The purpose of this paper is to analyze and evaluate the nature, scope, and implications of the rural development in the Arab countries of the Middle East and North Africa. The first section of the paper deals with the forces that have caused changes in agrarian reform policies as they affected rural development in these countries. Specifically discussed are the Agrarian Reform Law of 1958 in Iraq and Syria; the 1967 June War in Jordan and Lebanon; the 1952 revolution and Agrarian Reform Law in Egypt; the Cuban system of collective farming in Algeria; and the Five-Year Plan in Morocco and Tunisia. The evaluation section of the paper emphasizes the importance of accurate and extensive data on rural life, sufficient financial resources, skilled personnel, and coordinated efforts in the planning for development as being essential elements for sound agrarian reform. The summary indicates that the agrarian reform programs in the Arab countries have been successful in decreasing inequalities of wealth and narrowing traditional differences between the landlord and the peasant. However, with the migration of peasants to urban centers, the need exists for more economic development, social uplift, political stability, and effective governmental organization. (HBC)