (such as transportation or warehousing) or the type and level of responsibility. Based on several sources, including recent surveys carried out by the World Bank and the Kühne Logistics University, the report uncovers where the skills constraints are according to the type of job or countries. Findings include that logistics is an industry struggling to hire skilled workers, although with differences between developed countries (where trucker shortages are more acute) and developing economies (where managerial shortages are more widespread). Typically, blue-collar logistics jobs have lower status and lower pay than blue-collar jobs in other industries; they are thus less attractive for skilled workers. In developing countries with a potentially available workforce, lack of vocational preparation for careers in logistics means that less-skilled workers are not easily re-skilled. Logistics tasks at the upper end of the occupational hierarchy and those with high information technology content often require an upskilling of employees to keep pace with new technology. Yet the problem is not confined to recruitment. The surveys point to limited resources, money, and staff time allocated to training, especially in developing countries. Realizing the promise of quality jobs from the growth of logistics worldwide requires a coordinated effort by logistics companies, professional associations, training providers, and policy makers. Through a combination of facilitation, regulation, advice, financial instruments, and land use planning, governments can exert significant influence.
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Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme
Improving Financial Sustainability Based On Expenditure Review
by Huihui Wang
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established in 2003 as a major vehicle to achieve the country's commitment of Universal Health Coverage. The government has earmarked value-added tax to finance NHIS in addition to deduction from Social Security Trust (SSNIT) and premium payment. However, the scheme has been running under deficit since 2009 due to expansion of coverage, increase in service use, and surge in expenditure. Consequently, Ghana National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) had to reduce investment fund, borrow loans and delay claims reimbursement to providers in order to fill the gap. This study aimed to provide policy recommendations on how to improve efficiency and financial sustainability of NHIS based on health sector expenditure and NHIS claims expenditure review. The analysis started with an overall health sector expenditure review, zoomed into NHIS claims expenditure in Volta region as a miniature for the scheme, and followed by identifictation of factors affecting level and efficiency of expenditure. This study is the first attempt to undertake systematic in-depth analysis of NHIS claims expenditure. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that NHIS establish a stronger expenditure control system in place for long-term sustainability. The majority of NHIS claims expenditure is for outpatient consultations, district hospitals and above, certain member groups (e.g., informal group, members with more than five visits in a year). These distribution patterns are closely related to NHIS design features that encourages expenditure surge. For example, year-round open registration boosted adverse selection during enrollment, essentially fee-for-service provider mechanisms incentivized oversupply but not better quality and cost-effectiveness, and zero patient cost-sharing by patients reduced prudence in seeking care and caused overuse. Moreover, NHIA is not equipped to control expenditure or monitor effect of cost-containment policies. The claims processing system is mostly manual and does not collect information on service delivery and results. No mechanisms exist to monitor and correct providers' abonormal behaviors, as well as engage NHIS members for and engaging members for information verification, case management and prevention.
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Improving Maternal and Reproductive Health in South Asia
Drivers And Enablers
by Sameh El-Saharty
Part of the World Bank Studies series
South Asia Region (SAR) has decreased maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by 65 percent between 1990 and 2013, which was the greatest progress among all world regions. Such achievement implores the question, What made SAR stand out against what is predicted by standard socioeconomic outcomes? Improving Maternal and Reproductive Health in South Asia: Drivers and Enablers identifies the interventions and factors that contributed to reducing MMR and improving maternal and reproductive health (MRH) outcomes in SAR. In this study, the analytical framework assumes that improving MRH outcomes is influenced by a multitude of forces from within and outside the health system and considers factors at the household and community levels, as well as interventions in other sectors and factors in the enabling environment. The analysis is based on a structured literature review of the interventions in SAR countries, relevant international experience, and review of the best available evidence from systematic reviews. The focus of the analysis is mainly on assessing the effectiveness of interventions. The findings from this study indicate that the most effective interventions that prevent maternal mortality are those that address the intra-partum stage - the point where most maternal deaths occur - and include improving skilled birth attendance coverage, increasing institutional delivery rates, and scaling up access to emergency obstetric care. There is also adequate evidence that investing in family planning to increase contraceptive use also played a key role during the inter-partum phase by preventing unwanted pregnancies and thus averting the risk of maternal mortality in SAR countries. Outside the programmatic interventions, the levels of household income, women's education, and completion of secondary education of girls were also strongly correlated with improved MRH outcomes. Also, there is strong evidence that health financing schemes - both demand and supply side - and conditional cash transfer programs were effective in increasing the uptake of MRH services. The study points out to many other interventions with different degrees of effectiveness. The study also identified four major reasons for why SAR achieved this progress in MMR reduction. The best practices and evidence of what works synthesized in this study provide an important way forward for low- and middle-income countries toward achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
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Early Childhood Development in Tonga
Baseline Results From The Tongan Early Human Capability Index
by Sally Brinkman
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Early Childhood Development in Tonga offers a comprehensive assessment of early child development across Tonga using the Tongan Early Human Capability Index instrument. The data has information on more than 6,600 children, ages three to five, living across 36 inhabited islands, and reported for 129 communities. On the basis of population figures from the Tongan census data collection provided by the Tonga Department of Statistics, 81 percent of three- to five-year-olds participated in the Tongan Early Human Capability Index. The report details the development of the instrument used to collect the child development data to ensure cultural validity and local relevance, while still capturing the fundamental aspects of child development that are consistent across countries and cultures. As well as the development of the instrument, other countries will also be interested in learning about h the method of data collection across a country with remote and isolated islands using an innovative partnership between health and education. Using existing systems and community governance structures, the data was not only collected but also disseminated back to communities to raise awareness and prompt community and government mobilization to support early child development. The process of developing and implementing the Tongan Early Human Capability Index across Tonga helped build national and district capacity, and is encouraging the establishment of community-based supports for children. Researchers, policy makers, and practitioners as well as advocates for the development and enhancement of systems to monitor early child development worldwide will find this publication highly significant.
