This chapter analyses long-term trends in agricultural production and identifies some of the factors influencing these trends. The chapter discusses theories of agricultural development, with special attention for the green revolution and the role of biotechnology. It goes on to address issues of food consumption and malnutrition. 

The second half of the chapter is devoted to rural development. Rural development is a broader broader concept than agricultural development. First, various non-agricultural economic activities take place in rural areas. Second, rural development refers to the transformation of rural society as a whole, rather than only to the economic aspects of rural life.