Food insecurity affects 50 % of households, and is increasing in the urban areas. The nutritional status of children under 5 is a concern: prevalence of global acute malnutrition is above 10 % and stunting nearly 30 %.
Child mortality (142 deaths every 1000 alive births) and maternal mortality (307 deaths every 100 000 alive births) are among the highest in the world. Illiteracy is widespread, especially among women. Moreover, large regional disparities persist in primary school enrolment. The economy is barely diversified and largely dependent on the primary sector, which contributes to a third of GDP and generates 80 % of export revenue. Increased agricultural production is achieved by using more of the available arable land.
Yet, productivity is not increasing, partly because of poor access to agricultural inputs. Extensive agriculture degrades soils and depletes natural resources: by 2030, the potential for cultivation will be saturated. Livestock contributes to 20 % of export revenue and is fundamental to household food security, but the sector receives low investments. Hazards in terms of frequent floods and droughts compromise food security and livelihoods in rural communities.
Desertification in drought-prone areas is rapidly spreading. Furthermore, climate change is likely to influence the availability of water and pasture, exacerbating the vulnerability of pastoralists and farmers. As a result of all these constraints, the economy is vulnerable to external shocks. Annual population growth of 3 % increases the pressure on natural resources and prevents economic development and poverty reduction policies from achieving results.
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