The Bank expanded its housing finance activities in the 1990s, shifting its support toward sector reforms that increase the capacity of housing finance and delivery mechanisms to cater to the needs of low-income households. The present publication examines Bank experience in housing, draws...

The search for solutions to urban and social problems prompted by informal settlements is gaining importance in the development agenda of most large cities in Latin America. Nearly 60 percent of the population lives in informal, often centrally located settlements.

This paper reviews the Bank's lending experience in rural finance and extracts the lessons learned from that experience. It is based on a review of project documents, evaluation reports, and interviews. A sample of 27 projects were studied in detail. Although the review of IDB projects is far...

The Bank has developed and implemented several initiatives to reduce poverty and to improve rural competitiveness during the past decade. This document updates and establishes operational principles to guide action in this area so that the stated goals of the Mandate can be effectively achieved....

The present publication traces the history of the Bank's lending for urban development and discusses its approaches to current urban issues. It is intended for specialists and individuals interested in getting acquainted with the evolution of the Bank portfolio.

China's size, rapid growth, external openness, and trade performance have led to varying perceptions among the countries of Latin America: Is China a potential new market, a potent new competitor, or both? This book assesses the near-term strategic implications of China's economic performance...

The stories included in this volume were published originally in IDBAmérica and tell of new approaches the people of Latin America and the Caribbean are taking to protect the rainforest, reduce erosion, conserve marine life, create protected areas, and ensure a better future for themselves and...