We are excited to announce our collaboration with the EU-funded CITIES2030 project, dedicated to revolutionizing urban food systems and ecosystems (UFSE) across Europe. The project’s overarching goal is to foster sustainability and ensure food security by uniting researchers, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, and cities.
CITIES2030 focuses on transforming various aspects of UFSE, including production, transportation, supply, recycling, and reuse of food. At the core of the initiative is the development of a blockchain-based UFSE management platform, creating a digital twin of the entire system. This innovative approach promotes future-proof and citizen-centric solutions to address pressing challenges.
The project aims to connect short food supply chains, actively engage citizens, and drive policy developments and innovation actions. By enhancing resilience and sustainability, CITIES2030 seeks to enable local investments and transnational deployments, ultimately creating a more efficient and trustworthy food system for all.
Through our collaboration with CITIES2030, RURALITIES reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that drive positive change and promote sustainable development. Together, we look forward to contributing to the transformation of urban food systems, ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for communities across Europe.

We are thrilled to announce the release of the first edition of the Rural Vision Magazine, marking a triumphant year for the Rural Vision EU movement. With a thriving Rural Pact community with over 2,150 members and a multitude of actions spanning from the EU to local levels, 2023 has been a year of success for the initiative, working tirelessly for more robust, interconnected, resilient, and prosperous rural areas.
This first magazine edition serves as a testament to the accomplishments of the Rural Vision movement, offering inspiring stories and valuable information. The magazine is divided into two sections:
Section 1 highlights the political achievements of the year, emphasizing the pivotal role of Member States. A special focus is given to the High-Level Rural Policy Forum in Sigüenza, supporting the Council conclusions of the long-term vision for rural areas adopted under the Spanish Presidency.
Section 2 takes you through the dynamic first year of activities of the RPSO (Rural Pact Support Office), showcasing remarkable progress in critical areas such as depopulation, digital education, energy transition, and social entrepreneurship.
Explore the magazine and be part of the movement that is shaping the future of rural communities. Click here to see the stories and insights that drive forward the implementation of the long-term vision for EU’s rural areas!

The RURALITIES project proudly participated in the inaugural edition of the 1st Biennale of Research, Innovation, and Industrialization in Africa (BRII-Africa). This landmark event, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MESRI) in partnership with esteemed institutions such as the National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal, Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar American University of Sciences and Technology (DAUST), and the Group of Studies and Research in Nuclear Medicine (GERMN), unfolded at the Université Amadou Maktar MBOW (UAM) of Diamniadio from November 28 to 30, 2023.
Presided over by President Macky Sall, the opening ceremony on November 28, 2023, at the UAM amphitheater, set the stage for meaningful discussions and collaborations. Among the esteemed participants was the UASZ delegation, including the Vice-Rector in charge of Research, Cooperation, and Relations with the Professional World, Prof. Diouma Kobor, deputy coordinator of the BIO4AFRICA project, M. Bandia Head of the Web and Marketing Division, and Prof Lat Grand Ndiaye, BIO4AFRICA project coordinator.
Over the course of three days, the RURALITIES project showcased its research projects and teaching activities at Ziguinchor’s Assane Seck University. The dedicated stand in the Exhibition and Innovation Village provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences between various universities, centers, and institutes involved in research and innovation.
The 1st BRII-Africa proved to be a key forum, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among institutions committed to advancing research and innovation in Africa. RURALITIES’ active participation in this event reflects its dedication to creating positive impacts in rural communities and contributing to the larger dialogue on sustainable development. As the project continues to evolve, such engagements further solidify its commitment to driving positive change on both local and global scales.

On November 15th, ASINCAR participated in the regional event, “Horizon Europe Informative Session,” organized by Agencia Sekuens and CDTI Innovación – Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación.
Marta Conde, a respected colleague from CDTI Innovación, took the stage to present the multitude of funding opportunities anticipated with the calls in 2024 from Cluster 6 of the HORIZON EUROPE Programme. As the National Contact Point for the program, Marta shared valuable insights into the potential avenues for innovation and growth.
The General Manager of ASINCAR shared testimonials about recent calls and highlighted RURALITIES as a shining success case. The project’s positive impact on rural development and innovation was underscored, showcasing how it aligns seamlessly with the goals of Horizon Europe.
An engaging round table, moderated by ASINCAR’s General Manager, featured regional organizations sharing their experiences in Cluster 6 approved projects. Notably, CTIC Technology Centre provided insights into their participation in RURALITIES, shedding light on the collaborative efforts and achievements within the project.
The Horizon Europe Informative Session served as a catalyst for exploring new funding avenues and connecting with like-minded organizations. This event proved to be exceptional, offering a dynamic platform for networking and meaningful connections. ASINCAR’s active participation, coupled with the success story of RURALITIES, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping the future of sustainable and inclusive rural development.

We’re excited to announce the release of the first RURALITIES newsletter! Packed with updates, insights, and highlights from our project, this newsletter marks an important milestone in our journey to promote rural development. Inside, you’ll find articles on recent events, project advancements, and upcoming opportunities. Stay informed about the latest happenings in our initiative and discover how we’re working together to empower rural communities. Don’t miss out – dive into our newsletter today and join us in shaping the future of rural areas!

To access the newsletter click here or on the picture below.

In a significant leap forward for rural development, the Second Ruralities Project Board Meeting was recently concluded, marking the end of a highly productive session. The event, blending both online and in-person elements, took place at the historical Inverness Town House (Scotland), showcasing the robust partnership with Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership.

This year’s meeting was not just a routine check-in; it was a celebratory milestone of the progress achieved in the project’s inaugural year. Participants, ranging from team members to project partners, shared updates and insights, reflecting on the strides made towards enhancing rural communities. The forum served as a breeding ground for innovative ideas, with detailed discussions on action plans and the creation of synergies with sister projects, setting a robust agenda for the coming year.

