Evaluating current rural development research, the paper covers 6 major areas: (1) the nature and purpose of research; (2) circumstances related to rural development that require careful attention; (3) observations on rural development "disorganization" as an "outsider" might view the situation; (4) an opinion about the focus rural development research should take; (5) constructive suggestions as to why needs in rural development research are not being met; and (6) a suggested approach for rural development research. One of the major gaps in rural development research seems to be the lack of problem definition. The current numerous agencies, research documents, and researchers involved in the rural development effort are too complex to allow for an organized approach. If the rural development effort is to produce the desired results, the economist's approach, which appeals for a study of the resources of the rural community to analyze the alternatives open for economic development and to make recommendations on public policy at the local, state, and national levels, must assume much greater importance, and rural development researchers must be more clearly attuned to needs. Agricultural economists should direct their attention to research designed to provide information which will speed up rural economic development, providing jobs and income. (KM)