Self-Reliant Development and International Food Assistance Reform Act of 1979

Self-Reliant Development and International Food Assistance Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to condition the use of agricultural commodities under this Act on: (1) the need within the recipient country for the particular commodities; and (2) policies and programs to benefit the poor.

Authorizes the export of commodities to meet developmental purposes even if it results in inadequate domestic supplies.

Permits the free on board value of the commodities to be applied by the recipient country against their repayment obligation under the Food for Development Program.

Directs the President to: (1) give special consideration to increasing demand for food by expanding markets for local foodstuffs, as well as U.S. commodities; and (2) assure that credit sales and commodity distributions do not interfere with local food production or marketing.

Provides for the use of indigenous institutions and workers to assure that food commodities are used effectively and where most needed.