This article is based on the experiences of various interdisciplinary research and planning teams at Wageningen Agricultural University. After giving a typology of interdisciplinary research, the authors examine the role of social sciences in interdisciplinary research in various fields of importance for rural development in developing countries. The
type of interdisciplinary research discussed is the so-called "broad" interdisciplinary research in which participating disciplines have very different paradigms. The article closes with an overview of the potentials and constraints in broad interdisciplinary research and some general observations. Finally, systematic evaluations of interdisciplinary research programs
will contribute to its progress.