Integrated versus quantitative methods: lessons learned

The key to reduced poverty is an integrated approach to development, addressing quality growth, environment, education, health and governance. This paper argues that government, as the key determinant of a county's domestic and international relations regarding various issues, must function efficiently and effectively with integrity. This requires coordination among all governmental and parastatal agencies and increased involvement of all other key stakeholders. A precondition for an integrated approach is an equally comprehensive an integrated assessment of existing institutional rules and regulations, systems and processes, and interfaces and synergies. Such an assessment in conjunction with strengthened civil liberties and other domestic principles empowers the public to monitor governmental action, thus establishing a system of checks and balances.