Donor agency support for primary education: Strategies reconsidered

Abstract

In recent years a number of donor agencies have increased their lending to primary education in developing countries. However, some characteristics of primary schooling make it unsatisfactory for capital aid support, and arguments to increase recurrent funding are always controversial in aid policy circles. Nevertheless, this paper argues that this support should be further strengthened. It briefly reviews the economic case for such an emphasis. It analyses the typical problems faced in primary education, and the policy choices facing national governments. The final section outlines the main opportunities and priorities for increased donor agency support to the primary sector.