This document begins by illustrating how the region's development strategy was based on the drive for industrialization prevalent after World War II, and how agriculture, especially the subsector of small food producers for internal consumption, has been neglected. The document proceeds to the present international situation, the East-West conflict and the North-South dialogue, and the economic revitalization of the industrialized countries in 1983. The study also indicates how and why the continued deterioration of the terms of trade, especially for agricultural products, does not permit this economic revitalization to carry over to the Latin American and Caribbean countries. A summary of leading economic indicators, especially those relevant to agriculture, is included along with specific information on the population and labor force in the agricultural sector. The document proceeds with an analysis of the problem of land distribution and land access as the major causes of rural poverty in the region and as barriers to agricultural development. In order to round out and complete the study, different facets of the institutional and managerial structures are discussed. The public agricultural sector must be strengthened and support efforts for the private sector must be orchestrated if agriculture is to help overcome the crisis. Finally, guidelines are given for a unified Latin America response and for the institutionalization of a regional approach complement efforts made at the national level to strengthen the agricultural sector. (MIBA)