Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/52840 
Year of Publication: 
2001
Series/Report no.: 
WIDER Discussion Paper No. 2001/143
Publisher: 
The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), Helsinki
Abstract: 
This paper examines empirical evidence on the volatility and uncertainty of aid flows, and the main policy implications. Aid is found to be more volatile than fiscal revenues—particularly in highly aid-dependent countries—and mildly procyclical in relation to activity in the recipient country. These findings imply that the current pattern of aid disbursements is welfare-reducing. We also find that uncertainty about aid disbursements is large and that the information content of commitments made by donors is either very small or statistically insignificant. Policies to cope with these features of aid, as well as broader international efforts to reduce the volatility and procyclicality of aid, are briefly discussed.
Subjects: 
external aid
volatility
predictability
IMF-supported programs
JEL: 
F35
O19
ISBN: 
9291901113
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
732.65 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.