Stimulating Local Development is based on work carried out in 1975 by one part of ODI's Agricultural Administration Unit which deals with the subjects covered.

The point of contact between field services and farmers is the central focus of this study. The problems involved are partly technical, partly social, and partly administrative.

Therefore, the analysis is divided into four sub-sections which deal with the diagnosis of local technical and human potential, the consultation of farmers, farmer and community groups and local planning and co-ordination.