June 11, 2007 -- A definitive list of Fragile States is impossible to draw up since the defining characteristics Fragile States- are a continuum. Some countries have more fragile characteristics than others, and for many countries, fragile status is a phase.
However, there is a consensus for analytic and operational purposes that some countries' policies, institutions, and governance can be defined as exceptionally weak when judged against the criterion of poverty reduction, especially with respect to the management of economic policy, delivery of social services, and efficacy of government.
The world Bank defines these set of countries exhibiting the most extensive fragile characteristics as low-income countries ranking among the lowest on the Country Policy and Institutional Performance Assessment (CPIA).
(Source: FRAGILE STATES AT A GLANCE)
Afghanistan, according to a recently released World Bank publication, "Global Monitoring Report 2007: Confronting the Challenges of Gender Equality and Fragile States," is the only fragile state in South Asia.
In the five years since the end of the Taliban rule, Afghanistan has made significant strides in overcoming decades of war and strife, and is working toward catching up on all the lost years of development. Although deteriorating security conditions in some parts of the country are handicapping development efforts and challenges abound, development projects are improving people's lives.
IDA at work in Afghanistan
Since Afghanistan is emerging from conflict, the sequencing and coherence of support for security, electoral efforts, and aid-financing to boost growth and employment are critical for minimizing the risk of reversion to conflict.
Since April 2002, World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) has channeled over US$1.28 billion for 25 reconstruction in Afghanistan, including two budget support operations. The World Bank also administers two trust funds: the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) and the Afghanistan window of the Japan Social Development Fund.
- Supporting State-building and Development
- Community Development
- Education
- Highways and Airports
- Microfinance
- Transport
Health: People in the Kapisa province often needed to walk for 2 or 3 hours to reach a medical facility.
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National Rural Access Program: is on schedule for construction and rehabilitation of 520.2 km of roads and 434m of bridges.
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Five years after the cessation of a 20-year conflict and several years of drought, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s poorest countries with an estimated per capita GDP of only US$315. Afghanistan: Challenges and Progress
Since 2002, the World Bank has committed over US$1.28 billion for 25 development and emergency reconstruction projects and two budget support operations in Afghanistan. Status of Projects
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