The present Survey is the twenty-ninth in a series of reports prepared annually by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). A major object of these Surveys is the analysis of recent economic and social developments in the region and of international developments that affect them. Particular attention is paid to economic and social policy issues and broad development strategies.
In recent years, in addition to the review and analysis of economic and social developments, it has been the practice for the Surveys to examine specific problems concerning the economies of the region in order to study long-term trends and their implications for national policies.
Part One of the present Survey contains a review of the current economic and social situation in the region. Part Two is devoted to an in-depth study of rural development, particularly in relation to the small farmer and institutional reform. Many countries of the region are placing increasing emphasis on programmes for rural development and the Survey examines the role of the small family farm in rural and general economic development in the ESCAP region and makes suggestions for a small farmer development strategy.
This Survey is published on the sole responsibility of the ESCAP secretariat. Although its contents have benefited from the comments of both experts and official representatives from member countries, the views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Commission or the Governments of its member countries.