Continuing exodus to urban areas causing problems

A MASS EXODUS of people from the Panama interior to urban areas is putting pressure on public services and reducing food production.

The latest labor market survey of the Comptroller General's shows that today only 30% of adults live in rural areas. In 1980 the figure was 50%

Elizabeth Villagomez, UN Women Regional Advisor for Economic Empowerment of Women, said some of the prime causes for the mass exodus are poverty, lack of sanitation, few educational opportunities and job shortages .