Barber Conable on the World Bank's View on Poverty and Population

Abstract

A primary goal of the World Bank is to attack and to overcome poverty. Determined and sustained action is called for on 5 fronts: securing economic growth; combatting hunger; curbing excessive population growth; investing in education; and protecting the interests of the poor during the process of economic adjustment. Growth is essential. It provides the poor with access to better markets and opportunities. Further it provides the resources for public and private programs which are vital to the poor. Sensible macroeconomic policies are critical for growth and for a successful attack on poverty. The World Bank supports such policies through lending for adjustment which now accounts for 1/4 of the Banks new commitments. Second the impact of economic growth must be strengthened by direct action to combat hunger. The World Bank will continue to support national programs which bring the needed technology and services to small farmers. Soon such programs will be under way with Bank support in 31 African countries. The Bank will work persistently with African governments official and nongovernmental donors and other international institutions to make food security a reality. An essential part of the Banks effort involves development activities that have a strong impact on population. Many projects improve economic opportunity and education for poor people particularly women and girls. The Bank is financing health and safe motherhood programs and will expand its direct support for family-related activities. Population issues will be prominent in any dialogue with governments. The Bank and its members cannot ignore the fact that investment in education has declined as the need for it has increased. Countries which work to reform and upgrade their education systems will find the Bank a supportive partner. Finally governments and donors need to do more to protect the poor during the adjustment process. Deliberate measures must be taken to deal with the social consequences of adjustment. A Bank-managed multi-agency effort the Social Dimensions of Adjustment Program now is underway in a score of African nations. Effective implementation of these 5 priority areas is the crucial test and demands that poverty measures focus directly on those in need and that available resources be used more efficiently. Bank lending in the social sectors will support better design targeting and delivery of services for the poor.