The IMF has been playing a leading role in poverty
reduction activities. Its Poverty Reduction and
Growth Facility (PRGF) grogram provides resources to
low-income countries aiming to foster durable
growth, thereby raising living standards and
reducing poverty. Many developing countries have
participated in the program. But the results are not
always good. Some countries experienced painful
times with low growth gate and even depression.

Much debate has been made over the effects of IMF-
supported stability-oriented programs. A proper
standard for measuring the effectiveness is to...