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Social Contracts and World Bank Country Engagements Lessons from Emerging Practices
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The evaluation’s objective is to provide information on the value added, opportunities, risks, and challenges of using social contracts to shape the World Bank Group’s country engagements.The evaluation’s objective is to provide information on the value added, opportunities, risks, and challenges of using social contracts to shape the World Bank Group’s country engagements.
The International Finance Corporation’s Engagement in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations: Results and Lessons
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This report takes stock of available evidence regarding the effectiveness of IFC’s support in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS).This report takes stock of available evidence regarding the effectiveness of IFC’s support in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS).
Building Urban Resilience: An Evaluation of the World Bank Group’s Evolving Experience (2007-2017)
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This evaluation examines the World Bank Group’s evolving experience in building resilience in urban areas during the period 2007–17. The focus of this evaluation is the World Bank Group’s support to clients in building urban resilience—to cope, recover, adapt and transform—in the face of shocks and chronic stresses.This evaluation examines the World Bank Group’s evolving experience in building resilience in urban areas during the period 2007–17. The focus of this evaluation is the World Bank Group’s support to clients in building urban resilience—to cope, recover, adapt and transform—in the face of shocks and chronic stresses.
World Bank Group Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
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This note synthesizes findings regarding Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and SME support from recent IEG evaluations, independent evaluations by other MDBs, and relevant World Bank Group research.This note synthesizes findings regarding Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and SME support from recent IEG evaluations, independent evaluations by other MDBs, and relevant World Bank Group research.
From what works to how, and for whom
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How we can better connect evaluation and evidence to meaningful outcomes.How we can better connect evaluation and evidence to meaningful outcomes.
IEG Annual Report 2019: Transforming Evidence into Better Outcomes
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In a year marked by change throughout the institution, IEG’s commitment to rigorous analysis, innovative methodological approaches, and the sharing of knowledge and lessons remains its foundation.In a year marked by change throughout the institution, IEG’s commitment to rigorous analysis, innovative methodological approaches, and the sharing of knowledge and lessons remains its foundation.
Vietnam: Water Resources Assistance Project (PPAR)
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When the Vietnam Water Resources Assistance Project (VWRAP) was designed, Vietnam was the world’s second largest rice exporter, but land and labor productivity was relatively low in comparison with neighboring countries. About half of cultivated land was irrigated. Ninety-six percent of the nation’s 7,600 dams were used for irrigation, but the hydraulic infrastructure was deteriorating, and dam Show MoreWhen the Vietnam Water Resources Assistance Project (VWRAP) was designed, Vietnam was the world’s second largest rice exporter, but land and labor productivity was relatively low in comparison with neighboring countries. About half of cultivated land was irrigated. Ninety-six percent of the nation’s 7,600 dams were used for irrigation, but the hydraulic infrastructure was deteriorating, and dam safety monitoring was considered inadequate. A major constraint to improving agricultural productivity was underperformance of the large rice-based flood irrigation systems, because of their outdated infrastructure and institutional design. The government of Vietnam had initiated a broad-based program to modernize agriculture and requested World Bank assistance to finance a project that would introduce innovative approaches to irrigation modernization and address dam safety issues. The project development objectives were to modernize and increase the productivity of Vietnamese agriculture, improve the management of water resources, and reduce dam safety risks.
Ratings for this project are as follows: Outcome was moderately satisfactory, Risk to development outcome was moderate, Bank performance was moderately satisfactory, and Borrower performance was moderately satisfactory. Lessons from the project include: (i) The Project’s close alignment with the government of Socialist Republic of Vietnam’s agriculture reform programs allowed it to pilot innovations that have had enduring policy impacts. (ii) Irrigation modernization is a complex learning process that requires time and a phased approach. (iii) Key results indicators and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks should be linked to development objectives and a clearly stated theory of change. (iv) For affordability reasons, water user fees may be insufficient to ensure the financial viability of water user groups; in that case, additional sources of funds including subsidies may need to be considered.
How to establish a nationwide social protection program: Five lessons from the Philippines
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This brief captures the lessons from evaluating a World Bank project implemented in the Philippines—the Social Welfare and Development Reform Project (SWDRP).This brief captures the lessons from evaluating a World Bank project implemented in the Philippines—the Social Welfare and Development Reform Project (SWDRP).
Jamaica Economic Stabilization and Foundations for Growth Development Policy Loan (DPL) (PPAR)
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This Project Performance Assessment Report (PPAR) reviews the Economic Stabilization and Foundations for Growth Development Policy Loan (DPL), approved on December 12, 2013.
The objectives of the operation were to improve (i) the investment climate and competitiveness, and (ii) public financial management for sustainable fiscal consolidation. Objectives were highly relevant to country Show MoreThis Project Performance Assessment Report (PPAR) reviews the Economic Stabilization and Foundations for Growth Development Policy Loan (DPL), approved on December 12, 2013.
The objectives of the operation were to improve (i) the investment climate and competitiveness, and (ii) public financial management for sustainable fiscal consolidation. Objectives were highly relevant to country conditions and the need to avoid fiscal insolvency and begin implementing a comprehensive program of stabilization and reform. They were closely aligned with the World Bank’s strategy and government priorities. The design of the operation was substantially relevant to challenges, with policy priorities identified based on significant analytical work and nonlending technical assistance. The theory of change was convincing, with clear links among inputs, outputs, and expected results, although some indicators could have been more outcome oriented and clearer in their relation to objectives. One shortcoming of the design was the ambitious time frame for the implementation of some of the reforms related to investment climate and pensions, given the limited institutional capacity and a realistic assessment of the time needed for major legal reforms.
Achievement of both objectives is rated substantial. Under the investment climate objective, reforms targeted improvements in contract enforcement, approval of building permits, and registration of micro, small, and medium enterprises to encourage their participation in the formal sector. Under the public financial management and fiscal consolidation objective, the program targeted progress on pension reform, tax reform, civil service reform, cash management, and public investment management. The impact of all reform actions was measured relative to specific indicator targets, which were substantially achieved or exceeded. These achievements were confirmed by additional quantitative indicators, qualitative gauges, and international benchmarking data. Some reforms, such as those in investment climate and pension reform, took longer than originally envisioned, but they proceeded and deepened over time. Cumulative evidence suggests that the reforms supported by the operation have been sustained and, in several areas, deepened during the past six years. This is reflected in the new development policy financing series supported by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Stand-By Arrangement that followed the successful conclusion of the three-year arrangement under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Funding Facility.
Conversations: Creating Markets, what are the drivers of success?
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An expert panel discussion about the factors underlying the success of IFC's new corporate strategy.An expert panel discussion about the factors underlying the success of IFC's new corporate strategy.