Some donors are happy to accept that it should not matter which a country produces, the objective of agreeing a coherent programme is the priority. However, others are unlikely to be so flexible, and at this stage the PRSP is essential for securing debt relief and IFI loans which suggests that countries are more likely to focus on producing these. The CDF and PRSP offer important steps forward. This will require considerable capacity building. There has been varied success and experience so far but certain tentative conclusions can be drawn from both processes.
Most people agree that the new frameworks for delivering aid are a step in the right direction.
To make them effective however requires concerted change at the institutional level. Otherwise the danger is that they may simply give more power to the Bank and Fund to intervene further in countries' economies. The problem is whether there is a willingness to take the necessary steps, especially at the Bank and the IMF, to ensure that the reality fits with the rhetoric. The World Bank and IMF need to develop, in consultation with civil society, operational directives for participation to guide staff. This is vital.