World Development Report 2004: Making Services Work for Poor People (World Development Report)

Rating:
Summary: Classic Doublespeak
Review: MAKING POOR PEOPLE WORK FOR (LOUSY) SERVICES: How the World Bank Impoverishes Third World Countries would be a more accurate title. For balance, see 50 Years Is Enough: The Case Against the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, by Kevin Danaher, and Masters of Illusion the World Bank and the Poverty of Nations, by Catherine Caufield. Let's not forget, some 40,000 children die every day from hunger or hunger-related diseases - all in countries that have been under the thumb of the World Bank for years. Enough is enough. This neocolonial institution must go. Only then will coffee plantations and aquaculture farms again grow food for the people who actually need it.

Rating:
Summary: Focus on the problem.
Review: Regardless of your political views, opinions about globalization, or general predisposition to the World Bank, the WDR 2004 is an essential publication addressing the issues of poverty and equity in health, education, and socioeconomic terms. Not only are the issues of equity being raised on an international level but intranationally as well. The WDR 2004 takes on the issues and problems that are increasing the disparity between the haves and have-nots within a given country. Without prejudice or preference, this report discusses the failures of institutions, national and multinational, in making the necessary strides to address poverty and the plight of the poor. This report is one of the most comprehensive resources available right now for understanding and responding to the issues of provision and access for the poor to proper healthcare, education, sanitation, clean water and electricity.