Niger’s situation is marked by a strengthening of the democratic process embarked upon since 1999. The ensuing political stability is a prerequisite for the implementation of macroeconomic and sector development policies to promote sustainable economic growth. Since 1999 therefore, the stability of Niger’s institutions has been restored which has enabled the Government to implement for the very first time a 3-year reform programme stemming from it’s poverty reduction strategy. It should be noted that, although the Niger River, the third longest in Africa, crosses the western part of the country for over 500km, water remains a scarce and precious commodity for the survival of the vast majority of the population. Niger’s population was 14.2 million in 2007. The country’s principal source of growth, agriculture, is highly vulnerable to climatic conditions.

Development Policy

To reduce poverty, the Government is pursuing the implementation of its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) aimed at halving poverty in Niger over the 2002-2015 period as a result of improved living conditions. To that end, the Government’s strategy is based on consolidation of a macroeconomic framework, development of the productive sectors, increased access by the poor to high quality social services and the building of institutional capacities, the promotion of good governance and decentralization of development.  Increased access by the poor to basic social services will be achieved through actions aimed at improving the level of education and the population’s health status, and facilitating access to drinking water for the population, in particular the rural inhabitants. Finally, the promotion of good governance and capacity building will also receive support from the authorities in order to improve the country’s economic management, strengthen transparency of budget execution and promote local governance while deepening grassroots development.

Strategy of the bank group

Bank Group operations in Niger, which began in 1970, total 63 operations comprising 48 projects, 5 adjustment programmes and 10 studies for a total amount of net commitments of UA 371.9 million, 72,7% of which were financed by ADF loans, 18.7%  by ADF grants, 6.9% by ADB loans, 1.4% by the Nigeria Trust Fund and 0.3% by humanitarian assistance. The 15 ongoing operations mobilize cumulative commitments of UA 124.3 million, representing 36.3% of the total. Bank Group interventions under Pillar 1 will focus on development of the rural community, irrigated agriculture, drinking water supply for the rural population and sanitation of their environment and support to decentralization. Under the second pillar, the planned interventions will be aimed at strengthening transport infrastructure.