The agricultural sector's perceived importance in the international development circle waned dramatically after the 1980s, and investments in rural development and agricultural research and development declined sharply. This volume reasserts the role of agricultural and rural development in the economic development debate. By revisiting the evolution of ideas, paradigms and empirical evidence, and by drawing on Asian experiences, the book intends to set a reinvigorated agenda on agricultural and rural development both for research and policy discussions in the coming decades. Written by internationally acknowledged research scholars, this book is helpful to a wide range of audience, including researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students interested in rural development in Asia and its future evolutions.

A decade and a half since the Philippines embarked on a major program of decentralization, the authors of this book have undertaken a detailed examination of all aspects of the nation's regional dynamics and policies. Their analysis extends to comparable experiences in East Asia, particularly China and Indonesia. The lessons of this book are relevant not only for an audience interested in the Philippines - a large developing nation with a population soon to exceed 100 million people - but also for many other developing countries now embarking on decentralization programs. The book therefore has broad international appeal. The contributors focus on three main issues: * Centre-region relations. While the decentralization program in the Philippines has been reasonably successful, they argue there is an urgent need for a clear, predictable, and stable regulatory environment that governs centre-region administrative and financial relations. * Infrastructure. This is arguably the most important policy tool in shaping regional development patterns, yet decision-makers are rarely able to develop these investments on the basis of a coherent and integrated policy framework. * The conflict in Mindanao. This deep and protracted conflict must be resolved for the benefit of the local and national population. This enlightening and topical book will appeal to postgraduate students of economic development, regional development/science, rural development, and Asian Studies. It will also attract the interest of researchers and practitioners in international development agencies, NGOs, and policymakers and legislators in developing countries.

This book examines all major facets of the Philippine economy and development policy. Contributors to this volume look both to the past and to the future, and their approaches are variously descriptive, analytical, interpretive , and comparative. The book assesses trends since the 1980s, identifies major policy issues, and provides a balance sheet of achievements and deficiencies over the past decade and beyond. It highlights future challenges that need to be addressed if the country is to embark on a sustainable, durable, and equitable growth trajectory. The book also offers lessons from the country's development experience which may be relevant for many countries at the present time. The volume has particular relevance for the country's policymakers, academics and the business community, and will also appeal to a broader international audience.