Prioritizing development goals in low-income developing countries

This paper outlines a systematic approach to prioritizing the multiple and often conflicting development goals and objectives in a typical low-income developing country (LDC). First, a hierarchy of development goals and objectives is developed from a extensive review of the literature. Then Analytic Hierarchy Process is utilized to analyze the judgement elicited from World Bank experts and a priority structure established reflecting the perceived importance of these development goals and objectives. This methodology can assist development planners in LDCs in formulating development plans consistent with national objectives.