The Bank's support of agricultural in Uzbekistan has landed it in hot water suggesting that it does not take seriously the social implications of such lending.
Agriculture
Land
News
For the love of markets
As record high food prices have contributed to unrest in Egypt, Tunisia and beyond, the World Bank's unwavering faith in markets has stirred debate about how best to address the multitude of factors underlying a global crisis in food prices. Meanwhile, World Bank president Robert Zoellick continues to champion efforts to bring agriculture into carbon markets.
Land
News
Bank supports controversial Tajik dam?
The World Bank is currently funding an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Rogun dam in Tajikistan, demonstrating its interest in this controversial project.
Land
News
World Bank pushes carbon markets in agriculture and climate talks
In the lead up to Cancun climate negotiations, the Bank has used a conference on agriculture and climate as a platform to expand its agricultural activities and link them to its interests in carbon markets, despite new evidence of problems with investment in the sector.
Land
Background
Notes of meeting between Minster Alan Duncan, the UK Department for International Development and Ci
Meeting notes
Land
News
UK reviews World Bank, multilateral aid
In June the new UK coalition government announced a hasty review of its funding to multilaterals, including the World Bank Group.
Land
News
World Bank admits 'land grab' risks, proceeds anyway
A long-suppressed report by the World Bank remains supportive of large-scale land acquisitions in developing countries by foreign investors, despite highlighting significant risks for vulnerable populations. Civil society groups have argued that the Bank is complicit in violations of human rights associated with the so-called ‘land grabs’
Rights
News
Palmed off: World Bank's palm oil framework 'business as usual' despite environmental and rights con
The World Bank’s draft framework for investment in the palm oil sector was met with dismay from civil society groups, who said that it failed to offer a credible strategy to address manifold social and environmental problems.
Rights
News
Is IFC palm oil investment a foregone conclusion?
The World Bank is currently undertaking a major review of its controversial engagement in palm oil production, but critics warn that consultation has been inadequate and that the Bank seems to have already decided to continue investment in the sector.
Land
News
World Bank work on land supports "a new form of colonialism"
A set of voluntary principles for agricultural investment in developing countries, launched by the World Bank and other institutions in April, veils the promotion of investors' interests at the expense of host populations, warn civil society groups.
Featured briefings
5 October 2023
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 2023
4 October 2023
The Bretton Woods Observer: Autumn 2023
4 October 2023
The IMF and World Bank talk good governance, but walk with state- capturers
From South Africa to Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, the Bank and Fund have demonstrated they are not appropriate allies to address the scale of the crisis the world is facing, especially, given their record.