Poor Places Thriving People: How the Middle East and North Africa Can Rise Above Spatial Disparities

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Human Geography
Cover of the book Poor Places Thriving People: How the Middle East and North Africa Can Rise Above Spatial Disparities by World Bank, World Bank
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: World Bank ISBN: 9780821384237
Publisher: World Bank Publication: January 10, 2011
Imprint: Language: English
Author: World Bank
ISBN: 9780821384237
Publisher: World Bank
Publication: January 10, 2011
Imprint:
Language: English
Geographical differences in living standards are a pressing concern for policymakers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Economies of agglomeration mean that production is most efficient when concentrated in leading areas. So how can the region reduce spatial disparities in well-being without compromising growth? The solution to spatial disparities lies in matching the policy package to a lagging area?s specific characteristics. Key questions include: is the lagging area problem really as serious as one thinks; is it a problem of low economic opportunity or of poor human development; are lagging area populations close enough to agglomerations to benefit from spillovers; and is there manifest private investor interest? Drawing on the World Bank?s 2009 World Development Report Reshaping Economic Geography the book proposes 3 policy packages.First all lagging areas can benefit from a ?level playing-field for development? and investment in people. Geographic disparities in the policy environment are a legacy of MENA?s history and gaps in human development are a major component of spatial disparities. Smart policies for the investment environment health education social transfers and urban development can therefore close spatial gaps in living standards.Second lagging areas that are close to economic agglomeration can benefit from spillovers - provided that they are connected. MENA?s expenditure priority is not necessarily long-distance primary connections but infrastructure maintenance and short-distance connections such as rural roads and peri-urban networks. Public-private partnerships can also bring electronic connectivity to lagging areas.Third shifting regional development policy away from spatial subsidies towards the facilitation of cluster-based growth will increase the chance of cost-effective impacts.The final chapter of the book examines the institutional prerequisites for effective spatial policy. It argues that MENA?s centralized/sectoral structures are not always adapted to governments? spatial development agendas and describes alternative institutional options.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Geographical differences in living standards are a pressing concern for policymakers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Economies of agglomeration mean that production is most efficient when concentrated in leading areas. So how can the region reduce spatial disparities in well-being without compromising growth? The solution to spatial disparities lies in matching the policy package to a lagging area?s specific characteristics. Key questions include: is the lagging area problem really as serious as one thinks; is it a problem of low economic opportunity or of poor human development; are lagging area populations close enough to agglomerations to benefit from spillovers; and is there manifest private investor interest? Drawing on the World Bank?s 2009 World Development Report Reshaping Economic Geography the book proposes 3 policy packages.First all lagging areas can benefit from a ?level playing-field for development? and investment in people. Geographic disparities in the policy environment are a legacy of MENA?s history and gaps in human development are a major component of spatial disparities. Smart policies for the investment environment health education social transfers and urban development can therefore close spatial gaps in living standards.Second lagging areas that are close to economic agglomeration can benefit from spillovers - provided that they are connected. MENA?s expenditure priority is not necessarily long-distance primary connections but infrastructure maintenance and short-distance connections such as rural roads and peri-urban networks. Public-private partnerships can also bring electronic connectivity to lagging areas.Third shifting regional development policy away from spatial subsidies towards the facilitation of cluster-based growth will increase the chance of cost-effective impacts.The final chapter of the book examines the institutional prerequisites for effective spatial policy. It argues that MENA?s centralized/sectoral structures are not always adapted to governments? spatial development agendas and describes alternative institutional options.

More books from World Bank

Cover of the book Mongolia Economic Retrospective: 2008-2010 by World Bank
Cover of the book World Development Report 2017 by World Bank
Cover of the book The Little Data Book on Africa 2012/2013 by World Bank
Cover of the book Global Economic Prospects 2008: Technology Diffusion In The Developing World by World Bank
Cover of the book Securing Africa's Land for Shared Prosperity by World Bank
Cover of the book Evaluating The Financial Performance Of Pension Funds by World Bank
Cover of the book Is Geography Destiny? : Lessons From Latin America by World Bank
Cover of the book Wind Energy In Colombia: A Framework For Market Entry by World Bank
Cover of the book Inclusion Matters by World Bank
Cover of the book Planning, Connecting, and Financing Cities — Now by World Bank
Cover of the book Fail-Safe Management by World Bank
Cover of the book The World Bank Group A to Z 2016 by World Bank
Cover of the book Distortions To Agricultural Incentives In Asia by World Bank
Cover of the book Africa Development Indicators 2010: Silent And Lethal: How Quiet Corruption Undermines Africa's Development Efforts by World Bank
Cover of the book Tiger Economies Under Threat: A Comparative Analysis Of Malaysia's Industrial Prospects And Policy Options by World Bank
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy