Directions in Development - Countries and Regions – serie

The process of rural-urban transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for development. If managed effectively, it can result in growth that benefits everyone; if managed poorly, it can lead to stark welfare disparities and entire regions cut off from the advantages of agglomeration economies. The importance of rural-urban transition has been confirmed by two consecutive World Development Reports: WDR 2008 Agriculture for Development; and WDR 2009 Reshaping Economic Geography. Focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, this book picks up where the WDRs left off, investigating the influence of country conditions and policies on the pace, pattern, and consequences of rural-urban transition and suggesting strategies to ensure that its benefits results in shared improvements in well-being.The book uncovers vast inequalities, whether between two regions of one country, between rural and urban areas, or within cities themselves. The authors find little evidence to suggest that these inequalities will automatically diminish as countries develop: empirical and qualitative analysis suggests that spatial divides are mainly a function of country conditions, policies and institutions. By implication, policymakers must take active steps to ensure that rural-urban transition results in shared growth. Spatially unbiased provision of health and education services is crucial to ensuring that the benefits of transition are shared by all. But connective infrastructure and targeted interventions also emerge as important considerations, even in countries with severely constrained fiscal and administrative capacity. The authors suggest steps for navigating the tricky political economy of land reforms. And they alert readers to potential spillover effects that mean that policies designed for one space can have unintended consequences on another.Policymakers and development experts, as well as anyone concerned with the impact of rural-urban transition on growth and equity, will find this book a thought-provoking and informative read.

From Oil to Cities: Nigeria's Next Transformation serves the critical and timely purpose of understanding the challenges and opportunities of urbanization in Nigeria.

Excise taxes are targeted special taxes applied to a particular set of goods such as cigarettes, beer, spirits. Well designed, they can be a win-win, raising significant revenues for development and discouraging harmful consumption. Sin Tax Reform documents and draws lessons from how the Philippines implemented a major excise reform.

Côte d'Ivoire urbanization has been negatively correlated with incomes since the 1970s and poverty has increased. This report identifies constraints and opportunities for urbanization across four dimensions: planning, connecting, financing, and greening cities.

Argentina is one of the most urbanized countries in Latin America. Its path to economic prosperity is through efficient, sustainable and economically thriving cities. This book provides a conceptual framework, empirical data, and strategic directions for leveraging the potential of Argentine cities.

This report analyzes gender differentials in the Maldives. Women are disadvantaged in high-paying jobs, higher education, domestic violence, and asset ownership. Cultural norms are becoming more rigidly patriarchal, and public support for women?s rights is declining, which does not bode well for future gender equality and inclusive development.

En Cote d'ivoire depuis la fin des annees 1970 I'urbanisation est correlee negativernent au revenu par tete, alors que la pauvrete augmente. Toutefois une urbanisation bien geree peut accelerer I'accession de la Cote d'ivoire au statut de pays a revenu interrnediaire.

The report analyzes the spatial development patterns of Mexican cities and examines how recent urban spatial growth has affected economic performance and livability. Based on the analysis, it offers recommendations and instruments to support more sustainable spatial development and to make Mexican cities become more productive and inclusive.

Central America is in the midst of an important transformation. Central America Urbanization Review: Making Cities Work for Central America provides a better understanding of the implications of urbanization in the region, and the actions that central and local governments can take to reap the intended benefits of this transformation.

Morocco 2040: Emerging by Investing in Intangible Capital documents the major economic and social strides made by Morocco over the past 15 years and analyzes the policies and political economy conditions for accelerating the pace of economic catch-up by 2040.

Analysis of the most recent data from the Sri Lanka Labor Force Survey (LFS) and Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) provides an update to the 2013 policy report, Getting In and Staying In: Increasing Female Labor Force Participation in Sri Lanka.

Morocco 2040 documents the major economic and social strides made by Morocco in recent decades and analyzes the obstacles that it must overcome in order to ensure that the economic catch-up process underway in the country can be accelerated and will pave the way for sustainable economic convergence.