Diagnostic review of public expenditure in the agricultural sector in Cote d’Ivoire : period 1999-2012

Abstract

This diagnostic review of basic public expenditure in the agricultural sector in Cote d’Ivoire forms part of the World Bank’s assistance to Cote d’Ivoire through its strengthening national comprehensive agricultural public expenditure (APE) in Sub-Saharan Africa program. This program, which is backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was developed to support the implementation of the comprehensive Africa agriculture development program (CAADP) in the context of the commitment made by African heads of state in Maputo in 2003 to allocate at least 10 percent of their national resources to agriculture with a view to attaining agricultural growth of at least 6 percent per year. It encourages governments and development partners (DPs) to target public expenditure in the agricultural sector as the most efficient way to stimulate growth in the sector and thereby reduce hunger and poverty. This review sets out to: (1) undertake a detailed examination of basic public expenditure in the wider agricultural sector in Cote d’Ivoire; (2) issue recommendations based on observation data with a view to improving the efficiency and fairness of public expenditure; and (3) build capacities to enable the relevant personnel to subsequently undertake examinations of public expenditure thanks to the development of a database and cooperation with the corresponding teams. Interviews were held with senior members of the aforementioned ministries, agricultural industry leaders, DPs, and those in charge of operations under supervision. Data were collected by compiling data series from the integrated public finance management system (SIGFiP) database and information provided by donors and para-public organizations. The initial study covered 12 years (1999-2010) because the SIGFiP database, the most consistent and easily accessible data source, contains no data for the period prior to its creation on January 1, 1999. A cursory study for the (post-crisis) 2011-2012 period was subsequently required to ascertain any new developments, notably implementation rates. This report presents: the context of the diagnostic review at the national and sectoral level and the United Nations Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG), which defines the agricultural sector studied here; an analysis of APE levels and trends; an analysis of APE composition and types by ministry, region, and public and private goods; results of thematic studies of agricultural research, agricultural outreach and training, agricultural inputs, and feeder roads; an analysis of sources of funding; the budget preparation and implementation process; conclusions and recommendations; and annexes.