Lines of work

Networks

The WRF bases its very existence and raison d'être on the progressive consolidation of a "network of networks" of organizations, institutes and groups related with the Rural World. This dynamic is already underway with the incorporation of members into the Forum in Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. The work of widening and consolidating the "network of networks" is one of the WRF's current priorities.

The WRF's Executive Secretariat conceives its main job as being the definition and the rendering of services to members of the Network and among these services are those which follow:

• Coordination of work in the field of compilation of information on the current evolution of Agriculture in the five continents.
• Monitoring of the negotiating processes concerning world agricultural trade.
• The strengthening of initiatives regarding the defence of the interests of the rural world, giving priority to Developing Countries which are marginalized and affected by many of the current agricultural policies.
• Participation in all the associative groups that work to serve the rural world.
• Support for Rural Development projects, etc.

Events

The organization of events is a facet that the Forum has given importance to since its beginnings. The WRF came into being as a result of the 1st International Congress held in 1998 and which takes place every four years. The meeting of representatives from numerous countries throughout the world makes it possible to analyse the situation of rural areas in the world and, more specifically, the consequences of the liberalization of the trading of food and agriculture products.

The organization by the WRF of other activities related with the dissemination and sensitisation of the rural world, together with the presence and participation, through speeches and communications, of the Forum at events organized by other national and international associations, entities, universities, etc. working in the same field, facilitate the creation and consolidation of the network as well as the awareness and subsequent communication of different situations.

Contents

PIt is the WRF's view that information is the basis for transforming the current process of asymmetric globalization in a process of widening opportunities and rights. For this reason, the Forum has a scientific department devoted to the monitoring and analysis of the decisions taken regarding the policies of regional, national and especially international organizations which affect the rural population: policies concerned with trade, agriculture, social issues and rural development, etc.

As far as the diverse situations in the rural world are concerned , the WRF constantly endeavours to learn, reflect, communicate and sensitize as well as make proposals for development through its two-monthly bulletin entitled "New Earth-Lurberri", an annual magazine and various articles in the media.

Presence before international organizations

The WRF has consolidated its position as an Association which is a much sought after reference due to its knowledge, its international nature and its implication in sustainable rural development. Wherever policies affecting the present and the future of the rural world are under debate, the WRF is there, taking an active part in all international events and before all international organizations.

Cooperation

With the cooperation area, the WRF aims to meet a triple objective. Firstly, to satisfy a demand for service from partners and collaborators of the Network. Secondly, through the development of endogenous, sustainable initiatives, to contribute to improving the general situation of the inhabitants of the rural environment in the South. And with this, besides channelling the knowledge of the different rural realties in the world, we are also able to inform and transform in both the North and the South.

Since 2005, the WRF has its own solidarity fund, which is fuelled by partners and collaborators of the Association, through which development projects of our counterparts in the South are financed or co-financed

From the cooperation area, we work to motivate and encourage the members of the WRF to continue supporting the organisation in its work for a real cause aimed at improving the situation of the most underprivileged.

Communication

From the WRF, we aim to offer a service to both the members of the Forum and to society in general. Our Webpage, our written publications and our presence in the media help to spread the realities which exist in the four continents, to share problems with those encountered by the rural world, and to channel various proposals for improvement. From the WRF, we also aim to contribute to ensuring that the communication between all the parties (the members of the Forum, the various agents which have an influence on the rural environment, and society in general) leads to the generation of ideas and specific proposals aimed at improving the future of the different rural environments around the planet.