The projects we support are designed and set up by local populations, in partnership with local organizations who have a practical knowledge of the area. Frères des Hommes fights at their side, by supporting development initiatives.

Together, we are committed to three areas of intervention : peasant agriculture, solidarity economy and civil democracy:

Peasant agriculture
The situation post- food riots demands our attention. Agro-fuel versus food production, GMO versus biodiversity, major international exporters versus small local farmers, constraints of commercial monopolies versus exercise of civil democracy, famine and dependence versus safety and food self-sufficiency, financial speculation versus vital assistance, soil and water pollution versus agro-ecology, land speculation and expropriations versus access to the land for habitation : these opposing choices directly concern poor communities and the future of all humanity, rural and urban alike. Throughout the world, food and farming are now civic issues.

Solidarity economy
With its microcredit groups, cooperatives of peasant farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, small tradesmen, its support groups, health services, education and training… community-based economy provides proof that it is possible to ally economy, solidarity and the common good. It means that the economy is not strictly restricted to the market, the pursuit of financial profit and its unacceptable consequences: exploitation of poverty, brutal relocation, speculation on food and on natural resources. Solidarity economy helps to develop accessible public services, close to communities and clearly run in line with the general interest. The development of this type of economy is a matter of civic democracy throughout the world.

Civil democracy
Organizations of precarious workers, labour unions, small farmer and craftsmen cooperatives, microcredit insurance companies, movements of the landless, the young, women, village groups, working class areas… Numerous actions led by poor communities to have their rights recognized and to improve their living conditions are association- and community-based. At a time when egocentricity and immediate financial profits have increased their hold, the practice of collective commitment to the common good is a vital path of resistance for the democratic wellbeing of all communities, and for the fulfilment of all humanity.