Publication

With reference to a literature review and an investigation of six countries, this study reexamines the widespread perception that the untying of aid increases aid efficiency and effectiveness. Twenty-one development projects, mostly in the water and sanitation sector, are examined in detail. Overall, although it can sometimes involve uncomfortable trade-offs and risks, the successful untying of aid emerges from the country studies as a critically important contributory factor towards achieving greater aid effectiveness, as well as aid efficiency.