Dimensions of the deteriorating world food situation are examined. Prepared for the congressional Subcommittee on Science Research and Technology and the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Scientific Planning and Analysis, the document focuses on the need to improve living standards of the rural poor in developing nations. The document is presented in nine sections. Section I presents an overview of agricultural development in poor nations and calls for worldwide cooperation to increase prosperity. Section II evaluates attempts to solve world food problems through synthetic foods, mechanized farming, and increased food production in the United States. Section III outlines a strategy to increase food production by introducing farmers to modern methods and providing financial assistance. Sections IV and V characterize economic needs and aspirations of developing nations. Section VI outlines agricultural research needs. Section VII reviews national and international programs dealing with agricultural research and development. Section VIII suggests how the United States can improve its agricultural research efforts. The final section concludes that hunger and poverty can be effectively reduced through technological and financial cooperation between developing and developed nations. (DB)