World Bank

Using the Ricardian approach (a cross sectional analysis of farm performance across different climate zones), this report examines the impact of climate change on the agriculture sector and the sector's adaptation to that change. Studies in the report measure the climate sensitivity of low-capital agriculture, test whether actual farm performance is as sensitive to climate as agronomic models predict, and compare the climate sensitivity of low-capital farms with the results already calibrated for U. S. agriculture. The goal of the study is to examine farm behavior and test whether there is any evidence that farmers in developing countries currently adjust to their local climates.

A combination of economic development, improved education, increased access to safe water, and improved basic health programs has enabled Honduras to improve the health status of its population over the last three decades--an accomplishment of which the country can be justly proud. This paper examines the achievements of the Honduran health sector and discusses the challenges that need to be faced to modernize public sector financing, to improve public sector service provision, and to develop an appropriate policy and regulatory framework for pharmaceuticals and social security.

This paper provides practical guidance to government officials charged with managing case-by-case privatization programs. It identifies the key steps for privatization, describes sale options and the processes for carrying them out, and examines special conditions. It outlines how governments should undertake case-by-case privatization by identifying basic principles and common challenges, describes various methods for valuing state enterprises, and explains the role of financial advisers and sales agents in valuing candidates for privatization and developing sale options.

Mining and industrial activities, if poorly managed, can damage the environment and leave behind contaminated soils, polluted groundwater, and waste material. The two papers in this volume illustrate the methodologies developed for selecting priority sites for remediating environmental problems due to mining. It also describes the high priority investments that would provide the greatest benefits for the available resources. The methodologies have broad application and could be used to identify priority remediation investments in other sectors where past activities have led to environmental problems.

This paper highlights key urban groundwater issues and management needs. It also raises awareness and understanding of hydrogeological processes in urban areas and provides a framework for the proper and systematic consideration of groundwater dimensions in urban management. This paper suggests options for greater sustainable development and management of groundwater in urban areas.

Little effort has been made to research the nonagricultural or economywide macroneconomic impact of droughts in Sub-Saharan Africa. In an effort to fill the gap, this paper reports the findings of an exploratory study of the subject. It provides insights into the impact of drought in Sub-Saharan Africa in the past and suggests policy options for dealing with future droughts.

This paper argues that the World Bank should follow a systemic approach to developing guidance on public expenditure reform. Suggested approaches are to: determine an appropriate role for government and its various agents and specify their partnership with the civil society and the private sector; clarify the goals of reform and specify performance monitoring and evaluation indicators; target unproductive and inequitable expenditures from elimination; emphasize poverty alleviation; and promote equity and adopt general guidelines on policy environment goals for external assistance.

This book discusses the essential strategic, legal, economic, and institutional issues relating to privatization of state-owned enterprises, with an emphasis on the policy dimensions of privatization. Special attention is given to issues arising in the context of liberalization and privatization of the telecommunications and other infrastructure sectors. The author draws on experiences of countries in all regions to illustrate the dynamic character of privatization. He demonstrates the complexity of the problems that can arise during this process, examines the relevance of available solutions, and provides useful reference points for policymakers, executives, and advisors. Annexes list legislation from more than 100 countries and 500 bibliographic references, as well as specialized journals and Internet resources on privatization.

This book is intended for economists; planners and policy-makers; bankers and business people; journalists; all those concerned with development studies.

To reverse the economic decline that began in the 1970s, many sub-Saharan African countries have undertaken efforts to restructure their economies. This has included liberalizing trade, deregulating markets and prices, privatizing public enterprises, and strengthening management of the financial and public sectors. Implementation has been uneven in different countries, and even those countries that have attempted major reforms have not achieved poicies that are considered sound by international standards. A key finding of this book is is that improving policies paid off in higher GDR and sectoral growth rates, which are vital to reducing poverty; but in countries where policies deteriorated economic performance worsened. Despite the importance of reforming economic policies, it is not enough and countries need to invest more in human capital and infrastructure, expand their institutional capacity, and develop better governance. This is the second title in the World Bank Policy Research Reports (the first was the East Asian Miracle 1993).