Social funds, sustainability and institutional development impacts: findings from an OED Review

Abstract

This paper, based on a recent OED review of World Bank social fund projects, presents findings relating to two aspects of social fund performance that have been relatively under-researched in the social funds literature-the sustainability of benefits and the institutional development impacts. On sustainability, the review found that social fund facilities generally had staffing and equipment levels better or equal to those in comparator facilities although both types of facilities suffered from shortages. While there has been a learning curve, deficiencies were found in the requirements for ongoing operations and maintenance over the operational life of the investments. On institutional development impact, the review found that social fund agencies have developed capacity as effective and innovative organizations. Wider impacts on existing institutions, both positive and negative, need greater attention. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Social funds and decentralisation: optimal institutional design

“…In practice, it is generally accepted that most SFs did pose an obstacle to decentralisation in the early years of operation, as they tended to bypass local governments in the identification and implementation of projects (cf. Carvalho et al, 2002). The early literature on social funds and decentralisation clearly reflect this.…”

“…This lack of sectoral integration risks generating negative effects on the ground, as social funds often find it difficult to ensure that investments are maintained and operated by responsible line agencies once project works are completed. For instance, Carvalho et al (2002) point out that while SF facilities usually had better staff and equipment than comparator facilities, their operation and maintenance suffered deficiencies during the operational life of the investments.…”

Sustainable Return in Post‐conflict Contexts

“…Thus, for example, Carvalho et al (2002) note that measuring sustainability in project analysis involves calculating both whether benefits are sustained for the lifetime of a project, and whether there are broader effects on institutional development. There are both advantages and disadvantages to conceptualizing the sustainability of return at an individual level, in terms of outcomes for individual returnees.…”