Press
Release
Poverty
Reduction Strategy Paper
Revised timeframe
The
Malawi Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) Process has been steadily
progressing in recent weeks, with the completion of the District Workshops and
the submission of first drafts by the Thematic Working Groups.
These drafts are of a high overall quality and have involved the
participation of many stakeholders – a clear indication of the increasing
commitment to and understanding of the PRSP Process.
The
PRSP is a new way of planning development and as such, this year’s PRSP
Process is a learning experience.
One of the key lessons learned so far is that the Process is not as
simple as it had first appeared.
As a result of this, and the delayed start to the Process, it has been
agreed to revise the PRSP Process timeframe in order to give sufficient time for
the production of a high quality and ultimately implementable
Poverty Reduction Strategy.
The revision extends the timeframe whilst still setting concrete deadlines. It has a more realistic timeframe for all concerned. It has space for additional consultations with stakeholders that so far have been missed out. It also gives more time to the Thematic Working Groups and the co-ordinating committees to properly complete the crucial prioritisation of activities, and to incorporate the input from the various consultations, particularly the District Workshops. Finally, it creates more time for a broad debate on the hard decisions that have to be made at a national level.
An important feature of the new timeframe is the PRSP: Findings to Date document. This has been introduced to ensure that some of the key issues emerging from the PRSP Process so far are included in the 2001/2002 Budget, although the final PRSP document will not be ready until September 2001. This arrangement will be transitionary. In future years, the PRSP will be comprehensive and will form the basis for the whole Budget.
Despite the extension of the PRSP timeframe, much remains to be done in a limited period. Although most of the Thematic Working Groups have produced first drafts, in many cases, these are far from being final. At this stage, the Technical Committee is inviting comments on the first drafts from all interested parties. The Thematic Working Groups must then incorporate these comments and fully prioritise and cost the strategies before 8th June 2001.
For more information on the PRSP Process or for copies of the first drafts, please contact the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Mr. George Zimalirana on 937746 or 788888, or email zimaliranag@malawi.gov.mw
Hon. Dr.
Mathews A.P. Chikaonda
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning