Political Incentives for Poverty Reduction - Slide 10

Poverty reduction is a highly political issue.

Donor driven Poverty Reduction Strategies run counter to the prevailing incentive structures.

Donors are effectively pressing politicians to appeal and be accountable to voters on the basis of:

• Performance in service delivery and the prospect of future economic growth and prosperity

instead of:

• Identity, patronage and the delivery of direct personal benefits in the short term: which ensure their political survival.

Poverty reduction strategies raise voter expectations where state resources are limited and capacity to deliver is extremely weak.

The high risk of failure in meeting service delivery commitment means that there is a high political risk resulting in weak incentives for, and weak commitment to poverty reduction strategies.

The PRS approach by donors is likely to have little effect on policy-making and implementation.

Link to Political Incentives for Poverty Reduction slide.

1. DRIVERS OF CHANGE - OR STAGNATION?
2. BACKGROUND TO 'DRIVERS OF CHANGE' ANALYSIS
3. POLITICAL ECONOMY
4. METHODOLOGY
5. AID EFFECTIVENESS?
6. KEY FINDINGS OF 'DRIVERS OF CHANGE' STUDIES
7. Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRS)
8. The Politics of Survival
9. Patrimonialism
10. Political Incentives for Poverty Reduction
11. The Role of 'Good Governance' in Development
12. Can Aid Be Made More Effective?
13. Summary of Findings