During the 1970's, many development projects in the rural areas of Third World countries were labelled ‘Integrated Rural Development’ (IRD) and the lending policies of organisations such as the World Bank have given much encouragement to these ‘new style’ projects. Subsequently, there has been a number of studies which both review individual projects and also examine the concept itself, particularly the notion of integration and its practical implications. However, much debate and confusion still surrounds the concept of IRD. This paper focuses on certain geographical considerations relating to IRD, notably the question of location and the problem of excluded areas and population. It is suggested that if social and spatial equity are to be achieved, a broad-based strategy based on the needs of the rural population is preferable, at least in the early stages of rural development, to a focal point IRD approach emphasizing increases in agricultural production.