A first attempt is made to place in perspective the accumulated experience of nearly 20 years of community development activity in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study is to stimulate further inquiry into community development practice, process, and theory in order for it to become a more effective instrument in the development process. Chapters are devoted to the following topics: (1) policy issues in community development, (2) community development in North America, (3) community development trends in South America, (4) aspects of community development in the Caribbean, (5) community development in Western Europe, (6) institutions participating in rural community development in Poland and the agricultural circle role, (7) community development in Romania, (8) issues and trends related to rural and community development in selected Middle Eastern countries, (9) rural "animation" and popular participation in French-speaking black Africa, and (10) community development experiences in Asia. (JS)