Dimensions and determinants of rural poverty
Environmental degradation, particularly water pollution, has created unhealthy conditions, and the change in the ecology of the Nile River has resulted in decreasing fish catch and biodiversity, and loss of income among fisherfolk. Male migration to urban areas and other countries has increased the burdens women bear as heads of households. Illiteracy rates are about 38% for men and 62% for women. Although malnutrition has decreased, it is still a serious problem with about 35% of rural children stunted compared with 26% of urban children.
