This book studies the impact of Egypt's Economic Reform and Structural Adjustment Programme (ERSAP), the effects of which have been of great interest to the international community. Organizations such as the World Bank and the IMF uphold the programme as a success story and example for other countries to follow. ERSAP also has its critics, however, who resent its tendency to downsize government and fear possible negative effects on growth and development. The author discusses these concerns along with those regarding the possible negative social effects of ERSAP.

Structural Adjustment: Theory, Practice and Impacts examines the problems associated with Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) and reveals the damaging impacts they can have. The book looks at how the debt crisis of the 1970's forced developing countries to seek external help and then reviews what constitutes as a standard adjustment programme, detailing the political, economic, social and environmental impacts of SAPs. The final section draws together theories and political responses and presents a case for alternatives to the programmes.

This study has identified a number of examples in which concerns about the alleviation of poverty have been given some practical expression in adjustment programs. Because most of these examples are of very recent origin, it is difficult to assess how effective they have been in helping the poor. First, one striking feature of the illustrations compiled is that they are invariably orderly or planned structural adjustment programs that have often been implemented with Bank assistance (Bolivia, Cote d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Indonesia, Jamaica, and Thailand). Second, income distributions will inevitably change during adjustment. These changes are the principal incentives for resource reallocation, and without them the objectives of adjustment will not be realized. Third, the study highlights the advantages of interventions that increase the primary income claims of the poor. Finally, adjustment can act as a catalyst for policymakers to examine carefully the costs and benefits of their programs for the poor.

This book examines the character and consequences of Egypt's economic reform and structural adjustment programme of 1991, along with the second stage of reforms in 1996. It contributes to the debates underpinning the political economy of economic reform and agricultural reform.