Consultation is a two-way communication process by which the knowledge and views of affected peoples, NGOs, the private sector and other interested parties are taken into account in development decision-making. In the case of EAs, the assumption is often made that such involvement is not...

This book focuses on the creation of fiscal space through revenue mobilization, although such efforts are best made using a comprehensive framework that examines all available sources. Those sources include: (a) reducing lower-priority spending, (b) enhancing the capacity to implement priorities...

This is a summary report of the South Asia Region and the East Asia Pacific regions training workshop from April 28-30, 2008 on the importance of disaster risk reduction and risk transfer including major concepts, models, and various applications of disaster risk reduction around the globe. This...

Economic Consulting Associates (ECA) and Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA) have been engaged by Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and the World Bank to prepare a policy paper for enhanced regional electricity trade involving the Economic Cooperation Council (ECO)...

This report focuses on the impact of policies and exogenous shocks on food inflation. It deals with four elements: 1) the pass-through of global food (and other commodity) prices, 2) macroeconomic policies, 3) market regulation and short-term supply shocks, and 4) long-term structural shifts and...

Over the past decade, the overly centralized governance structures commonly found across South Asia have begun to change, with program and fiscal responsibility being devolved to local level government authorities and community-based organizations. This has led to greater participation of...

This report summarizes the findings of Investment Climate Assessments (ICAs) carried out for all countries in the South Asia region. It compares South Asian countries to countries in other regions, analyzes similarities and differences within the region, and identifies the way forward in...

This report summarizes the findings of Investment Climate Assessments (ICAs) carried out for all countries in the South Asia region. It compares South Asian countries to countries in other regions, analyzes similarities and differences within the region, and identifies the way forward in...

Despite increasing disaster risk in South Asia Region (SAR), awareness and understanding of this risk among individuals and governments remains low. As an emerging topic, exposure and vulnerability to natural hazards and their consequential impacts are not yet at the forefront of development...

In recognition that poverty and vulnerability are mutually reinforcing, because the poor lack the ability to insure against risks, often shaping behavior and decision making to minimize exposure to risks, even at the cost of economic efficiency, and long-term interest, this paper reviews what is...