| | The publication of the WB/UNDP report, (1989a) has begun a new phase in the debate on the effectiveness of structural adjustment programmes (SAPs). That report purported to present evidence that SAPs have had beneficial results in Africa in terms of growth of GDP and of export volumes. The Executive Summary of the report noted that 'large variations in recent trends among countries preclude strong conclusions' , but nevertheless reached the following conclusion: when the performance of reforming countries is compared with that of non-reforming countries, there is evidence that the combination of reforms and added assistance has led to higher agricultural growth, faster export growth, stronger GDP growth, and larger investment - this, despite the less favourable terms of trade facing the reforming countries (1989a:3). |
