National and International Dimensions of Debt and Adjustment in Developing Countries (v. 1) (Debt, Adjustment and Poverty in Developing Countries)

Commissioned by the internationally acclaimed Save the Children Fund, this is a study of debt crisis and economic adjustment, and of their implications for poverty in developing countries. It is divided into two volumes. The first volume considers the issues at the national and international levels, covering: problems in the adjustment process; the effectiveness of the current approach to adjustment; and the links between debt, adjustment and the international economic and financial system. The second volume discusses the implications of debt and adjustment at the household level: the channels through which economic changes affect households; the impact of policy measures included in adjustment; effects on health and education; and limits to the benefits to the poor of adjustment-related growth. Policy proposals are presented, with particular reference to the potential role of non-government organizations, both through their operations in the countries affected and through advocacy. The approach taken to the subject is essentially economic, and the contents should be of interest to policy-makers and advanced students. However, the text is designed to be of interest to, and readable by, non-economists with a strong interest in development issues and education to graduate/under-graduate level.