This article analyses evidence for each of the expected benefits of budget support in turn, and finds the biggest improvements in the pro-poor nature of public expenditure and public financial management. For the full table of contents, or to subscribe or submit an article visit http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/dpr

Articles in the latest issue explore donors rewriting the social contract in DRC, inclusive financial markets in Kenya, and asset accumulation as an alternative approach to achieving the MDGs.

Corporate water policies are evolving and practices developing, raising issues of what are appropriate private-sector roles in water management. Leaders of multinational companies have pledged to increase water use efficiencies in company plants/premises and down supply chains, while promoting partnerships in water management with a range of actors, public and private, including local communities. A set of questions is, here, posed for consideration by governments and communities, on the extent, limits and implications of private-sector involvement, particularly in contexts of water scarcity.

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis are forms of research synthesis that combine studies of adequate methodological quality to produce more convincing conclusions. This article discusses assessing the risk of bias for meta-analysis using diverse case studies.