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Increasing Professionalism in Public Finance Management
A Case Study Of The United Kingdom
by Sarah Jane Squire
Part of the World Bank Studies series
In countries such as the United Kingdom, the need to manage fi nances in a professional manner has been hampered by the severe fi scal constraints of the 2008 fi nancial crisis. These pressures are likely to persist in the long term as a result of an aging population and rising public expectations of the quality of public services. Whereas much attention has been paid to technical reforms to improve budgeting, expenditure control, accounting, and auditing, less attention has been given to the process of developing skilled financial managers, whose expertise is key to sustained improvement in the management of public finances. Successive governments in the United Kingdom have recognized the need to strengthen professionalism in financial management, but the financial crisis gave an additional impetus for change. This change has been refl ected in policy statements, changes in recruitment and human resource management practices, and the development of professional networks in accounting, audit, procurement, and project management. Increasing Professionalism in Public Finance Management: A Case Study of the United Kingdom describes the journey from a civil service where generalist skills were overwhelmingly preferred toward one where professional technical skills in finance are recognized and valued. This book represents one of a number of country case studies aimed at sharing information about alternative paths and models to help developing countries seeking to strengthen public fi nancial management skills on a long-term sustainable basis. This book will be of importance to public policy makers and public practitioners looking for ways to improve the quality of public sector management and to a range of professional finance/ management bodies looking to strengthen their relevance to the government sector.
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Prospects for Livestock-Based Livelihoods in Africa's Drylands
by Various Authors
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Prospects for Livestock-Based Livelihoods in Africa's Drylands examines the challenges and opportunities facing the livestock sector and the people who depend on livestock in the dryland regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. It presents a novel way of thinking about pastoral development, grounded in a conceptual framework that focuses on the multiple shocks that drylands livestock keepers face and how those shocks can be addressed, drawing on a state-of-the-art literature review carried out by scientists of leading research institutes and development organizations, and integrating the results of an innovative approach to modeling development options for the drylands livestock sector. Looking to the future, the picture is mixed. On the positive side, demand for red meat is expected to strengthen in domestic and regional markets, suggesting that livestock keepers will have good market opportunities. On the negative side, a large majority of livestock keepers are classifi ed as poor, and the natural (feed) resource base is likely to be suffi cient to enable improved meat and milk production for the growing human population. Prospects for the livestock sector through 2030 vary by aridity zone. In arid and semi-arid zones, a reasonable goal for 2030 is to have land use, training, and microfi nance systems established that promote an appropriate balance between human and livestock carrying capacities, featuring mainly grassland/pastoral systems that reliably and sustainably satisfy the minimum income needs of herder households, produce at least a signifi cant part of the demand in local markets for animal source food, and provide environmental services for which livestock keepers receive compensation. The goal includes signifi cant employment generation outside the sector. In the higher rainfall zones of the semi-arid areas, and in the subhumid zones, a reasonable goal for 2030 is to have intensifi ed production systems established, featuring mainly mixed livestock/arable farming or agro-pastoral systems that are closely linked to nearby grassland/pastoral systems and that consistently generate marketable surpluses of differentiated red meat and livestock products that can compete not only in the expanding domestic market but also in selected regional markets.
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Wind Energy in Colombia
A Framework For Market Entry
by Walter Vergara
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Unlock Colombia's Wind Energy Potential: A Guide for PolicymakersWind Energy in Colombia offers a comprehensive framework for expanding wind power in Colombia and other similar regions. Targeted toward analysts, planners, and policymakers, this study provides a detailed analysis of the Colombian market, identifying key barriers and offering practical solutions for market entry.
Discover how to leverage Colombia's abundant wind resources to complement its existing hydropower capacity, promote sustainable development, and mitigate climate change. This report explores policy instruments, economic incentives, and regulatory adjustments to create a favorable environment for wind energy investment. Learn about the importance of reliability payments, the role of CERE, and strategies for fostering a low-carbon energy future.
- Understand the economic and technical viability of wind power in Colombia.
- Explore policy options to address barriers to market entry.
- Discover the complementarity of wind and hydro energy resources.
- Gain insights into attracting investment and promoting sustainable development.
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Integrated Landscape Approaches for Africa's Drylands
by Erin Gray
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Integrated Landscape Approaches for Africa's Drylands presents emerging fi ndings on the importance of moving beyond single-sector interventions to embrace integrated landscape management that takes into account the health of the ecosystems that support human livelihoods and contribute to the resilience of rural communities in Sub-Saharan African drylands. Integrated landscape management is particularly important for these drylands because people depend on production systems that are frequently disrupted by exogenous shocks such as drought. The ecological and economic evidence presented in this book shows that integrated landscape management can enhance efforts to invest in tree-based systems and improved livestock management and support productivity increases for rain-fed cropping. Integrated landscape management efforts have helped to coordinate the actions of multiple land users and other stakeholders, reduced confl icts, and improved overall governance of water, land, and other resources. Integrated landscape management is thus a useful approach to enhance the intensifi cation of dryland cropping systems and will, in many locations (but not always), result in multiple wins- including improved farm productivity, water benefi ts at the farm and landscape levels, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and other ecosystem services benefi ts, and higher climate resilience. Various policies and related interventions can be used to trigger and accelerate the scaling up of these benefi ts through integrated landscape management across Sub-Saharan African drylands to restore and increase household and ecological resilience. Policies are needed to develop the framework conditions necessary to both initiate new programs and modify and scale up existing restoration and resilience efforts. The book highlights policy options, covering six broad intervention areas: (1) Clarify land rights and responsibilities; (2) Encourage multistakeholder involvement and collective action; (3) Overcome institutional barriers to integrated landscape management; (4) Create conditions for adaptive planning and management; (5) Create mechanisms and supporting policies for sustainable and long-term fi nancing of integrated landscape management; and (6) Invest in a solid evidence base and knowledge-sharing platforms for integrated landscape management.
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Tree-Based Production Systems for Africa's Drylands
by Frank Place
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Tree-based production systems have enormous potential to reduce vulnerability and increase the resilience of households living in dryland regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. Trees are key providers of biomass, which is critical for many livelihood needs. Wood from trees is the leading source of energy in many dryland countries and is an important construction material. Foliage and pods from trees and shrubs are the most important source of feed for camels and goats, which are the dominant livestock species in the more arid parts of the drylands. Trees and shrubs offer enhanced sources of the organic matter needed to improve the structure and raise the fertility of soils used for agriculture. Many parts of trees provide different medicinal products for people. And fruits and vegetable foliage harvested from trees are important seasonal food sources for people living in drylands, and for sale. The benefits from trees take on added value when one considers that they are relatively impervious to many of the shocks that affect other production systems, especially livestock keeping and agriculture. Trees, with their deep rooting systems, maintain their standing value and offer some production even in drought years. They are therefore a good buffer against climatic risk and are a critical element in a diversification strategy designed to maintain levels of consumption and income in good times and bad. In addition, their value can be tapped when it is most needed: wood from trees can be harvested throughout the year, and many annual tree products are harvested at times different from the times when annual crops are harvested. 'Tree-Based Production Systems for Africa's Drylands' identifies some of the most promising investment opportunities at the level of tree-based systems, species (products), and well-defined management practices for accelerating rural economic growth in the drylands.
