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.