For such a structure to be built up, there must be sufficient allocation of resources to the rural areas. Before this can happen in a significant way, there has to be a greater appreciation of the role and importance of rural communities in the social fabric and economic and political structures of a country. There is, therefore, a need to develop awareness on the part of both the politicians and general public of the place of rural communities in a country's life and of the interdependence of rural and urban communities on one another. Policy Statement IFSW affirms that social work is concerned not only with the solving of social problems, but with the process of social development. Individuals, groups, families and communities have the capacity to change and to develop.
Social workers have knowledge and skills which can be of help.
Social workers will have to work with other professionals and with community leaders and volunteers. IFSW maintains links with the United Nations and other international organisations in order to be aware of existing policies and programmes. IFSW will support social work education in the context of rural communities and with the aim of improving conditions in such communities.