How can smart villages benefit the agrifood sector and promote rural tourism?

Smart villages were the focus of a United Nations Food System Summit independent Dialogue organized by the European Food Forum, together with the European Parliament Intergroup on Rural, Mountainous and Remote Areas & Smart Villages. The event was co-hosted by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the European Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition Marlene Mortler and Franc Bogovič.

The emerging concept of smart villages refers to rural areas and communities, which build on their existing strengths and assets as well as on developing new opportunities. In smart villages, traditional and new networks and services are enhanced by means of digital and telecommunications technologies, as well as innovations and better use of knowledge, for the benefit of local residents and businesses.

During his opening speech, MEP Bogovič noted that investing in the development of infrastructure would enhance living conditions in rural areas. “The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the urgency of bridging the digital gap in rural areas. Investing in good social, educational and institutional infrastructures is paramount to improve smallholders’ quality of life,” he explained. 

MEP Mortler pointed out that the only way to make rural areas more attractive, accessible and competitive is to foster the development of smart villages and smart farming through digital investment. “This way, we can influence young generations to stay in rural areas. Smart villages can make a positive contribution to the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals. They are a must,” she said.

FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero introduced FAO’s 1 000 Digital Villages Initiative as a potential solution to overcoming existing inequalities between cities and rural areas. The project aims to identify
1 000 villages around the globe and help them to become digitally connected, dynamic and prosperous by scaling up digitalization. “Data, innovation (like e-commerce) and technology should not only be made available to farmers, but should also be better institutionalized to ensure inclusivity,” he commented. If successfully implemented, the 1 000 Digital Villages Initiative will greatly facilitate farmers’ access to markets and help them to diversify their incomes.  

By aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), the Smart Villages Dialogue offered new perspectives on how to unlock the potential of rural areas to improve their resilience. Digitalization will be a crucial step in boosting rural transformation, thereby ensuring the future of a sustainable agrifood chain. 

You can read more about FAO's digital services portfolio here.