Adjustment and Rural Poverty: Monitoring ESRP

Although the theoretical and empirical knowledge about structural adjustment in developing countries is continuing to grow, it is not yet well understood how structural adjustment policies affect the poor and why they may not be able to take full advantage of the improved economic environment. However, any countries undergoing structural adjustment need measures that alleviate the possible adjustment burden of the poor and supplement the incentives created by the structural adjustment policy. In short, the knowledge about relevant preconditions and consequences of structural adjustment should be augmented, and quick measures should be taken to prevent or minimise an additional incidence of and an exacerbation of poverty.