The meeting underscored the strength of collaboration and unity among the team members who have dedicated themselves to the common cause of rural advancement.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the laying down of an essential framework intended to guide future efforts. This framework is not merely a blueprint but a commitment to continued dedication and motivation towards empowering rural communities.

As the RURALITIES Project steps into its second year, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation among the team and stakeholders. The project promises to bring about significant changes, driving development, and fostering sustainable growth in rural areas.

The RURALITIES team invites the community and interested stakeholders to stay tuned as they continue on this exciting journey, promising further updates and outcomes in the pursuit of rural development and prosperity.

We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with the PrAEctiCe project, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to advancing agroecological sustainability for smallholder farmers in East Africa. PrAEctiCe introduces a tailored set of agroecology indicators and a decision support tool designed to translate concepts into actionable strategies.
At the heart of PrAEctiCe is a focus on circular water-energy-nutrient systems, particularly in integrated aqua-agriculture, aiming to address sustainability challenges in East Africa’s farming practices. With a core emphasis on the needs of smallholder farmers, the project quantifies the impacts of agroecological practices, ensuring financial viability and fostering a sustainable transformation.
The objectives of PrAEctiCe are comprehensive, including mapping existing practices, analyzing barriers and drivers, developing an agroecological indicator framework, creating a user-friendly decision support tool, validating through living labs, and promoting awareness and capacity building while increasing opportunities for women and youth.
Through our collaboration with PrAEctiCe, RURALITIES reaffirms its commitment to supporting innovative initiatives that drive positive change and promote sustainable development in rural communities. Together, we look forward to advancing agroecological sustainability and empowering smallholder farmers across East Africa.

In a celebration of innovation and collaboration, the first-ever AU-EU Innovation Festival has occurred in Cape Town, South Africa. Hosted by the European Union, the African Union, and the Republic of South Africa, this event will catalyse transformative changes on both continents.
The AU-EU Innovation Festival allows participants to engage either in person or online, fostering global connectivity and inclusivity. This groundbreaking approach opens the doors for a diverse array of innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from Africa and Europe to join forces, share insights, and shape the AU-EU Innovation Agenda.
The heart of the festival lies in its ability to bring together the brightest minds from both continents. These visionaries are set to share their perspectives on the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, a key roadmap for progress. The festival will feature captivating pitching sessions and exhibitions that showcase groundbreaking innovations.
A notable highlight is the participation of partners from the Ruralities Project. Many of these partners are engaging online, bridging geographical boundaries and connecting with potential rural actors across Africa.
Dr. Vincenzo Lorusso, representing Protipi Nigeria, a valued partner of the Ruralities Project, had the honor of presenting the four core objectives of the Final Draft of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda: public health, green transition, food security and manufacturing capacity and technology.
As the first-ever AU-EU Innovation Festival unfolds in Cape Town, it serves as a powerful testament to the collaborative potential between Africa and Europe. This dynamic linking of minds, ideas, and innovations promises to shape a brighter future, where challenges are transformed into opportunities and solutions.

In the field of rural development and sustainable agriculture, innovation plays a pivotal role in reshaping landscapes and enhancing the lives of those who depend on them. The Ruralities Project is excited to announce our participation in the first info session of the Tools4CAP project, set to take place on June 26th. This event promises to be a transformative moment for farmers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders.
At the upcoming info session, we invite you to join us as we delve into the features of Tools4CAP and discover how this powerful tool has the potential to empower individuals and communities involved in agriculture. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:
Exploring the amazing features of Tools4CAP
Learning how it can empower farmers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders
Discovering its significant contribution to sustainable agriculture and rural development
We are delighted to connect with fellow participants and industry experts who share our passion for transforming the agricultural landscape. Together, we can shape a sustainable future for rural communities and ensure that agriculture remains a thriving and vibrant sector for generations to come.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of the Tools4CAP info session. Join us on June 26th and be part of a dynamic community dedicated to driving positive change in agriculture.
Learn more about Tools4CAP and register for the info session here.
For more information about the Tools4CAP project, please visit their official website here.
The Ruralities Project is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability in rural areas. We look forward to your participation in this transformative event, and together, we can cultivate a brighter future for rural communities.

Actions carried out between 24 and 27 May 2023

As part of the RURALITIRES project, Maroc Horizon d’Aventures (MARA), in collaboration with the French NGO “Experts solidaires”, the “Guides Arghen Valley” and the “Association ‘Avenir’ pour le Développement, le patrimoine et l’Environnement”, organised a workshop from 24 to 27 May 2023, visiting a number of villages in the Anti-Atlas, in the Commune of Adar, in the Province of Taroudant.

During this tour, where we visited Ouzone, Aït Khourba, Aït Hssain, Win Lkhir and Daw Oussawn villages, the Ruralities Project was presented to local stakeholders. Meetings were held in the villages to raise awareness of good water management practices, biodiversity conservation, preservation of local seeds, daily practices to combat climate change, etc.

Action carried out on 30 May 2023

A other meeting to present the Ruralities Project in the rural commune of Zagmouzen, Taliouine district, Taroudant province.

This rural Commune is located in the Siroua mountains also (Anti-Atlas) and suffers from the degradation of natural resources: water, plant cover, erosion, degradation of pastures, migration, etc.

This meeting brought together local players from the four tribes making up this rural Commune: the Zagmouzen tribe, the Aït Iguelt tribe and the Id Ouilloune tribe.

The aim is to rehabilitate ancestral practices and adopt responsible practices for better management of natural resources.

This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Franco-Moroccan NGO Migration et Développement.