Often these are harsh economic policies imposed as condition of an IMF or World Bank loan. Such policies are designed to increase government earning and release foreign exchange, primarily to repay debt. For many Africans this frequently means increased marginalization and deeper poverty. One of the key organizations in debt relief campaign has been the Canadian Ecumenical Jubilee Initiative . More information on Debt Relief .
Economic hardship is frequently on the heels of high debt and structural adjustment.
These two pieces examine how Zambians and Mozambicans have endured the effects of the crippling debt affecting the two countries. This book examines systemic poverty in both North and South Africa in an effort to understand the root causes. It also suggests poverty alleviation strategies that can be used at both the national and international levels. This book shows how structural adjustment programs have become the economic, social, cultural, and quasi-religious vision that shaped World Bank thinking to the detriment of the developing world. Responses from African churches and social movements provide an alternative vision.