CIDA's Policy on Poverty Reduction

CIDA can operate at a much smaller scale thanthe IFIs, more consistent with smaller absorptivecapacities in many countries and areas.Working with recipient governments in buildingnational approaches to poverty reduction is vital.For example, CIDA can assist countries in developinganti-poverty action plans by building onexisting strategies for the provision of basic education,primary health care, and improving the welfareof children. This can also facilitate donorcoordination if donors are placing their activitiesin overall country frameworks for addressingpoverty.To further promote participatory development,CIDA will:a. Enable people to realize their own capacitiesand goals through participatory processes:Growth, through industrialization and modernizationcan marginalize the poor if they are notable to participate in, or be integrated into, technologicalproduction processes. Political and economicparticipation in society is essential for theempowerment of the poor and sustained povertyreduction, and enabling the poor to participate inemerging opportunities is crucial.c. Contribute to donor coordination mechanisms.With increasing donor interest in poverty reductionactivities, the need for consultation and coordinationbecomes paramount. CIDA, in conjunctionwith like-minded donors, will take a leadin harmonizing projects and interventions withconflicting goals. This is particularly important inintegrating short- and long-term objectives and inpromoting relief-reduction transitions.d. Support capacity building and institutionalstrengthening of various groups andorganizations.Developing the capacity of peoples and countriesto reduce poverty themselves is central to sustainedpoverty reduction. To achieve this, CIDAwill work actively in assisting the capacity andinstitution building of NGOs, governmentdepartments, administration and research bodies.Whether at the community or national level, sustainableinterventions will require both the commitmentand the capacity of the developing country.b. Implement policies and programming toaddress the gender-poverty nexus.CIDA is recognized as an international leader inpromoting and addressing women in development(WID) and gender equity issues. However,although the Agency has traditionally worked atthe targeted level, experience indicates that to besuccessful, programming must also address theroot causes of gender inequities. CIDA will contributeto both the policy and programmingstrategies of addressing the gender-poverty nexus.CIDA Photo: Patricia Baeza8