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Social Protection Programs for Africa's Drylands
by Carlo Del Ninno
Part of the World Bank Studies series
This paper argues that social protection policies and programs, including safety nets programs designed to deliver short-term relief, have an important role in promoting the resilience of the people residing in dryland regions.
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The Other Side of the Coin
The Comparative Evidence Of Cash And In-kind Transfers In Humanitarian Situations?
by Ugo Gentilini
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Over 60 million people are currently displaced due to conflict or violence, and about 140 million are exposed to natural disasters. As part of humanitarian responses to those affected populations, growing attention is paid to cash transfers as a form of assistance. Cash is being strongly advocated by several actors, and for good reasons: they have the potential to provide choice, empower people, and spark economic multipliers. But what is their comparative performance relative to in-kind transfers? Are there objectives for which there are particular evidence gaps? And what should be considered when choosing between those forms of assistance? This paper is one of the first reviews examining those questions across humanitarian sectors and in relation to multiple forms of assistance, including cash, vouchers, and in-kind assistance (food and non-food). These were assessed based on solid impact evaluations and through the lens of food security, nutrition, livelihoods, health, education, and shelter objectives. The paper finds that there is large variance in the availability of comparative evidence across sectors. This ranges from areas where evidence is substantial (i.e., food security) to realms where it is limited (i.e., nutrition) or where not a single comparative evaluation was available (i.e., health, education, and shelter). Where evidence is substantial, data shows that the effectiveness of cash and in-kind transfers is similar on average. In terms of costs, cash is generally more efficient to delivery. However, overall costs would hinge on the scale of interventions, crisis context, procurement practices, and a range of 'hidden costs'. In other words, the appropriateness of transfers cannot be predetermined and should emerge from response analysis that considers program objectives, the level of market functionality, predicted cost-effectiveness, implementation capacity, the management of key risks such as on protection and gender, political economy, beneficiary preferences, and resource availability. Finally, it seems possible (and necessary) to reconcile humanitarian imperatives with solid research to inform decision-making, especially on dimensions beyond food security.
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Getting the Right Teachers Into the Right Schools
Managing India's Teacher Workforce
by Vimala Ramachandran
Part of the World Bank Studies series
India's landmark Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009) guarantees education to all children aged 6-14 years. The Act mandates specific student-teacher ratios and emphasizes teacher quality. Writing this into legislation took seven years, but the seven years since has proven that ensuring effective teachers are recruited and placed in all schools in a time-bound manner is considerably more challenging. This report takes a detailed look at the complexity of the teacher management landscape in elementary and secondary schools in nine Indian states. On a daily basis, the administrative machinery of these states has to manage between 19,000 to nearly a million teachers in different types of schools and employment contracts, and cope with recruiting thousands more and distributing them equitably across schools. This report examines the following issues: official requirements for becoming a schoolteacher in India; policies and processes for teacher recruitment, deployment and transfers; salaries and benefits of teachers; professional growth of teachers; and grievance redressal mechanisms for teachers. For the first time in India, this report compares and contrasts stated policy with actual practice in teacher management in the country, using a combination of primary and secondary data. In so doing, the report reveals the hidden challenges and the nature of problems faced by administrators in attempting to build an effective teacher workforce which serves the needs of all of India's 200 million school children. The report examines states with varying characteristics, thus generating knowledge and evidence likely to be of interest to policy makers and practitioners in a wide range of contexts.
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Integration of Revenue Administration
A Comparative Study Of International Experience
by World Bank
Part of the World Bank Studies series
In order to minimize the need for taxpayers to respond to multiple revenue agencies, some countries have integrated their revenue administrations, either by merging tax and customs administration, or unifying collection of tax and social contributions. This book examines the experience of 11 countries in doing so. Their experiences indicate that integrating collection entails modernizing the revenue administration and reducing contact between the tax office and taxpayers, thanks to the extensive use of ICT.
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Building Integrated Markets within the East African Community
Eac Opportunities In Public-private Partnership Approaches To The Region's Infrastructure Needs
by World Bank
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Unlocking East Africa's Economic Potential Through Strategic Infrastructure PartnershipsBuilding Integrated Markets within the East African Community offers a roadmap for policymakers, investors, and developers seeking to transform East Africa's infrastructure landscape. This study, commissioned by the East African Community Secretariat, dives deep into the opportunities and challenges of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the region.
Discover how the EAC is working to harmonize legal frameworks, attract private sector investment, and foster regional collaboration. Learn from detailed case studies, explore innovative financing mechanisms, and gain insights into overcoming key obstacles. This report provides actionable recommendations for building a more interconnected and prosperous East Africa. For anyone committed to driving sustainable growth and development in the region, this is an essential resource.
- Understand the current state of PPPs in the EAC
- Identify key areas for policy reform
- Explore options for regional resource centers and financing instruments
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Building Landmarks, Smoothing Out Markets
An Enhanced Competition Framework In Romania
by Various Authors
Part of the World Bank Studies series
A roadmap for Romania's economic future through enhanced competition. This World Bank study offers a comprehensive analysis of Romania's competition framework and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, economists, and legal professionals.
Building Landmarks, Smoothing Out Markets examines Romania's progress in aligning its competition policies with European Union standards. It identifies key challenges and opportunities for improving market efficiency, attracting investment, and promoting economic growth. The study covers a wide range of topics, including competition law, state aid, antitrust, and regulatory frameworks.
Discover how Romania can:
- Strengthen its regulatory framework to foster a more competitive environment
- Reduce administrative burdens and attract foreign investment
- Enhance its enforcement of competition law and promote compliance
This insightful resource is essential for anyone seeking to understand and contribute to Romania's economic development.
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Belarus Heat Tariff Reform and Social Impact Mitigation
by Fan Zhang
Part of the World Bank Studies series
The Government of the Republic of Belarus (GoB) plans to increase district heating tariffs to cost-recovery levels and gradually phase out subsidies, replacing them with social assistance programs. Residential DH tariffs in Belarus are currently at roughly 10–21 percent of cost-recovery levels. DH subsidies are highly regressive, add costs to business, and create significant fiscal risks and macroeconomic vulnerabilities. The study analyzes the social, sectoral, and fiscal impacts of the proposed tariff reform, and identifies and recommends measures to mitigate adverse impacts of district heating tariff increases on the households. The analysis shows that a negative social impact is manageable if a tariff increase is accompanied by countervailing measures to compensate for the loss of purchasing power, in particular of the poor, through targeted social assistance and energy efficiency programs. The reform is more likely to be successful if communication campaigns to address consumer concerns are carried out before significant price increases, and consumer engagement and monitoring systems are established. When tariff reform and mitigation measures are properly sequenced and coordinated, the reform will become more socially acceptable, consumers will benefit from better quality of services, the government will achieve positive fiscal savings, and the DH sector will become sustainable in the long term. The study analyzes the social, sectoral, and fiscal impacts of the proposed district heating tariff reform in Belarus, and identifies and recommends measures to mitigate adverse impacts of district heating tariff increases on the households.
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Working toward Better Pay
Earnings Dynamics In Ghana And Tanzania
by Paolo Falco
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Improving the returns to labor for low-paid workers is a key policy challenge, especially in low-income countries (LICs) where earnings increases are the single most important source of poverty reduction and an important engine of shared prosperity. Yet, the understanding of individual earnings dynamics remains limited. The small-but growing-body of empirical literature on the factors leading to larger and faster pay increases points to strong persistence in earnings over time. However, it remains unclear to what extent this is due to differences in individual endowments rather than to the fact that being in low-paying jobs itself undermines future earnings prospects, and to what extent determinants of earnings vary across types of activities and sectors. The knowledge gap is particularly large for LICs due to the limited availability of reliable panel data. This study uses unusually rich longitudinal data from Ghana and Tanzania to identify engines of, and barriers to, earnings and earnings mobility. It examines the relative role of individual endowments-such as gender, age, and skills-and characteristics of the job, but also focuses on the role of job switches-for example, moves into and out of self-employment. The analysis also zooms in on the drivers of transitions between low-paying and high-paying jobs and addresses questions such as whether being low paid is a transitory or permanent phenomenon, and whether it has a scarring effect on an individual's employment prospects. The extent to which earnings dynamics differ for women and young adults is also discussed in detail. Tanzania and Ghana provide a particularly relevant context in which to examine these issues and the cross-country comparison helps shed light on the institutional factors that promote labor market mobility and entrepreneurship. The audience for this report is broad: it is an important read for policy makers, academics, and development practitioners interested in reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity in Ghana and Tanzania. However, its relevance spans well beyond the two countries analyzed to include all developing countries where self-employment in small-scale activities accounts for a very large proportion of all employment.
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School Infrastructure in Paraguay
Needs, Investments, And Costs
by Quentin Wodon
Part of the World Bank Studies series
La infraestructura escolar de Paraguay parece estar relativamente en mal estado y menos desarrollada que la de otros países de América Latina. Entonces, ¿Cuál es el estado de la infraestructura escolar para la educación primaria y secundaria en Paraguay? ¿Cuánto invierte el gobierno con el fin de mejorar la infraestructura escolar y cómo han evolucionado estas inversiones a través del tiempo? ¿Cuál es el marco legal para este tipo de inversiones y es este marco adecuado? Dadas las limitaciones presupuestarias, ¿qué tipos de inversiones son posiblemente las más necesarias para ayudar a mejorar el aprendizaje de los estudiantes? Por último, ¿cuán bien dirigidas a las escuelas más necesitadas están las inversiones en infraestructura que se realizan hoy en día? Con el propósito de ayudar a informar la toma de decisiones por parte del Ministerio de Educación en este ámbito, el objetivo de este estudio es proporcionar respuestas tentativas a estas preguntas sobre la base de los datos presupuestarios administrativos, así como los datos a nivel de la escuela recolectados a través de un censo de infraestructura escolar en 2008.
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Accelerating Health Reforms through Collective Action
Experiences From East Africa
by Various Authors
Part of the World Bank Studies series
This publication briefly describes the processes and methodologies for building and sustaining multistakeholder coalition to drive reforms in the health sector. It is based on the experiences of three East African countries -- Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. It outlines, by chapter, each country's experience in identifying, mobilizing, and coalescing key stakeholders to address governance bottlenecks in pharmaceutical procurement and supply chain management. It highlights challenges, successes as well as lessons learned to guide other countries.
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Information and Communications in the Chinese Countryside
A Study Of Three Provinces
by Michael Minges
Part of the World Bank Studies series
The report first summarizes the key findings from the following three studies in three provinces (Guizhou, Jilin, Shandong): (a) a demand survey to assess rural ICT access and attitudes; (b) a library study including scoping the status of ICT use in rural libraries; and (c) a limited impact evaluation to examine how ICT interventions have affected rural uers. Then the report addresses the challenges and policy recommendations of ICT use in the Chinese Countryside.
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Sub-Saharan African Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Research
A Decade Of Development
by Andreas Blom
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Unlocking STEM Potential in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Decade of DevelopmentHow can Sub-Saharan Africa leverage science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to drive economic growth and improve prosperity? This study analyzes the region's progress in STEM research over a decade, offering insights for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners.
Sub-Saharan African Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Research: A Decade of Development examines research output, citation impact, and international collaboration. Discover key trends, challenges, and policy recommendations to enhance STEM education, foster innovation, and build human capital. This book is for those seeking to understand and contribute to Africa's STEM revolution.
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Labor Market Dynamics in Libya
Reintegration For Recovery
by The World Bank
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Since the 2011 uprising that toppled the former regime, Libya has been mired in deep political strife. An economy in which agriculture once flourished was converted wholesale to an oil-based rentier state of the most extreme kind. Following the immediate post-revolution oil-consumption boom, in 2014 Libya's economy is in recession. Security is the greatest challenge to stability (World Bank 2014). Today, limited opportunities exist for reintegrating youth and ex-combatants into the labor market. This policy note provides an initial assessment of Libya's labor market and discusses policy options for promoting employability as part of a broader jobs strategy. It is intended as a contribution to evidence on Libya's labor market for the benefit of policy makers, civil society and the broader international community. The report finds that the overall unemployment rate in Libya increased from 13.5 percent in 2010 prior to the uprising to 19 percent as of 2012, having changed little since then. Youth unemployment stands at approximately 48 percent and female unemployment 25 percent. The vast majority (85 percent) of Libya's active labor force is employed in the public sector, a high rate even by regional standards. The rate for women is even higher (93 percent). Employment in industry (largely the oil sector) and agriculture accounts for only 10 percent of the labor force. While nearly all public sector workers are covered by some form of social insurance, only 46 percent of private sector workers are enrolled - a striking difference. The report further discusses the implications of Libyan jobseeker profiles. Thirty percent of firms have reported difficulty in recruiting qualified Libyan nationals. Only 15-30 percent of Libya's labor force is relatively skilled and likely could be hired readily if given access to basic job training and job search assistance. For the remainder of the unemployed work force, targeted interventions would need to be designed for advanced skills development, vocational training, reconversion, and apprenticeship and entrepreneurship programs. The report discusses options for shifting Libya from a rentier state to a diversified, productive economy through economic and technical partnerships to help accelerate creating economic opportunities and jobs.
