Resource information
The World Bank, together with other
donors, has launched a program for promoting information
systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Because of the importance of
geo-referenced information systems in resource
decision-making, a systematic review of the Bank portfolio
in Sub-Saharan Africa has been carried out from Fiscal Year
(FY) 1988 to FY 1993. This review assesses if the Bank
commitment to developing geo-referenced information systems
has been translated into its operation; draws and
disseminates lessons; and formulates recommendations. The
main findings are as follows: 1) the World Bank commitment
to developing geo-referenced information systems is not yet
reflected in its operations. 2) Investment in geo-referenced
information systems has been concentrated in only a few
countries and projects. 3) There are no clear trends in
investment over time; but differences appear among Country
Departments, some of them focusing more on the development
of geo-referenced information systems than others. 4) Land
titling, and more recently, environmental planning seem to
stimulate investment in geo-referenced systems. The report
ends with recommendations to promote and develop information
systems in Africa and to promote and develop information
systems within the Bank and donor agencies.
