Countries and Regions

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p. 3 of 13 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment A. Economic Performance Assessment B. Poverty Assessment C. Assessment of Socio-Environmental Performance D. Governance: Sound Development Management E. Implementation Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies IV. Regional Cooperation V. Donor Activities and Aid Coordination VI. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources VII. ADB’s Operational Program VIII. Economic and Sector Work Program

Country Assistance Plans - Nauru : I. Country Performance Assessment

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B. Poverty Assessment

9. There is no evidence of absolute poverty in Nauru, which has a relatively low Human Poverty Index of 12.1 (Appendix 1, page 2). However, the considerable downsizing of the Government and Nauru Phosphate Corporation (which constitutes 95 percent of all employment) is likely to result in a significant drop in household incomes and unemployment. With limited skills and educational attainments, Nauruans rendered jobless are likely to find difficulty in securing immediate alternative employment. The situation is further aggravated by limited emigration opportunities available. Therefore pending retraining, skills development and generation of employment, Nauru is expected to undergo considerable hardship during the adjustment period. However, the social safety net of joint families and a close knit supportive culture are unlikely to allow for any form of abject poverty to emerge on the island. The lack of access to quality health services, safe water, and housing are the main areas that need to be urgently addressed as part of ADB's poverty alleviation strategy.

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