This paper analyses the experiences of past programmes on rural development and provides a critical appraisal of the factors influencing the success of integrated rural development projects. The past programmes reviewed are (1) individual efforts prior to community development programme (2) community development programme (3) intensive agriculture district programme (4) high yielding varieties programme and (5) special development programmes such as SFDA/MFAL projects, CSRE and DPAP. The paper also analyses the basic concept behind integrated area development programmes and the problems involved in carrying out such programmes. It is argued that the success of integrated rural development programmes will depend on (1) identification of suitable activities based on local resources and comparative advantage and (2) participation of the rural community in evolving the activities.