Number: RL31136
Title: World Bank: IDA Loans or IDA Grants?
Authors: Jonathan E. Sanford, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: This report explores the different ways a switch from IDA loans to IDA grants might affect recipient and donor countries and the IDA program itself. It looks at the role which debt repayments for old loans now play in funding IDA's current loan program and identifies some arguments for and against a switch from loans to grants. It also discusses some earlier proposals for shifting IDA to a grant basis and suggests issues which may need to be taken into account if any agreement among the donor countries on this matter is to be brought into effect.
Pages: 30
Date: February 8, 2002