Collaborative task force marketing research projects involving pro-

fessionals from local LDC institutions and more developed country in-

stitutions can contribute to professional development goals while making

timely and important inputs to current planning and program needs. Over

the longer run, the gradual evolvement of professional networks re-

inforced by linkages among LDC institutions and between LDC institutions

and similar institutions in more developed countries can greatly strengthen

the overall effectiveness of marketing research programs in the LDCs.

These kinds of professional development-applied research efforts are

being reinforced and promoted by international agencies such as the FAO

and IICA (Inter-American Institute of Agricultural Sciences), bilateral

foreign assistance agencies and by private foundations.