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Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Nutrition in Bangladesh
Can Building Toilets Affect Children's Growth?
by Iffat Mahmud
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Can building toilets really affect children's growth in Bangladesh? This study dives deep into the connection between water, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition in Bangladesh, revealing critical insights for policymakers and practitioners.
Explore the evidence on how WASH interventions impact child undernutrition, and discover why a coordinated, multisectoral approach is essential to tackle this complex issue. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in improving water quality, sanitation coverage, and hygiene practices, and find out how these efforts can contribute to a healthier future for Bangladeshi children. This report is for anyone working to improve public health and nutrition in developing countries.
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Primary Education in Malawi
Expenditures, Service Delivery, And Outcomes
by Vaikalathur Ravishankar
Part of the World Bank Studies series
The objective of this report is to inform an improved understanding of expenditure allocations and processes, the quality of service delivery in terms of inputs and outputs, and educational outcomes associated with primary education in Malawi. The report will also assess the government's own diagnosis of challenges in the primary education sub-sector, and the reform program intended to address them. The findings of this report are intended to inform discussions as to how to strengthen the government program and associated financing mechanisms, to enhance the likelihood of success.
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Ethiopia Health Extension Program
An Institutionalized Community Approach For Universal Health Coverage
by Huihui Wang
Part of the World Bank Studies series
As a low-income country, Ethiopia has made impressive progress in improving health outcomes. This report examines how Ethiopia's Health Extension Program (HEP) has contributed to the country's move toward Univeral Health Coverage (UHC), and to shed light on how other countries may learn from Ethiopia's experiences of HEP when designing their own path to UHC. HEP is one of the government's UHC strategies introduced in a context of limited resources and low coverage of essential health services. The key aspects of the program include the capacity building and mobilization of more than 30, 000 Health Extension Workers (HEWs) targeting more than 12 million model families, and the mobilization of "health development army" to support the community-based health system. Using the HEP-UHC conceptual model and data from Demographic and Health Surveys, the study examines how the HEP has contributed to the country's move toward UHC. During the period that the HEP has been implemented, the country has experienced significant improvements in many dimensions: in terms of socioeconomic, psychological, behavioral, and biological dimensions of the beneficiaries; and in terms of the coverage of health care services. The study finds an accelerated rate of improvements among the rural, less-educated, and the poor population, which is leading to an overall reduction in equity gaps and improvements in the equity indicators – including the concentration indices - that suggest a more equitable distribution of resources and health outcomes. The HEP in Ethiopia has demonstrated that an institutionalized community approach is effective in helping a country make progress toward UHC. The elements of success in the HEP include the emphasis on community mobilization which identifies community priorities, engages and empowers community members, and supports their ability to solve local problems. The other aspect of HEP is the emphasis on institutionalization of the activities, which addresses the sustainability of community programs through high level of political commitment, and effective coordination of national policies and leveraging of support from partners. These findings may offer useful lessons for other low income countries facing similar challenges in developing and implementing a sustainable UHC strategy.
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Sustainable Urban Transport Financing From the Sidewalk to the Subway
Capital, Operations, And Maintenance Financing
by Arturo Ardila-Gomez
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Urban transport systems are essential for economic development and improving citizens' quality of life. To establish high-quality and affordable transport systems, cities must ensure their financial sustainability to fund new investments in infrastructure while also funding maintenance and operation of existing facilities and services. However, many cities in developing countries are stuck in an "underfunding trap" for urban transport, in which large up-front investments are needed for new transport infrastructure that will improve the still small-scale, and perhaps, poor-quality systems, but revenue is insufficient to cover maintenance and operation expenses, let alone new investment projects. The urban transport financing gap in these cities is further widened by the implicit subsidies for the use of private cars, which represent a minority of trips but contribute huge costs in terms of congestion, sprawl, accidents, and pollution. Using an analytical framework based on the concept of "Who Benefits Pays," 24 types of financing instruments are assessed in terms of their social, economic and environmental impacts and their ability to fund urban transport capital investments, operational expenses, and maintenance. Urban transport financing needs to be based on an appropriate mix of complementary financing instruments. In particular for capital investments, a combination of grants –from multiple levels of government– and loans together with investments through public private partnerships could finance large projects that benefit society. Moreover, the property tax emerges as a key financing instrument for capital, operation, and maintenance expenses. By choosing the most appropriate mix of financing instruments and focusing on wise investments, cities can design comprehensive financing for all types of urban transport projects, using multi-level innovative revenue sources that promote efficient pricing schemes, increase overall revenue, strengthen sustainable transport, and cover capital investments, operation, and maintenance for all parts of a public transport system, "from the sidewalk to the subway."
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Improving Higher Education in Malawi for Competitiveness in the Global Economy
by Michael Mambo
Part of the World Bank Studies series
As the Government of Malawi investigates options to expand access to higher education and improve the quality of higher education provision, the objective of this report is to contribute to an improved understanding of the challenges confronted by the higher education sub-sector in Malawi. The report summarizes the key findings of an in-depth study of factors affecting access and equity in the Malawian higher education sub-sector, the quality and relevance of educational outputs, the financing of the sector, and the frameworks structuring governance of the sector and its management. The study was initiated in response to a request from the Government of Malawi, to the World Bank, to support the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) in its pursuit of financially sustainable policy options to increase equitable access to higher education, and to improve the quality of higher education provision in alignment with the needs of the labor market.
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Public Asset Management Companies
A Toolkit
by Caroline Cerruti
Part of the World Bank Studies series
This toolkit is designed for policy makers and stakeholders who are considering the establishment of a publicly funded asset management company (AMC). An AMC is a statutory body or corporation, fully or partially owned by the government, usually established in times of financial sector stress, to assume the management of distressed assets and recoup the public cost of resolving the crisis. AMCs were first used in the early 1990s in Sweden (Securum) and the United States (the RTC), and again during the Asian crisis (for instance, Danaharta in Malaysia, KAMCO in the Republic of Korea). The 2008 financial crisis marked a renewal of the use of this tool to support the resolution of financial crises (for instance, NAMA in Ireland, SAREB in Spain). The toolkit does not address broader bank resolution issues. It has a narrow focus on the specific tool of a public AMC established to support bank resolution, and with the objective of providing insight on the design and operational issues surrounding the creation of such AMCs. It seeks to inform policy makers on issues to consider if and when planning to establish a public AMC through: · An analysis of recent public AMCs established as a result of the global financial crisis · Detailed case studies in developed and emerging markets over three generations · A toolkit approach with questions and answers, including questions on design and operations that are critical for authorities confronted with the issue of whether to establish an AMC · An emphasis on "how to" that is, a practical versus a principled approach. The toolkit is structured as followed: Part I summarizes the findings on the preconditions, the design, and the operationalization of public AMCs. Part II provides case studies on three generations of AMCs, whose lessons are embedded in Part I. The case studies cover emerging and developed markets, and have been selected based on the lessons they offer.
