The paper explains that in the developing countries there exists a tendency to interpret the problems of rural poverty as a problem peculiar to agriculture. Whether this judgement is valid or not it is of little consequence in view of the fact that rural poverty does exist and is associated with a broad spectrum of problems. The solution; therefore, is not simple. From the agricultural point of view agricultural the spectrum obligation of researchers is to analyse in what manner technology may be transformed into an effective instrument for changing this state of affairs. The interrelationships of research being developed in different countries, and the ever-increasing variety of problems to be analysed, make the advantage of avoiding duplication of effort evident. The planning and programming of innovative activity thus takes on greater institucional importance. The paper contains sections on generation, transfer and adoption of technology; current approaches on planning and programming of agricultural research; agricultural research based on programs by product-line; the concept of production systems as an alternative for planning; and conclusions. (MIBA)