Analyzes the factors behind the stagnation and decline of rural Sub- Saharan Africa economy, focusing specifically on the international factors, domestic policies and institutions. Discusses the indequacy of the reform programmes under structural adjustment and makes a brief exploratory analysis of the likely effect of the increasing globalization of the world economy on rural sub-Saharan Africa. Identifies the policies for the reversal of the decline by promoting employment- intensive growth within the framework of increasing integration with the global economy and macroeconomic stability. Covers trends from 1985 to 1992.