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.

On April 10th, 2023, an exciting virtual event took place that marked a significant step forward in the world of agricultural innovation and rural development. Our valued, Particula Group d.o.o., joined forces with the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture to introduce two initiatives: the Horizon2020 AlgaeCeuticals project and the Horizon Europe Ruralities Project. This event, with active participation of stakeholders and students in Croatia, aimed to create awareness and ignite enthusiasm for these transformative projects.
Horizon2020 AlgaeCeuticals: This ambitious project is set to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by harnessing the power of algae for sustainable solutions. AlgaeCeuticals promises to unlock the potential for microalgae-based ingredients in the industry.
The virtual event provided a platform to showcase these projects to a diverse audience, including academic and business partners in Croatia. By sharing insights and fostering collaborations, the event has laid the foundation for the positive impact that both the AlgaeCeuticals project and the Ruralities Project are set to have on the future of rural communities and agriculture as a whole.

In the ever-evolving landscape of rural development, collaboration and knowledge exchange are key drivers of progress. The Ruralities Project is proud to share an exciting recent partnership between our project partners, REDA (ASOCIACION RED ASTURIANA DE DESARROLLO RURAL) and HITRANS. These two organizations met in Inverness, Scotland, on March 27th, to engage in a dialogue on the pressing issue of mobility in rural areas with high levels of depopulation.
The meeting was marked by an exchange of experiences, where both REDA and HITRANS presented past successful practices related to rural mobility. These experiences served as valuable starting points for a deeper discussion on the challenges faced in remote regions and the innovative solutions that are currently being put to the test.
Currently, REDA is leading a study tour across Scotland. This tour brings together a diverse group of regional representatives, including those from Rural Area regional ministries. Together, they are exploring various projects that revolve around rural development, mobility, and demographic challenges under the coordination of ScotRuralAction and scotruralnet.
The Ruralities Project is happy for REDA and HITRANS for their remarkable teamwork and dedication to addressing critical issues faced by rural communities. It is through collaborations like these that we can work towards a brighter, more sustainable future for rural areas around the world.

The RURALITIES Project Board held its meeting in Belgium on the 21st of March 2023. Partners from

On February 24th 2023 the Ruralities Project successfully hosted its first LAG/SIMSES Webinar. This online event marked a pivotal moment in our journey towards reshaping rural communities.
Local Action Groups (LAGs): At the heart of the Ruralities Project, Local Action Groups play a central role. These groups are instrumental in our mission to test, validate, and demonstrate innovative concepts and technologies developed over the project’s five-year duration. By implementing these innovations in real rural settings, we aim to drive tangible and sustainable changes in the communities we serve.
The webinar would not have been possible without the dedication and initiative of Roberto Moran from our project partner ASINCAR (https://www.asincar.com/). We extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for taking the lead in organizing this event, which brought together individuals and organizations committed to advancing rural innovation.
As we reflect on this first LAG/SIMSES Webinar, we anticipate a future filled with promise and transformative possibilities for rural communities. The Ruralities Project remains committed to its mission of driving innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in rural areas.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the heart of Europe! Ruralities Project coordinator, PEDAL Consulting, recently took the stage at the StartUP HUB educational conference in Bratislava, Slovakia. This remarkable event provided an exceptional platform to showcase the Ruralities project to a diverse and influential audience.

Among the attendees were representatives from the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, the Official Representation of Taiwan in Slovakia (Taipei Representative Office), and the Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency (SIEA). This diverse group of stakeholders represents a broad spectrum of interests and expertise, making it a perfect opportunity to share our vision for rural development.

The conference served as an opportunity for us to not only introduce our project but also emphasize its potential impact on rural communities. We believe that rural areas hold immense promise for sustainable development, and our project aims to unlock this potential. The presentation sparked meaningful conversations about the future of rural development and how innovative initiatives like Ruralities can play a pivotal role in shaping it.

We are confident that our presentation left a lasting impression on those in attendance, and we look forward to the collaborations and partnerships that may emerge from this inspiring event.

Today, we hosted a webinar dedicated to exploring the contributions of our African Union (AU) partners to the Ruralities Project. This enlightening online event was organized by Ruralities Coordinator, Gabor Mester from PEDAL Consulting, with a special focus on the expertise of our guest, Bruno Sales de Silva, as the key speaker. Bruno’s insights and knowledge were very important in shedding light on the significant role that our AU partners play in shaping the future of rural communities.
The webinar proved to be more than just an informational session, it was a platform for boosting our internal capacity. As we gathered virtually, we strengthened our understanding of the collective vision that drives the Ruralities Project forward.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Bruno for his exceptional contribution. His presentation was not only instructive but also incredibly detailed, providing valuable insights into the AU’s role in the Ruralities Project. Bruno’s dedication to sharing knowledge and driving meaningful progress is commendable and deeply appreciated.
As we move forward on our journey of rural transformation, the contributions of our AU partners remain invaluable. Their unique perspectives and expertise enrich our project, propelling us towards a future where rural communities thrive. The Ruralities Project is a testament to what collaboration can achieve, and we are excited about the positive impact we can collectively make.

On November 4, 2022, the Ruralities Project proudly took center stage at the final conference of the EU Project “CLIKIS – Climate and energy-efficient kitchens in schools.” This significant event, held in the City of Sisak, Croatia, provided a platform for Ruralities project partner, Professor Marko Vinceković from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, to present the Ruralities Project to an influential and diverse audience.

The conference was attended by various stakeholders committed to sustainable development. Among the attendees were representatives from the local community, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Additionally, food manufacturers, farmers, and delegates from Zagreb County lent their expertise to the discussions.

Professor Marko Vinceković’s presentation marked a pivotal moment in our journey towards empowering rural communities. It provided a unique opportunity to introduce the Ruralities Project to a wider audience and highlight its significance in addressing critical rural challenges.

The presence of such a diverse group of stakeholders created an atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose. The Ruralities Project thrives on partnerships and collective efforts, making this conference an essential step in building bridges between various entities invested in rural development.