In 1973 a global study aimed toward the development of criteria for establishing institutions for training home economists for rural development programs was initiated by the Home Economics and Social Programmes Services of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N. As a first step, a survey was developed on the variety of roles appropriate to both intermediate and higher level rural home economists, the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to perform these roles successfully, and suggested criteria for setting up effective training programs. Questionnaires covering these 3 areas were sent to men and women working in different areas and at different levels of rural development in some 100 countries. Although the 375 returned responses varied according to region, overall, there was strong agreement on the major importance or lack of importance of certain criteria items at each level. For example, home economists with intermediate level preparation, considered knowledge of motivation, management of human and non-human resources available to families, and nutrition and food most important. The intermediate training level skills perceived as important included interpersonal communication, using a variety of teaching techniques, and interesting others in home economics. This document gives the results of the survey and discusses responses and comments made by respondents from the African, Far East, Latin American and Near East Regions. (DS)