The WBG Archives Oral History Program captures personal recollections of interviewees. The opinions, findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in these oral histories do not reflect official views or policy of the World Bank Group, its Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank Group is not responsible for the accuracy of the information included in the interview transcripts and/or recordings.
Oral History
Explore transcripts of oral history interviews on the World Bank Group from its post-Bretton Woods beginnings to the present day.
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Featured Transcripts
Growing the Future: Historical Reflections on Agriculture and Rural Development at the World Bank Group
This featured set of transcripts highlights how past World Bank Group (WBG) leaders and development practitioners shaped approaches to agriculture, rural development and food systems. Their experience, from irrigation engineering and agricultural credit to social analysis and policy reform, trace the evolution of ideas that inform today’s efforts by the WBG to support smallholder farmers, strengthen markets and mobilize investment through initiatives such as AgriConnect.
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A foundational voice in the Bank’s engagement on agriculture, Yudelman reflects on the early shift toward smallholder productivity and rural poverty, setting the intellectual groundwork for later value-chain and food security approaches.
Bank Tenure: 1972 - 1984 -
Lele discusses research, evaluation, and the lessons learned from early rural development investments. Her work bridges operations and evidence, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Bank Tenure: 1971 - 2005 -
Binswanger recounts work on technology adoption, incentives, agricultural risk, and rural institutions. These themes are now central to climate-smart agriculture and resilient value chains.
Bank Tenure: 1980 - 2005 -
This interview traces experimentation in rural finance, including failures and the lessons that led to more sustainable models.
Bank Tenure: 1976 - 1995 -
Golan reflects on irrigation engineering, water management and regional infrastructure. These topics remain central to agricultural productivity and climate adaptation.
Bank Tenure: 1965 - 1994