Although the number of people in developing nations who are too poor to provide themselves with an adequate diet is rising, this is not reason to assume that such poverty is inevitable. Strategies that foster economic growth and include poor people in the growth process can be found in countries with such diverse political and economic systems as China, Korea, India and Pakistan. The situation is bleakest in Sub-Saharan Africa, where poor medical care, high birth rates, falling food production, little education, inefficient investment, and drought have contributed to political instability and growing poverty. Yet other areas, which had an equally bleak outlook not long ago, are now reducing poverty. The World Bank's experience is that economic growth is necessary for poverty reduction. However, the worst recession in over 40 years has left most developing nations with severe balance-of-payments problems. Regaining financial stability and then reviving economic growth have become urgent priorities. Official development assistance is essential for economic growth. These elements must be combined with more effective use of donor resources and programs that will accelerate growth and concentrate the increase in incomes among the poor. (IS)