Advances in Technology and Agriculture in Rural Areas
In the heart of Portugal's Bragança district lies Miranda do Douro, a rural region that is home to an exciting new initiative. The RIHU project, led by the association Rural Move, is aiming to foster rural development and social entrepreneurship in this inland, low-density region.
RIHU aspires to be a central hub for impact in the interior of Portugal, acting as a dynamic meeting space for entrepreneurs, local municipalities, and other stakeholders to collaborate and innovate socially and economically. The initiative is part of a larger ecosystem to support entrepreneurship and social innovation tailored to the rural context of Miranda do Douro.
The project involves various partners and key social investors working together to promote sustainable development, revitalize local economies, and support social ventures that respond to local needs. By connecting different actors—from community members to public institutions—RIHU seeks to leverage collective resources, expertise, and innovation toward enhancing rural vitality.
The RIHU team works directly with local parishes, associations, and residents to understand the specific challenges faced by each area. The initiative has garnered support from several regional and national organizations, as well as entities from neighboring Spain. Notable participants include the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, the municipality of Fundão, and social innovation incubators from various Portuguese regions.
Key social investors in the RIHU project include the Miranda do Douro municipality, Movhera, and Caixa de Crédito Agrícola do Douro e Sabor. The municipality of Miranda do Douro is committed to supporting RIHU's efforts to build a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable territory. João Almeida, project coordinator, believes Miranda do Douro will become a hub for social innovation and impact entrepreneurship in rural contexts.
Andreia Barbosa, manager of the RIHU community, emphasizes a decentralized model for RIHU's operations. The initiative is part of a broader network of centres across Portugal focused on social challenges and territorial development. RIHU is funded by the European Union and Norte 2030.
Helena Barril, mayor of Miranda do Douro, sees RIHU as a turning point for rural development and social entrepreneurship. The RIHU – Rural Impact Hub is not just another project; it's a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community-driven impact in rural regions. With over 60 participants engaging in ideas, culture, and collaboration focused on positive impact in the territory, RIHU promises to be a beacon of hope for rural development in Portugal and beyond.
The RIHU project, located in Miranda do Douro, Portugal, aspires to create a sustainable lifestyle hub, integrating home-and-garden practices with social entrepreneurship, following the footsteps of the Rural Move association's efforts to promote rural development. By attracting entrepreneurs, local municipalities, and social investors, RIHU aims to foster innovation and address rural challenges in a decentralized model, ensuring a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable territory.
