Despite rapid industrialization agriculture continues to play a central role in the economic life of many developing countries. In recent years there has been unprecedented technical change in agricultural practices through the world and productivity and production have risen across the board in the sector. The papers included in this booklet are part of a series of studies issues by the Poverty and Development Division of Economic and social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Papers included are : Reinvigorating Rural Development?, Changing Role and Objectives of Rural Development in South Asia, A Survey of Rural Development Programmes in South Asia, Overview of and Prospects for Rural Development in South Asia, and Unfinished Agenda of Rural Development.