The formulation of a rural development strategy for any country is an
extremely difficult and multi-faceted task, especially so for a country
as large and diversified as Indonesia. Illustrating again how economic
growth in urban areas rarely translates into a decrease in rural
poverty, this volume identifies the impact of recent changes in the
national economy on the rural poor, the interaction between the
agricultural sector and the rural population, and patterns of food
consumption, nutrition, and health. Drawing on the data and conclusions
of thirteen years of IFAD experience in Indonesia, this book also
examines the successes and failures of past practical recommendations
for future programs. The authors highlight the need for greater
employment opportunities, greater commodity and regional diversification
and a special emphasis on poor rural women.