Structural adjustment in Niger: implementations, effects & determining political factors

Abstract

This study of adjustment in Niger covers the period from 1983–1994 and addresses the following questions: what account can we give of adjustment and what impacts have adjustment policies had on the country's economic structures? This research is based on the examination of the measures enshrined in the SAP and the ways in which they have been implemented. Particular attention has been paid to the measures' effects on income distribution because, within the context of this analysis, this is considered to be an indicator of the impact of structural adjustment policies on economic structures. On the basis of the data gathered, it seems that the same income structure as before the SAP still exists in Niger, that distortions within the economy have got worse and that the State has resisted any budgetary measures which implied changing spending habits. The example of Niger leads us to conclude that geopolitical factors strongly condition adjustment policies and the results they obtain.