As part of the team developing a rural development strategy for Upper Egypt, held responsibility for developing the background document on the SME component.  The study investigated the relationship between SMEs, employment and poverty alleviation in Egypt.  Scope of work covered the identification of SME growth patterns and determinants in Egypt, with specific emphasis on Upper Egypt.   Recommendations were presented to maximize the economic and social contribution of SMEs in Upper Egypt, as well as enhance the sustainability of development efforts.