This paper discusses some of the incongruent performance criteria that surround the process of economic development for small farmers. Performance criteria diverge because of varied interests expressed by institutions and groups involved with assistance to small farmers. Four institutional levels are considered: the government, the industry, the firm, and the research and technical assistance organization. While the opportunities and functions of these institutional levels vary among countries, the conflicts, difficulties and opportunities associated with small farm development have similar origins in the more developed and less developed countries.