Evaluation of World Bank Programs in Afghanistan 2002-11 [Paperback]

This report evaluates the outcomes of World Bank Group support to Afghanistan from 2002-11. Despite extremely difficult security conditions, which deteriorated markedly after 2006, the World Bank Group has commendably established and sustained a large program of support to the country. The key messages of the evaluation are:???While World Bank Group strategy has been highly relevant to Afghanistan???s situation,beginning in 2006 the strategies could have gone further in adapting ongoingprograms to evolving opportunities and needs, and in programming activities sufficientto achieve the objectives of the pillars in those strategies.???Overall, Bank Group assistance has achieved substantial progress toward most ofits major objectives, although risks to development outcomes remain high.Impressive results have been achieved in public financial management, public health,telecommunications, and community development; substantial outputs have alsobeen achieved in primary education, rural roads, irrigation, and microfinance???allstarted during the initial phase. Bank assistance has been critical in developingthe mining sector as a potential engine of growth. However, progress has beenlimited in civil service reform, agriculture, urban development, and private sectordevelopment.???The Bank Group???s direct financial assistance has been augmented effectively byanalytic and advisory activities and donor coordination through the AfghanistanReconstruction Trust Fund. Knowledge services have been an important part ofBank Group support and have demonstrated the value of strategic analytical work,even in areas where the Bank Group may opt out of direct project financing.???With the expected reduction of the international presence in 2014, sustainabilityof development gains remains a major risk because of capacity constraints andinadequate human resources planning on the civilian side.To enhance program effectiveness, the evaluation recommends that the Bank Group help the governmentlc§