Much of the early work on poverty was highly quantitative: ... It became increasingly clear, however, that while numbers are essential for policy and monitoring purposes, it is also important to understand people's perception of poverty and their mechanisms for coping with poverty and other situations of extreme economic and social stress. Researchers have recognized over the past few years that quantitative analysis of the incidence and trends in poverty, while essential for national economic development planning, must be complemented by qualitative methods that help planners and managers...

Early in 2000, Ecuador, confronted with a serious economic and governance crises, adopted the U.S. dollar as its national currency. The economic situation was dire with high inflation, government intervention in the banking system including freezing of deposits to prevent further flight from the country, and large fiscal deficits. Politically, then President Mahaud was being challenged by a congressional lack of support for measures to stabilize the economic situation, a radicalized indigenous movement, and a restive armed forces. In this environment, and as a policy of last resort, the...

Printed on Demand. Limited stock is held for this title. If you would like to order 30 copies or more please contact books@worldbank.org The purpose of this guide is to facilitate the ratification or acceptance of the 1993 FAO Compliance Agreement and the 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement. It presents an outline of some of the most important provisions contained in the two agreements. The book also includes a 'tool kit' of the various approaches used by some countries that have already enacted national legislation to meet the obligations and objectives set forth in these agreements.

The development of industrial relations in different countries can be essential in their efforts to balance competitiveness with equitable wages and improved working conditions. Consequently, a well-functioning labor market is essential for solid economic performance as well as future economic growth and for the well-being of workers and their families. 'Unions and Collective Bargaining' is a comprehensive reference book which evaluates the economic effects of unions and collective bargaining. This book provides a detailed survey and synthesis of the economic literature on trade unions and...

In Africa, most especially Sub-Saharan Africa, the World Bank's mission, to fight poverty, is strongly linked with environmental protection and better management of renewable natural resources. In both rural and urban areas, the poor of Africa are impacted by the loss of natural resources and environmental services. They are also at the highest risk from natural disasters--most particularly floods and drought. This environmental strategy report identifies the current thinking of the Africa region within the World Bank Group. It helps detail the World Bank's commitment to assist African...

While each country's judiciary is unique in its individual needs, capabilities and contexts, the lessons learned from Singapore's success can help guide judicial reform initiatives regionally as well as globally. No one would suggest that Singapore's strategy is a magic formula thatif followed can erase the inefficiencies of all judiciaries. But it would be wise to examine the strategies used and lessons learned from Singapore's experience as a potential guide toward successful and sustainable judicial reform.

The global knowledge economy is transforming the demands of the labor market in economies worldwide. It is placing new demands on citizens, who need more skills and knowledge to function in their day-to-day lives than can be acquired in formal education systems alone. Lifelong learning from early childhood to retirement is education for the knowledge economy, and it is as crucial in transition and developing economies as it is in the developed world. A roadmap for policymakers in developing countries to the key issues and challenges of education in a knowledge economy, this book explores the...

There are approximately one billion adult illiterates in the world. Adult literacy programs in developing countries are often ineffectual and rather limited outcomes. To improve outcomes, much emphasis has been given to empowering nongovernmental organizations, increasing learner motivation, and reinforcing social benefits. This book summarizes the pertinent cognitive and neuropsychological research using layman terms and attempts to apply it to the acquisition of adult literacy. It presents issues and ideas on designing adult literacy programs that support human memory functions as...