Last updated July 2008
Background on Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP)
Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) describe a country's macroeconomic, structural, and social policies and programs to promote growth and reduce poverty, as well as associated external financing needs. PRSPs are prepared by governments through a participatory process that involves civil society and development partners, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers provide the basis for World Bank and IMF assistance as well as debt relief under the HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) Initiative. PRSPs should be country-driven, comprehensive, partnership-oriented, and participatory. A country only needs to write a PRSP every three years; however, changes can be made to the content of a PRSP using an Annual Progress Report. For more information, visit the World Bank Povertynet website.
PRSP for the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2006 - 2008
The Government prepared a PRSP (called a Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy Paper – PRGSP) through an extensive consultation process. Each district prepared a district-level PRSP through an extensive grassroots consultation process managed by specialized NGOs. These documents were consolidated into provincial-level PRSPs, and eventually into the national PRGSP. Civil society (including faith-based organizations, labor unions, NGOs, women groups, youth associations, and community representatives), the private sector, public institutions (national and local), and political representatives—in total, about 36,000 people—participated in this exercise.
The PRGSP emphasizes the need to break with past practices and to ensure a dramatic improvement of living conditions throughout the country, as a condition for sustained peace and eventual economic recovery. It highlights five pillars for action: (i) promoting good governance and consolidating peace; (ii) consolidating macroeconomic stability and economic growth; (iii) improving access to social services and reducing vulnerability; (iv) combating HIV/AIDS; and (v) promoting community dynamics.
A joint IDA and IMF assessment of the PRSP is currently underway and is expected to be discussed by the Boards of the Bank and IMF by May 2007.
Downloads
|
RSS