Country Studies – serie

Argentina's youth-6.7 million between the ages of 15 and 24 - are an important, but to a certain extent untapped, resource for development. Over 2 million (31 per cent) have already engaged in risky behaviors, and another 1 million (15 percent) are exposed to risk factors that are correlated with eventual risky behaviors. This totals 46 per cent of youth at some form of risk. This book addresses the risks faced by youth in Argentina such as low education attainment, unemployment, teenage pregnancy, use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, becoming victims of crime, and low level of civic participation, as well as the policy options for addressing them. The chance of reducing the numbers of youth at risk over the long term is greatest by focusing policies and programs on the individual (improving life skills, self-esteem), on key relationships (parents, caregivers, peers), on communities (schools, neighborhoods, police), and on societal laws and norms. Specific recommendations were developed during consultations with government counterparts.

Presents a retrospective of the decentralization reform process in Sierra Leone from 2003-07 and makes a contribution to the debates on the merits and risks of decentralization in general and its desirability and viability in post-conflict countries.

Presents evidence on gender-based differences in the determinants of a firm's decision to become formal and the consequences of this decision for profits. This book includes the findings that focus on the constraints to/productivity in small and micro enterprises and how these may vary depending on the gender of the business owner.

The main objective of this report is to help policymakers in the Caribbean design an agenda of policy actions to accelerate trade integration and growth, and to reduce poverty. Each part of the report focuses on a key question and provides an in-depth analysis of the issues raised, laying the foundations for policy recommendations described in the last chapter of the report. Part I asks whether the Caribbean's economic and trade system are sound enough to sustain the new era of its global trade relations. Part II addresses the opportunities and challenges that the new trade environment offers to the Caribbean. Part III assesses the impact of the recently-negotiated Economic Partnership Agreement on growth and poverty reduction using two types of macroeconomic models. The report concludes with policy priorities for accelerating Caribbean integration into the world economy and for reaping the benefits of global competition.

Investigates how can Bolivia achieve success in non-traditional exports by increasing the competitiveness of exporting firms.