The Role of Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers in Improving Education Outcomes - Part 1 - Introduction, Principles, and Synthesis of Findings

Jul 19, 2026

The document examines how intergovernmental fiscal transfers can improve education outcomes through fiscal decentralization. It presents the rationale and design elements of decentralization, including expenditure and tax assignments and transfer arrangements, and reviews evidence on impacts in the education sector. The overview synthesizes findings from seven case studies, evaluating adequacy of education financing, equity of public spending, and efficiency gains, while also assessing whether transfer mechanisms can foster better education outcomes. Guiding principles and constraints shaped by political economy are addressed to support effective implementation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages339

Reading Time14 h 14 min

PART I INTRODUCTION, PRINCIPLES, AND SYNTHESIS OF FINDINGS

CHAPTER 1 Introduction

CHAPTER 2 Key Principles of Fiscal Decentralization

CHAPTER 3 Assessing the Effects of Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers on Education Financing and Outcomes: An Overview of Seven Case Studies

PART II COUNTRY CASE STUDIES

CHAPTER 4 Sudan Case Study

Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized The Role of Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers in Improving Education Outcomes Samer Al-Samarrai and Blane Lewis, Editors INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FOCUS The Role of Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers in Improving Education Outcomes SAMER AL-SAMARRAI AND BLANE LEWIS, EDITORS © 2021 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org)[ ](Internet: www.worldbank.org)Some rights reserved 1 2 3 4 24 23 22 21 Books in this series are published to communicate the results of World Bank research, analysis, and operational experience with the least possible delay. The extent of language editing varies from book to book. This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered tobe a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) [http://](http://)[ ](http://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under the Creative Commons Attribution license](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under the Creative Commons Attribution license), you are free to copy, distribute, transmit, and adapt this work, including for commercial purposes, under the following conditions: Attribution—Please cite the work as follows: Al-Samarrai, Samer, and Blane Lewis, eds. 2021. The Role of Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers in Improving Education Outcomes. International Development in Focus. Washington, DC: World Bank. doi:10.1596/978-1-4648-1693-2. License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0 IGO Translations—If you create a translation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This translation was not created by The World Bank and should not be considered an official World Bank translation. The World Bank shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation. Adaptations—If you create an adaptation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This is an adaptation of an original work by The World Bank. Views and opinions expressed in the adaptation are the sole responsibility of the author or authors of the adaptation and are not endorsed by The World Bank. Third-party content—The World Bank does not necessarily own each component of the content contained within the work. The World Bank therefore does not warrant that the use of any third-partyowned individual component or part contained in the work will not infringe on the rights of those third parties. The risk of claims resulting from such infringement rests solely with you. If you wish tore-use a component of the work, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that re-use and to obtain permission from the copyright owner. Examples of components can include, but are not limite

FAQs

What is the book’s focus on intergovernmental fiscal transfers in education?

It focuses on how fiscal transfers within intergovernmental systems can improve education financing and outcomes, particularly through the mechanisms of fiscal decentralization.

Which dimensions are evaluated when assessing transfer effects in education?

The assessment covers adequacy of funding, equity of public education spending, efficiency of spending, and whether transfer mechanisms can foster better education outcomes.

What topics are covered in the early chapters on fiscal decentralization?

The early chapters present the rationale for fiscal decentralization and cover expenditure assignment, tax assignment, intergovernmental transfers, education-sector decentralization, and related literature evidence.

Jul 19, 2026

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