Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 4 of 21 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 IX. Local Cost Financing

Country Assistance Plans - Papua New Guinea : I. Country Performance Assessment

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C. Assessment of Socio-Environmental Performance

1. Gender Issues

14. While women provide most of the subsistence agriculture workforce , their participation in the formal economy is low and they account for only one in five of the paid work force. Females receive much less education and medical care than men. Male children are allocated a far greater share of household income than female children. Female literacy and school enrollment rates lag well behind those of males. Female representation in politics and public service management is negligible. Matrimonial violence against women is common.

2. Human Development

15. The fundamental development problem confronting Papua New Guinea is to ensure that the majority of the population participates in, and shares the benefits of, the economic growth process. Per capita GDP figures are misleading when eighty-five percent of the population of 4.23 million lives in rural areas fragmented by rugged terrain and inadequate physical infrastructure, and relies on a combination of subsistence and cash activities to earn incomes that are approximately one tenth of urban levels. Many of those who leave rural areas in search of jobs end up in urban settlements un- or under-employed. Low life expectancy, a high infant mortality rate, poor adult literacy and low enrolment ratios at all levels of education combine with low per capita income to make PNG's human development level the lowest of the Bank's Pacific developing member countries, as noted earlier. Employment opportunities in the formal private sector outside of the mining and mining-related sectors have stagnated over the last decade.

4. Environment

16. PNG's environment-related legislation is generally adequate, and lack of pressure has ensured that its environment remains pristine by most standards. However, the environment is in some areas under threat from logging, and the potential destruction of rainforest is a cause of concern. In a welcome move, the new Government announced a complete moratorium on all new forestry licenses, extensions and conversions. At a localized level, mining has caused significant degradation. Conservation management capacity is lacking, especially to protect biodiversity. There are institutional weaknesses in the environment, conservation, forestry, fisheries, mining, and petroleum administrations. All need substantial strengthening. Forestry and fisheries surveillance activities are meager, although being improved.

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