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Expanding Tertiary Education for Well-Paid Jobs
Competitiveness And Shared Prosperity In Kenya
by Andreas Blom
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Expanding Tertiary education with quality, relevance and equity is one of the most decisive challenges for Kenya's future, including the achievement of the ideals of the 2010 Constitution and, especially, its 2030 vision, which aims at transforming Kenya into a 'newly industrializing, middle income, globally competitive and prosperous country'. That is because tertiary education can contribute in a critical manner to successfully overcome several of the country's challenges. This book provide analysis and policy recommendations to Government of Kenya, tertiary education leaders and the many stakeholders on managing the massive tertiary education expansion facing the country. This book, first, discusses the motivation for the analysis and its choice of three critical topics: quality and relevance; governance, and student financing. Secondly, it reviews findings on each area, and, third, it ends with a set of policy recommendations.
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Findings From the 2014 Labor Force Survey in Sierra Leone
by David Margolis
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Jobs are critical to poverty reduction and inclusive growth in Sierra Leone, where more than half the population is poor and most are dependent on labor earnings. Adding to the jobs challenge is the young and growing population and therefore the need for substantial job creation, coupled with low labor intensity in the mining sector, which has been driving recent growth. Beyond job creation, in a context where most workers are engaged in low productivity jobs, improving the quality of jobs is critical for poverty reduction. Given that Sierra Leone is a post-conflict country, jobs are also central to sustained stability. Yet, despite the importance of jobs for Sierra Leone, the design of policies and interventions to promote these opportunities has been constrained by a limited knowledge base. The 2014 Labor Force Survey report seeks to contribute to solutions to the jobs challenge in Sierra Leone through a foundational analysis of the country's first dedicated labor survey in nearly three decades. The report provides an overview of the employment situation in Sierra Leone, ranging from labor force participation to the types of employment among the working-age population. Through analysis of specialized modules, the report sheds light on key constraints to self-employment in agricultural activities and non-farm household enterprises, which are, respectively, the first- and second-largest sources of jobs in the economy. It also highlights the extent of informality in both wage employment and non-farm self-employment as well as how an individual's status in the labor market relates to income poverty. The report also presents information on skills levels and how basic skills are acquired by the working age population. Finally, the report discusses issues related to youth employment and the specific constraints faced by youth in gaining access to productive job opportunities.
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Health Financing Policy
The Macroeconomic, Fiscal, And Public Finance Context
by Cheryl Cashin
Part of the World Bank Studies series
The global movement toward universal health coverage (UHC) is accompanied by requests for large increases in government health spending in some countries. This combined with the global economic situation and stagnant economic growth across many low- and middle-income countries make it more critical than ever to place health financing discussions firmly in the context of macroeconomic and fiscal realities. Unfortunately, there is often a disconnect in decision making, with key fiscal decisions made in the absence of a clear understanding on the one hand of the potential consequences for the health sector, and on the other, the consequences for the country's macroeconomic and fiscal position of increasing or reallocating government spending. Constructive health financing policy dialogue aims to reach a common understanding between health sector leaders and central budget authorities about policy objectives for the health sector and the resources needed to achieve those objectives, how much priority will be given to health in the government budget, and how the health sector will be held accountable for using funds effectively. This common understanding should be built on a realistic picture of the country's macroeconomic and fiscal context, the constraints and competing priorities in the budget-setting process. When ministries of health and ministries of finance have a common understanding of macroeconomic and fiscal constraints, discussions can focus productively on using funds within the potential health resource envelope in the most effective way to achieve health system objectives. This guidance note outlines the key components of the macroeconomic, fiscal, and public financial management context that need to be considered for an informed health financing discussion at the country level. The guidance note is organized around four sets of questions that are key to placing the health financing dialogue in the context of a country's macroeconomic and fiscal context. Each section points to measures, resources, and analytical tools that are available to assist in answering these questions for a specific country. The guidance note draws on case studies from 11 countries moving toward or sustaining universal health coverage conducted as part of the Japan–World Bank Partnership Program on UHC as well as from other country examples.
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Learning in the Face of Adversity
The Unrwa Education Program For Palestine Refugees
by Husein Abdul-Hamid
Part of the World Bank Studies series
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) operates one of the largest nongovernmental school systems in the Middle East. Palestine refugees in UNRWA schools are achieving higher-than-average learning outcomes in spite of the adverse circumstances they live under. This study uses a mixed methods research approach to address the complexity of the research question and its exploratory nature, namely, How do UNRWA schools continually and consistently outperform public schools? This study used the following data collection techniques: econometric techniques to analyze learning achievement data from international and national assessments; the Systems Approach for Better Education Results tools were used to assess different system components, such as teacher effectiveness, school autonomy, and student assessments; Stallings classroom observations provided a structured method to compare teachers' and students' interactions; qualitative data collected through interviews captured the lived experiences of a sample of students. Contrary to what might be expected from a resource-constrained administration serving refugee students who continually face a multitude of adversities, UNRWA students outperform public schools in the three regions-- West Bank and Gaza and Jordan-- by a year's worth of learning. The achievement is a result of the way these schools recruit, prepare, and support teachers; because of instructional practices and pedagogy in the classroom; and because of school leadership, accountability, and mutual support. This has created a distinguished learning community centered on the student. Of note: •UNRWA selects, prepares, and supports its education staff to pursue high learning outcomes. •Time-on-task is high in UNRWA schools, and is used more effectively than in public schools.
