The Development Challenge Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, and it faces tremendous constraints to achieving broad-based economic and social development. The government s implementation of an economic reform program has been problematic, in part due to lack of commitment, but complicated by drought and deeps cuts in donor assistance following the January 1996 coup d etat. Niger s extremely low socio-economic indicators testify to the extent of underdevelopment and depth of poverty. Infant, child and maternal mortality are among the highest in the world, and adult life expectancy is only 46 years. Moreover, the country s development challenges are formidable.
Arable land is very limited and agro-climatic conditions are very tenuous.
The education system is over-crowded and of poor quality, and health care services are less accessible and less effective due to budget cuts and a dysfunctional public sector. Niger s democratization process has been impaired by ethnic conflict and weak civil society. Unemployment is already high and the formal economy is weak. Despite these problems, there are opportunities for ADF to foster development. Micro enterprises are expanding and the NGO sector is emerging.