Agency for International Development's 1978 and 1986 Programs for Jamaica, Kenya, and Senegal

In response to a congressional request, GAO reported on Agency for International Development (AID) programs in Jamaica, Kenya, and Senegal, focusing on: (1) how the current mix of projects compares with AID programs in those countries 10 years ago; (2) how much of the current total aid is going to recipient governments either directly or indirectly; and (3) the content of projects intended to encourage private-sector development.

GAO found that current objectives for Senegal and Kenya do not differ significantly from fiscal year (FY) 1978. However, objectives for Jamaica have changed in response to economic problems experienced since 1980. In FY 1978, AID provided Jamaica with $11 million in economic support assistance, but neither Kenya nor Senegal received this type of assistance. In contrast, AID is providing Jamaica with $59 million, Kenya with $14 million, and Senegal with $11 million in economic support funds for FY 1986. These funds are conditional upon agreements with recipient governments to institute specific economic reforms, many of which are aimed at reducing government regulation of the private sector and stimulating its growth. Public Law 83-480 assistance to these countries for FY 1986 is significantly greater than it was for 1978 and is conditional on government reforms in the agricultural sector. GAO also found that some FY 1986 development assistance projects are intended to enhance private-sector growth. GAO identified 2 of 4 FY 1986 projects in Kenya, 2 of 4 in Senegal, and 10 of 16 in Jamaica that included an emphasis on private-sector development in support of private voluntary organizations. For all three countries, proposed FY 1987 programs reflect a continuing emphasis on promoting private-sector growth through development projects and policy dialogue with recipient governments.