The Asian Development Fund Operations: A Decade of Supporting Poverty Reduction in the Asia and Pacific Region
Asian Development Bank | April 2012
Abstract
Faced with growing development challenges - especially external economic shocks, climate change, and natural disasters - several developing countries in Asia and the Pacific are unlikely to reach the non-income Millennium Development Goal targets by 2015. There is therefore a need for stronger action as well as for more resources from the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Asian Development Fund (ADF), especially for the poorer countries. The ADF offers loans at very low interest rates and grants to help reduce poverty in ADB's poorest member countries.
This evaluation suggests that although ADF has financed only a small share of countries' investment expenditures, it has likely contributed to economic growth by helping them improve connectivity through transport investments; increase the level and reliability of power supplies; develop legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks for finance and commerce; and increase agricultural production. This track record is encouraging. On a smaller scale, the ADF has also supported efforts to improve access to resources for smaller enterprises and for better social infrastructure.
But the difficult circumstances of the ADF countries also call for a much stronger effort to encourage inclusive and sustainable development and strengthen the capacity of client institutions. Investments need to be better geared towards enhancing the access of smaller enterprises to investments; improving urban, social, and environmental services; increasing rural connectivity and electrification; and boosting economic participation.
Furthermore, to get stronger results from ADF projects, it is vital to pay close attention to ways in which these projects can complement other efforts within and across sectors. In that context, coordination of cross-sectoral efforts with other development partners might be the preferred approach, rather than seeking complex, multi-sectoral projects run by a single institution. ADB also needs to monitor ADF operations better to improve performance and give more attention to outcomes, and their documentation. This will also facilitate future evaluations of ADF support.
Citation
Asian Development Bank. 2012. The Asian Development Fund Operations: A Decade of Supporting Poverty Reduction in the Asia and Pacific Region. © Asian Development Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/11540/107. License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.PDF ISBN
978-92-9092-665-8
Print ISBN
978-92-9092-664-1
Keywords
Aid And Development
Comprehensive Development Framework
Development Cooperation
Development Management
Development Planning
Development Strategies
Rural planning
Aid coordination
Industrial projects
Infrastructure projects
Natural resources policy
Educational development
Communication in rural development
Communication in community development
Economic development projects
Development banks
Economic forecasting
Environmental auditing
Cumulative effects assessment
Human rights and globalization
Show allCollapse
Citable URI
http://hdl.handle.net/11540/107Metadata
Show full item recordUsers also downloaded
-
CAREC Transport and Trade Facilitation Strategy 2020
Asian Development Bank (Asian Development Bank, 2013-10-24)The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Transport and Trade Facilitation Strategy (TTFS) was refined to account for changes in the CAREC Program since 2008, particularly expanded membership and the new strategic framework (CAREC 2020). The refined strategy also reflects lessons learned during the initial phase of implementation, aiming to more efficiently and comprehensively achieve ...The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Transport and Trade Facilitation Strategy (TTFS) was refined to account for changes in the CAREC Program since 2008, particularly expanded membership and the new strategic framework (CAREC 2020). ... -
Annual Report 2014: Operational Data
Asian Development Bank (Asian Development Bank, 2015-01-01)The page has additional information for the ADB Annual Report 2014. In 2014, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved $22.93 billion in development assistance, including $13.69 billion financed by ADB’s ordinary capital resources and special funds, and a record $9.24 billion by cofinancing partners. Disbursements totaled $10.01 billion, an increase of $1.47 billion (17%) from 2013, and the first ...The page has additional information for the ADB Annual Report 2014. In 2014, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved $22.93 billion in development assistance, including $13.69 billion financed by ADB’s ordinary capital resources and special funds, ... -
Regional Cooperation and Integration in a Changing World
Asian Development Bank (Asian Development Bank, 2013-01-01)Asia is on the rise with increasing significance in the global economy. In parallel, regional cooperation and integration is becoming stronger, bringing both benefits and costs. The region is diverse, and so are the challenges that must be overcome to achieve greater trade and financial integration. For trade, with the Doha Round stymied, what is the best route to take in untangling the noodle ...Asia is on the rise with increasing significance in the global economy. In parallel, regional cooperation and integration is becoming stronger, bringing both benefits and costs. The region is diverse, and so are the challenges that must be overcome ...