Illiteracy in Africa is at extremely high levels. 21 nations have adult literacy rates below 50 percent and overall 4 of every 10 Africans are illiterate. Achieving higher rates of literacy is a vital part of the effort to eradicate African poverty. But the relationship between the two is complex, because the efforts of poverty are a major obstacle to literacy. Given the widespread proverty, few parents can afford to send their children to school. Raising literacy rates depends on governments' making schools and programs for adult education available. Some governments are making a real effort to improve literacy. However, many government officials are either indifferent or corrupt, giving education a low priority, or the government efforts are poorly organized and implemented. Non-governmental organizations can help, but they must depend on local governments to step up and become a parter, rather than an obstacle to progress.