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Assessing Advances and Challenges in Technical Education in Brazil
by Rita Almeida
Part of the World Bank Studies series
As Brazil is massively investing in a scale-up of in vocational education and training (VET) through the national flagship program, PRONATEC, this report assesses institutions and policies in VET taking an in depth critical view of upcoming opportunities. It shares international best practices on selected operational issues identified as strategic bottlenecks for the delivery of technical education. The report explores multiple sources of information including a desk review of existing reports and papers, inputs/data provided by the Ministry of Education and interviews with multiple stakeholders and practitioners at the federal and state level. The report highlights the need of promoting a better alignment between the supply and demand of skills at the sub national level and of promoting better a solid monitoring and evaluation system, including the monitoring of student learning and of the trajectories into the labor market or into higher educational degrees. Issues of student career guidance and teacher quality also emerge as areas of strategic importance to the Brazilian VET system in the years ahead. We conclude with specific policy recommendations for PRONATEC.
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Somaliland's Private Sector at a Crossroads
Political Economy And Policy Choices For Prosperity And Job Creation
by The World Bank
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Somaliland's Private Sector at a Crossroads is the World Bank Group's first effort to undertake a consultative in-depth analysis of the private and financial sector in Somaliland in at least a generation. The objective of the report is to take stock of what has been achieved since the 1999 constitution was approved, provide an assessment of the current evolution of the private sector, and identify some priority policy options and related actions that would best enable the private sector to generate the growth and jobs sought under the Somaliland National Development Plan. The report is structured around the three key sector 'actors' of the economy: enterprises, financial institutions, and the government. This approach has been taken to facilitate a 'political economy' lens into the analysis. The report explores trends in, opportunities for, and impediments to effective government regulation of the private and financial sector and private sector-led economic growth in Somaliland, a relatively new democracy with limited institutional capacities. Drawing heavily on feedback received through an extensive consultative process that was undertaken in tandem with the analysis, the study concludes with recommendations for policy choices for the continued robust growth of the private sector and the evolution of a sounder financial sector.
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Bangladesh National Nutrition Services
Assessment Of Implementation Status
by Kuntal K. Saha
Part of the World Bank Studies series
This report presents the findings of an operations research study conducted to assess the implementation of the Government of Bangladesh's National Nutrition Services Program (NNS) and to identify the achievements, determine the bottlenecks that adversely impact these achievements, and highlight potential solutions to ensure smooth delivery of the program. A mixed methods research approach was used to evaluate five major domains of the program: management and support services; training and capacity development; service delivery; monitoring and evaluation, and; exposure to interventions. The study found that the overall NNS effort is an ambitious, but valuable approach to support nutrition actions through an existing health system with diverse platforms. The results indicate that although the maintenance of strong and stable leadership of NNS is an essential element to ensure integrated and well-coordinated comprehensive service delivery for the line directorate, the current arrangement is unable to ensure effective implementation and coordination of NNS. Focusing on some of the critical challenges related to leadership and coordination in the first instance, and on embedding a small core set of interventions into well-matched (for scale, target populations, and potential for impact) health system delivery platforms is most likely to help achieve scale and impact. Strategic investments in ensuring transparency, engaging available technical partners for monitoring and implementation support, and not shying away from other potential high coverage outreach platforms like some NGO platforms also could prove fruitful. Moreover, although the Government of Bangladesh, and the health system in particular, must lead the effort to deliver for nutrition, it is clear that development partners who have expressed a commitment to nutrition must coordinate their own activities and provide the support that can deliver on nutrition's potential for Bangladesh.
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Early Childhood Education and Development in Indonesia
An Assessment Of Policies Using Saber
by Various Authors
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Since the early 2000s, Indonesia has taken a number of steps to prioritize early childhood development - ranging from the inclusion of Early Childhood Development (ECD) in the National Education System Law No. 20 in 2003 to a Presidential Declaration on Holistic and Integrated ECD and the launch of the country's first ever ECD Census in 2011. These policy milestones have occurred in parallel with sustained progress on outcomes included in the Millennium Development Goals, including for child malnutrition, child mortality and universal basic education. Additional progress could be achieved by strengthening ECD policies further. This report presents findings from an assessment of ECD policies and programs in Indonesia based on two World Bank tools: the ECD module of the Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER) and a guide on essential interventions for investing in young children. Results from the application of both tools to Indonesia are used to suggest a number of policy options for consideration.
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New Voices in Investment
A Survey Of Investors From Emerging Countries
by Laura Gómez-Mera
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Unlock the secrets of emerging market investment. This study dives into the factors driving foreign direct investment (FDI) from developing and emerging economies, offering critical insights for practitioners, academics, and policymakers.
Based on a survey of over 710 investors, New Voices in Investment reveals that outward FDI is primarily market-seeking. It highlights the importance of regional market expansion and the challenges posed by transaction costs and political risks. Discover how trade agreements and institutional reforms can attract foreign investment and improve the effectiveness of investment promotion agencies.
- Understand the motivations and strategies of emerging market investors.
- Navigate political and institutional risks in developing countries.
- Improve the effectiveness of investment promotion agencies.
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Elite Capture
Residential Tariff Subsidies In India
by Kristy Mayer
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Unlocking Energy Access: Reforming India's Electricity SubsidiesIndia faces the challenge of providing affordable electricity to all its citizens while ensuring the financial viability of its power sector. This World Bank study, Elite Capture: Residential Tariff Subsidies in India, analyzes the complex issue of residential electricity subsidies through a poverty lens.
Discover how inefficient tariff policies lead to subsidy leakage, with 87% of payments benefiting non-poor households. Explore the impact of tariff design, cross-subsidies, and consumption patterns on subsidy incidence. Learn about state-level variations and best practices for better targeting. This study offers valuable insights and policy recommendations for:
- Improving energy access for the poor
- Reducing fiscal burdens on state governments
- Promoting financial sustainability of distribution utilities
This insightful analysis is essential for policymakers, energy professionals, and researchers seeking to create a more equitable and efficient energy future for India.
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Beyond Crisis
The Financial Performance Of India's Power Sector
by Mani Khurana
Part of the World Bank Studies series
In September 2012, the Government of India approved a financial rescue scheme to revive the power generation sector. This bailout amounted to about Rs 1.9 trillion and came in response to banks and financial institutions with large nonperforming loans to the power sector. This is the second bailout of the sector in a decade. The first was in 2002 when the government had to convert the outstanding arrears of state electricity boards to central public sector undertakings. The 2002 bailout came to Rs 400 billion in state government bonds to restore the sector to financial solvency. The recent crisis and consequent bailout is more complicated than the 2002 bailout. Power sector developments in the past two decades have brought new players into a traditionally government-dominated sector, and they have also been implicated in the crisis. India has adopted transformative policy changes since the last bailout. A landmark Electricity Act was passed in 2003, superseding all previous legislation. The strategic intent of the act was to promote competition by opening all possible avenues for the procurement and sale of electric power. Subsidiary policies and enabling legislation have advanced this process. Competitive markets have evolved and attracted new investments, largely from the private sector. The institutional structure of the traditionally public sector-dominated industry has also been transformed. Aside from the entry of new private sector participants, primarily in generation, the state electricity boards (SEBs) were unbundled into generation, transmission, distribution, and, in a few cases, trading segments. State electricity regulatory commissions (SERCs) were also established in all the states. Over the next two decades, India faces immense challenges if it is to sustain the 8 to 10 percent growth rate required to end poverty and achieve human development goals. According to the Planning Commission, India needs to triple or quadruple its primary energy supply and increase its installed electricity capacity by at least five or six times its 2004 levels to meet demand in 2032. To accomplish these ambitious goals, India will need a commercially viable power sector. This report presents a diagnostic of the financial and operational performance of segments in the power sector value chain between adoption of the Electricity Act, 2003, and 2011, including the factors that contributed to the recent crisis. The report focuses on efficiency and productivity, whether performance has improved over time, and which states have emerged as performance leaders. Analysis of this kind is not new or unique, but this report aims to integrate historical performance, the current situation, and future projections of the impact of worsening sector finances, and the actions that need to be taken to check the downturn.
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Drivers of Corruption
A Brief Review
by Tina Søreide
Part of the World Bank Studies series
This report provides an overview of arguments explaining the risk of corruption. Corrupt acts are subject to decision making authority and assets available for grabbing. These assets can be stolen, created by artificial shortage, or become available as the result of a market failure. Assets that are especially exposed to corruption include profits from the private sector, revenues from the export of natural resources, aid and loans, and the proceeds of crime. Whether or not opportunities for corruption are exploited depends on the individuals involved, the institution or society they are part of, and the law enforcement circumstances. Corruption usually persists in situations in which players are aware of the facts but nonetheless condone the practice. Absence of reaction can result from information asymmetries (in which the people who are supposed to act are not aware of the need to act), coordination failure, patronage-determined loyalty, and incentive problems at the political level. This review of results and insights from different parts of the scholarly literature on corruption focuses on areas where research can guide anticorruption policy. The report also describes a number of corruption-related challenges in need of more attention from researchers.
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Power for All
Electricity Access Challenge In India
by Sudeshna Ghosh Banerjee
Part of the World Bank Studies series
India is a leading developing country in providing electricity to rural and urban populations. By late 2012, the national electricity grid had reached 92 percent of India's rural villages, or about 880 million people. Yet, approximately 311 million people-mostly those in rural areas-still live without electricity. Less than half of all households in the poorest income group have electricity. Even among households with electricity, hundreds of millions lack reliable supply and experience power cuts almost daily. Achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 is not fi nancially prohibitive for India. The challenge of providing electricity for all is achievable, ensuring that India joins such countries as China and Brazil in reaching out to even its remotest populations. Policies will need to be aligned with the principles followed in other successful international programs. The potential benefi ts of electrifi cation for those without service are quite high. The benefi ts of lighting alone would approximately equal the investments necessary to extend electricity for all. Households with electricity consume more than 100 times as much light as do households with kerosene for about the same amount of money. Without quality energy services, households often face entrenched poverty, poor delivery of social services, and limited opportunities for women and girls. This book will be of interest to a wide audience, including policy makers, experts and managers in the international development community, and those in academia.
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Investing in Early Childhood Development
Review Of The World Bank's Recent Experience
by Rebecca K. Sayre
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Investing in Early Childhood Development: Review of the World Bank's Recent Experience provides an overview of World Bank investments in early childhood development (ECD) from 2000 to 2013 within three of the Bank's Global Practices: Education; Health, Nutrition, & Population; and Social Protection & Labor. The study summarizes trends in operational and analytical investments, including lending and trust-funded operations at the country, regional, and global levels. Findings are presented on both the funding for and the number of ECD investments. Case studies are also provided to highlight lessons learned and inform future Bank support for ECD. Finally, the study discusses recent new approaches to support ECD within the World Bank and in client countries.
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Health Financing in the Republic of Gabon
by Karima Saleh
Part of the World Bank Studies series
A comprehensive analysis of health financing in Gabon. This study examines Gabon's health system, which faces challenges despite reasonable spending. It explores how to improve health outcomes, achieve universal coverage, and allocate resources efficiently.
Health Financing in the Republic of Gabon reviews revenue mobilization, risk pooling, and purchasing services. It estimates fiscal space and suggests options for increasing resources within macroeconomic constraints. Key topics include the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) and the Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie et de Garantie Sociale (CNAMGS).
For policy makers, development practitioners, and researchers interested in health economics, African studies, and international development. Discover insights into Gabon's health system and strategies for improvement.
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Improving Basic Services for the Bottom Forty Percent
Lessons From Ethiopia
by Qaiser M. Khan
Part of the World Bank Studies series
Ethiopia's model for delivering basic services appears to be succeeding and to confirm that services improve when service providers are more accountable to citizens. As discussed in the World Development Report 2004, accountability for delivering basic services can take an indirect, long route, in which citizens influence service providers through government, or a more direct, short route between service providers and citizens. When the long, indirect route of accountability is ineffective, service delivery can suffer, especially among poor or marginalized citizens who find it challenging to express their views to policymakers. In Ethiopia, the indirect route of accountability works well precisely because of decentralization. Service providers are strictly accountable to local governments for producing results, but in turn, the local authorities are held accountable by the regional and federal governments. A degree of local competition for power and influence helps to induce local authorities and service provides to remain open to feedback from citizens and take responsibility for results. The direct route of accountability has been reinforced by measures to strengthen financial transparency and accountability (educating citizens on local budgets and publicly providing information on budgets and service delivery goals), social accountability (improving citizens' opportunities to provide feedback directly to local administrators and service providers), and impartial procedures to redress grievances. Woreda-level (district) spending has been a very effective strategy for Ethiopia to attain its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Woreda health and education goes to pay for health extension workers (HEWs) and teachers. This study finds evidence that woreda-level spending in health and education is effective. Owing to the intervention of HEWs, the use of health services has increased, especially among the poorest quintiles. Finally, the effect of woreda-level spending on agricultural extension workers is associated with higher yields for major crops. Spending on agricultural extension workers increases the probability that farmers, regardless of the size of their plots, will use improved farming techniques. Education, health, and agriculture account for 97 percent of woreda spending. This is complemented by support for capacity building and citizen voice. Clearly, spending efficiency is improved through better capacity, more transparency, and greater accountability to citizens.