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| Background and Terms of Reference for the Consultancy on the
Formulation of the National Poverty Reduction Strategy
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| 2. Background |
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At independence in 1966, Botswana was predominately a rural country, with a culture as the mainstay of the economy. The country ranked amongst the poorest in the world in most respects, particularly, the country's budgetary and economic performance, human development indices, and standard of living for its citizens. With the discovery of minerals, especially diamonds, it has since been transformed into one of the most progressive and fast growing economies in Africa. Over time the country has been able to run surpluses on both the balance of payments and the fiscal budget, accumulated some foreign exchange reserves, improved most measures of human development, and has progressively advanced the overall quality of life for its citizens.
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Despite these achievements, Botswana still faces challenges; the most fundamental being the build a strong, stable, and balanced economy capable of generating growth and livelihoods for its citizens; adequate social protection for those without means of self-sustenance; access by all citizens to basic services; and ensuring sustained improvements in overall quality of life of all people. The magnitude, urgency and complexity of this challenge has been compounded by the persistence of poverty, particularly rural poverty, significant unemployment and high levels of HIV/AIDS especially amongst the sexually and economically active portion of the society.
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