The Operations Evaluation Department (OED) released its assessment of the implementation of the World Bank’s Comprehensive Development Framework (CDF) in June. The evaluation focuses on six case study countries – Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Romania, Uganda and Vietnam.

The CDF is an overarching framework developed by the Bank in 1998 with the backing of President James Wolfensohn, based on four key principles: “long-term holistic development, results orientation, country ownership and country-led partnership”. Some of the more interesting recommendations for the Bank include:

End “silo thinking”:
“A conscious effort is needed to reform organizational arrangements that discourage cross-sectoral collaboration”

Clarify openess to alternative development strategies:
“Clarify the PRSP review process and the Bank’s openness to alternative PRSP-consistent development strategies.”

“Practice what you preach” on country ownership:
“Continue decentralization and delegation of authority to field offices. Select, train and reward staff – in part – on their partnership performance. Practice what the Bank preaches regarding harmonization and simplification, program or budget support, and selectivity and ‘stepping back’.”