Resource information
This study assesses the development
effectiveness of World Bank assistance in addressing
constraints to agricultural development in Africa over the
period of fiscal years 1991-2006. This Independent
Evaluation Group (IEG) review of World Bank assistance to
agriculture in Africa has a twofold purpose. First, it is a
pilot for the proposed IEG study on Bank-wide assistance in
agriculture scheduled for fiscal year 2009. Second, the
review provides timely insight into specific issues relevant
to the Bank's renewed focus on agriculture in Africa,
especially as expressed in the Africa Action Plan. The
central finding of the study is that the agriculture sector
has been neglected both by governments and the donor
community, including the World Bank. In order to effectively
support the implementation of the Africa Action Plan and its
appropriate focus on agricultural development as a key
priority, the study has three recommendations for the Bank.
First, it should focus attention on achieving improvements
in agricultural productivity. Second, it should increase the
quantity and quality of analytical work and ensure that
policy advice and lending are grounded in its findings, and
rebuild its technical skills. Third, it should establish
clear benchmarks for measuring progress.
