Millennium Development Goals 1 & 2

I'm not sure why I failed to post this report in the beginning, but better late than never, right? Anyway, here is my report on Millennium Development Goals 1 and 2: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, and achieving universal primary education.

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to present solutions to problems related to extreme poverty and hunger and primary education in Niger. Niger, officially the Republic of Niger, is the largest country in West Africa (Background Note: Niger). Despite its size, it is ranked number 186—second to last—on the Human Development Index (Human Development Index (HDI) -2011 Rankings). Millennium Development Goals numbers one and two aim to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and achieve universal primary education, respectively (un.org). These goals are of particular importance to Niger because of its rank on the Human Development Index. Poverty, hunger, and lack of education are all connected to each other; work on solving one, and it helps improve the others. I will elaborate further throughout this essay, and toward the end explain what steps I feel need to be taken in order for Niger to achieve its goals.

Country Background Information Related to Goal 1 and Goal 2

Niger is the poorest country in the world, according to the Human Development Multidimensional Poverty Index, with about 91 percent of the population living well below the poverty line (Major problems facing Niger today). The country suffers from harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. Only a few months ago Niger suffered a severe drought immediately followed by major flooding that destroyed the farmlands that were not completely ruined by the drought. This left the population with nothing to eat at all (Major problems facing Niger today). With poverty affecting the population and with the new threat of starvation, education took a back seat. Most school-age children are out of school and the illiteracy rate in Niger is at an all time high (Major problems facing Niger today). As I stated above, poverty, hunger, and education are all tightly woven, each one greatly affecting the other.

A Key Problem Related to Extreme Poverty and Hunger and Primary Education

            

The extent of the poverty facing Niger is due to a number of reasons, the most significant of which being Niger’s geographical location. In addition to numerous natural challenges, its landlocked position makes trade difficult. The most detrimental natural challenge is desertification, or the spreading of the Sahara Desert. The Sahara Desert already covers over 80 percent of Niger’s land area, and is now taking over what is left of the fertile farming lands, forcing farmers to abandon their trade (Major problems facing Niger today). As for trade, in order to import or export what little goods Niger offers, they must be shipped through the surrounding countries. This means that anything coming in or out of Niger is taxed—a major problem for an already severely impoverished country.

A Solution That Helps Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger and Achieve Universal Primary Education

Specific goals, in Niger’s case, will have to be made once the government becomes more stable. Niger has recently undergone yet another governmental reform. Since then, the country has set several goals for itself and taken steps to achieve them. Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program for Highly Indebted Poor Countries in 2000, and made an agreement with the organization on a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (an arm of the International Monetary Fund which lends to the world’s poorest countries). Niger's new government (elections were held in 2011 following a military coup in 2010) has devised a poverty Reduction Strategy Plan that focuses on improving health, primary education, rural infrastructure, and judicial restructuring. They have also pursued economic restructuring by privatization of water distribution and telecommunications and the removal of price protections for petroleum products. Further privatizations of public enterprises are in the works and the government is taking actions to reduce corruption (Niger). Niger is on the right track, and remaining diligent to their goals will go a long way in terms of development.

Regional Impact

A stable, involved government will only serve to benefit the neighboring countries of Niger. In fact, this ties into Millennium Development Goal 8: Establish a Global Partnership for Development. The first and foremost aim of this goal is to develop an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system (Millennium Development Goals). Again, because of Niger’s landlocked position, trade is a major issue. Cooperation of the governments of Niger and its surrounding countries can eradicate corruption and establish a fair trade system that will benefit all parties involved.

Global Impact

The global impact here is very similar, if not the same, as the regional impact. A strong government will only benefit those that have a relationship with Niger. Trade and alliances will become stronger when two stable governments are able to work together. A strong government will also be conducive to alliances that will benefit Niger. If other countries can trust the Niger’s government, they will be more willing to help with major problems pertaining to poverty, hunger, education, and other issues.

Conclusion

While this essay does not directly state how to solve poverty, hunger, and educational issues within Niger, I have discussed the steps that are imperative to and must come before those problems. Outside help is crucial, but real change comes from within the country that is struggling: they have to want to change. However, change is impossible with a government that is in a constant state of reform, as Niger’s has been (Niger). Niger’s government has recently stabilized and set goals for the country; goals that must happen before others are set, let alone met. Niger is on the right track, and I am confidant that the issues of poverty, hunger, and primary education will be addressed once more fundamental goals are accomplished.