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Many consider the use of community participation inappropriate, or too difficult, in large-scale internationally funded projects. But in some fields it may be the key to success
For the latest thinking about the international financial system, monetary policy, economic development, poverty reduction, and other critical issues, subscribe to Finance & Development (F&D). This lively quarterly magazine brings you in-depth analyses of these and other subjects by the IMF’s own staff as well as by prominent international experts. Articles are written for lay readers who want to enrich their understanding of the workings of the global economy and the policies and activities of the IMF.
This paper describes the need to broaden the agenda for poverty reduction. The broadening of the agenda follows from a growing understanding that poverty is more than low income, a lack of education, and poor health. The poor are frequently powerless to influence the social and economic factors that determine their well being. The paper highlights that a broader definition of poverty requires a broader set of actions to fight it and increases the challenge of measuring poverty and comparing achievement across countries and over time.
IMF Acting Managing Director Stanley Fischer announced in a press release dated April 14 that he has named Flemming Larsen, a national of Denmark, as Director of the IMF’s Office in Europe. Larsen, who is currently the Deputy Director of the IMF’s Research Department, succeeds Christian Brachet.
IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato visited Chad on May 19-20, combining policy discussions with the authorities with a firsthand view of one of the refugee camps that Chad is supporting with help from the international community.
During July 2-8, in his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa since taking office, IMF Managing Director Horst Köhler met with government authorities and representatives of civil society in Nigeria, Senegal, Mozambique, Botswana, and South Africa. The purpose of his visit was, first, to hear from the authorities on the economic situations and challenges facing their countries and, second, to listen to the views of African leaders on the IMF’s role and its involvement in restructuring African economies. In his meetings, he emphasized that there is today a single integrated world economy and the development of Africa is an essential component in ensuring its health. At the same time, he agreed with the African leaders he met that the IMF should stay fully engaged in Africa and should not succumb to any mood of “Afro-pessimism.”