research and to assist in the formulation of programs and policies can con-

tribute substantially to the development of a progressive and efficient agri-

cultural marketing system (22). Such a task oriented group can develop a

data base on food marketing and an approach to market system analysis that

will not only help identify opportunities for marketing improvements but will

also examine alternatives and make recommendations to appropriate action

agencies.

 In order to develop the broad analytical framework which is needed in a

 task force approach to understanding equity and growth concerns of develop-

 ment, it is necessary to focus on the operation of the marketing system in

 terms of the distribution of wealth and income; access to government services

 and political power; social status and organization; geographic considerations;

 and technical performance.

 There is a growing interest among other social science researchers

 (geography, anthropology, sociology and political science) in exploring various

 aspects of the rural community that might be relevant to the development of

 more realistic and effective development efforts. This suggests an opportunity

 for increased collaboration or at least a greater degree of communication and

 coordination between marketing economists and other social science researchers

 as they attempt to deal with very complex rural development issues which in-

 clude marketing institutions.

 Whether or not a task force unit is created and institutionalized on a

more permanent basis there is usually a need for broad descriptive-diagnostic

research. Depending upon the size of the country and the available resources

these studies can be organized on a regional or national basis. It is impor-

tant that the geographic area to be studied include both urban and rural areas

so that the rural-urban marketing linkages can be considered in a longer-term