Targeting Development - Rigorous Analysis of MDGs and Policy Lessons

In this review of Targeting Development, readers will find a thoughtful, policy-oriented assessment of the Millennium Development Goals and the earlier OECD targets. The book is best for development economists, policy makers and graduate students seeking a rigorous evaluation of goals, measurable outcomes and the political challenges of implementation. Its single biggest strength is the collection's evidence-driven discussion that links high-level targets to practical lessons for national and international policy, making it a valuable review text rather than a general-audience summary.

Key Features

• Focused analysis: Chapters examine the Millennium Development Goals and OECD targets with attention to measurable outcomes and what those targets meant in practice.
• Diverse contributors: The collection brings together respected scholars and practitioners, providing multiple perspectives on development economics and implementation challenges.
• Policy relevance: Lessons are drawn explicitly for national and international policy makers, helping translate academic findings into actionable considerations.
• Authoritative context: A preface from a senior UNDP figure situates the book within global development discourse and adds institutional perspective.
• Critical reflection: The book questions the usefulness and feasibility of time-bound goals, offering balanced critiques that inform future target-setting processes.

Who It's For

This volume is aimed primarily at development economists, researchers and advanced students who need a rigorous, evidence-based account of how global targets performed and what that performance implies for policy. It is also useful for policy makers and advisors who require grounded critiques to inform target design and implementation strategy.

Non-specialist readers seeking an introductory overview of global development issues may find the discussion dense and more technical than narrative histories or popular treatments; those readers should consider more general surveys before tackling this book.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a rigorous, evidence-focused examination of the Millennium Development Goals and OECD targets based on contributions from respected authors.
• Directly addresses policy implications, making it useful for decision makers and advisors.
• The preface and institutional framing add credibility and situate arguments within global development practice.

Cons

• The book's academic tone and depth may be challenging for casual readers or those new to development studies.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Targeting Development is a valuable, evidence-rich collection for specialists and policy makers who need a critical assessment of international targets like the MDGs. While its academic tone limits its appeal to general readers, its focused lessons about target design and implementation make it worthwhile for anyone shaping development strategy or studying development economics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book evaluate the Millennium Development Goals?
Yes, it examines the MDGs alongside the OECD targets and assesses their usefulness and feasibility.

Who wrote the preface and why does it matter?
The preface comes from a senior UNDP figure, offering institutional context that frames the book's policy relevance.

Is this suitable for a beginner in development studies?
Not primarily; the book is best for readers with some background in development economics or policy studies.