This is the first international journal that will focus exclusively on rural management as opposed to rural or community or sustainable development. Its focus will be the practical dimensions of organising and managing rural enterprises and community based organisations. Hence, the journal will cover the functioning of, among others, producers` cooperatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), self-help groups, local self-governance institutions, and organisations dealing with natural resource management.

The journal will publish both conceptual and empirical articles but will favour action-oriented and practical research. It will encourage the international community of scholars and practitioners to interact with each other in order to develop a rich corpus of practice and knowledge in the field.

A peer-reviewed journal, International Journal of Rural Management will publish research articles, reports of research in progress, analyses of current and topical practice, policy issues relating to rural management, and book reviews.

The overarching purpose of this important international journal is to define the field of rural management and to assist rural organisations/institutions to adopt professional management practices.