Ruralities

An integrated partnership between the African Union and the European Union

RURALITIES is a far-reaching European project that promotes an integrated rural development model between the European Union and the African Union. It achieves this through the creation of territorial alliances, competence centers, and innovative tools for the ecological and digital transition of rural areas.

The project involves 18 African partners and numerous European entities, with the objective of strengthening international cooperation and supporting local communities through training pathways, digital tools, and participatory approaches. Central to the initiative is the awareness that rural development depends on knowledge sharing, community involvement, and the capacity to innovate while respecting ecosystems.

Resources for a sustainable transition

To guide rural communities on their innovation journey, RURALITIES provides a comprehensive network of tools that combine training, knowledge, and participation. A central role is assigned to the RURALITIES Commons 2050 Learning Framework, a program designed to strengthen the leadership and autonomy of local communities throughout all phases of the innovation process.

This is supported by the FAST-TRACK Innovation Programme, a methodology aimed at accelerating innovation cycles and adapting to the specific challenges of different territories. The project also features a Rural Innovation Observatory, hosted on a digital platform, useful for monitoring and promoting existing best practices.

Community involvement is guaranteed by an international network of over 10,000 experts and facilitators, united by a shared vision and digital tools for discussion and collaboration. Finally, to foster awareness and education on participatory innovation, RURALITIES has also developed a serious game, designed to make sustainability topics more accessible and engaging for everyone.