This report is the summary of an evaluation of public sector governance reform (PSGR) and donor support in developing and transitional countries over the ten years 2001-2010. During this time the flow of donor funds to PSG initiatives has been substantial. For example, between 2003 and 2007, Government Administration projects accounted for almost US$10 billion of Official Development Assistance (ODA) bilateral spending. But what have the development partners to show for this large influx of resources? According to the objectives of PSGR programs, governments in recipient partner countries should have:
- become more capable, accountable and responsive in delivering services and maintaining the rights of citizens;
- helped create an enabling environment for economic growth;
- built state capability to manage and implement reforms.
The terms of reference for the PSGR evaluation asked for examination of whether such changes had taken place focusing on four broad areas of reform:
- the role of the state;
- management at the centre-of-government;
- accountability and oversight;
- civil service systems.
The various areas of reform were examined mainly through a literature review and detailed case studies in five countries:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Cambodia.
- Indonesia.
- Mozambique.
- Uganda.
The evaluation also involved analysis of ODA aid flows and their impacts. The evidence drawn from the different components of the evaluation yielded lessons and recommendations on how to improve aid effectiveness for PSG, to assist prioritization of activities, and to generate baseline information for future planning and implementation of PSGR.
