This paper discusses the relevance that disarticulation has for third world development. Disarticulated growth is defined by the lack of relationships between the growth in production and consumption functions of the economy and weak forward and backward linkages between economic sectors. In relation to the agricultural sector, it is argued that earnings from agricultural exports have not been translated into better salaries for workers or into higher investment and growth of the staple food sector. Assessing disarticulation has extraordinary importance for the formulation of an alternative policy instrument aimed at achieving growth with equity. The impact of disarticulation on food consumption, a measurement of population well being, is tested. It is hypothesized that higher levels of disarticulation are associated with decreasing levels of food consumption. A sample of 65 Third World countries is examined. Various complementary measurements of disarticulation and food consumption are tested. Preliminary results render support to the hipothesized relationship. The paper concludes by suggesting some alternative methodological strategies to approach the measurement of disarticulation in future research. Finally, the political connotation of implementing specific measures tending to decrease the disarticulated character of Third World economies are discussed.