Strategies on Cross Cutting Issues

Abstract: The purpose of the revised African Development Bank Policy on Population is to enhance human resources at the RMC level through development and implementation of integrated population policies and programs in the context of poverty reduction. The new policy has been developed in view of emerging issues from the International Development Agenda and the recognition of the cross-cutting nature of population with respect to Bank Group’s overarching goal of poverty reduction and sustainable development. The most recent population policy document represents a major shift from the previous policy, from the exclusive focus on family planning for fertility control to a broader and more inclusive concept of reproductive health. It also represents a shift from an emphasis on demographic targets to a new focus on qualitative indicators related to the improvement of standards of living of the population. The policy spotlights key specific areas of intervention by the Bank, such as support in information dissemination, development of legal frameworks, institutional capacity building, support programs and interventions in the area of family planning and support in the implementation of initiatives that enhance RMCs’ human resources.