Resource information
? This article outlines the role that
the World Bank will play in supporting a modified rural
development strategy for the Sub-Saharan Africa region: The
Bank will be more selective in targeting countries for
assistance in rural development programs, focusing on those
that demonstrate commitment to appropriate agricultural
policy and investment. It will expand its information,
education and communication initiatives to help governments
generate widespread commitment by their citizenry. Bank
finance will increasingly be directed towards national
sector or subsector programs. Through country assistance
strategies, the bank would ensure that national education,
health, nutrition, transport, water and economic policy
programs provide support for rural and agricultural
development. Natural resource management, forestry, and
water projects will be evaluated to identify best practice,
leading to proposals for replication. All ongoing and
proposed Bank-assisted agriculture projects will be reviewed
to identify changes that would enhance the positive impact
on using and developing African capacity. A participatory
preparation and implementation plan involving farmers will
be developed for every agriculture project supported by the
Bank. Safety nets for the rural and urban poorest would be
established. The Bank and its affiliates would more actively
support the worldwide liberalization of agricultural trade
and discourage inefficient industrial country agricultural policies.
