Pakistan is classified as a low-income, food-deficit country with a predominantly rural population and a gross national product per capita of US$470. The population in 2002 was estimated at 141.5 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.6 percent. The majority of the population—84.7 percent—live with a marginal income of less than US$2 per day.
One third of the population live below the poverty line and are unable to purchase enough food to lead a healthy life. This consumption poverty has contributed to poor human development, disproportionately so among women and children, particularly in rural areas.Social indicators such as literacy and health reflect similar situations.
To respond to the above situation, the Government of Pakistan has outlined several poverty-reduction strategies, many of which have been adopted within the UNDAF. The CP will help to improve access to food in ways that enable women and girls to take advantage of development opportunities and will address gender disparity in education, health and access to productive assets.
The expected outcomes of the country programme include:
