Delivering on Poverty Reduction: Focusing ANDS Implementation on Pro-Poor Outcomes

This discussion paper responded to the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) shortly after it was finalised. Focusing on the poverty reduction aims of the ANDS, the paper notes that in many cases the strategy fails to deliver on them. It then points to implementation and monitoring and evaluation processes as keys for improving pro-poor outcomes. Despite its flaws, the author suggests that the ANDS—with improved implementation—can be crucial in uniting and channelling efforts toward reducing poverty in Afghanistan.09