International literature shows significant growth in relation to sustainable rural development in response to ongoing needs. The principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI) enable projects to be geared towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this article, we present an empirically grounded analysis of these RAI principles, based on in-depth case studies in seven countries (Spain, Ecuador, Peru, Santo Domingo, Bolivia, Colombia, and Mexico). This experience focuses on an international project coordinated by the GESPLAN Research Group (https://www.ruraldevelopment.es) at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. The methodological process incorporates the Working with People model, analyzing the understanding of CFS-RAI principles by rural actors in different countries and contexts of university-business relations. The results show the effectiveness of the WWP model, based on the integration of its three dimensions: ethical-social, technical-business, and political-contextual, as an effective proposal for planning sustainable rural development projects in numerous contexts. The empirical evidence presented indicates that combining the WWP model with the principles of CFS-RAI in rural contexts allows progress toward sustainable development, balancing economic aspects with human, social, and environmental well-being.

The international literature shows significant growth in relation to sustainable rural development in response to ongoing problems. The Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI) enable projects to be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this article, we present an empirically grounded analysis of these RAI principles based on in-depth case studies in seven countries (Spain, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Colombia, and Mexico). This experience comes from an international project coordinated by the GESPLAN Research Group at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. The Working with People model is incorporated into the methodological process to analyze rural actors’ understanding of the CFS-RAI principles in different countries and in university–business relation contexts. The results show the effectiveness of the WWP model based on the integration of three dimensions—ethical–social, technical–business, and political–contextual—as an effective method for planning sustainable rural development projects in various contexts. The empirical evidence presented indicates that combining the WWP model with the principles of CFS-RAI in rural contexts allows progress toward sustainable development, balancing economic aspects with human, social, and environmental well-being.

The overall objective of the study was to propose the application of the IRA principles and the WWP model in the Tejemujeres Cooperative, with the aim of strengthening its production and management system without compromising its social identity. To this end, a mixed descriptive and explanatory methodology was used. Surveys were conducted among the organization’s 110 members, and focus groups were conducted with internal and external stakeholders, in addition to a review of documents and bibliographic sources. This revealed structural limitations in the production system, such as a shortage of raw materials, low innovation, marketing difficulties, and limited technical training. However, the perception of economic sustainability remained positive, thanks to the social and cultural cohesion of the cooperative. Likewise, most of the members expressed openness to incorporating IRA principles and the WWP model, highlighting training, active participation in decision-making, strengthening internal governance, and creating commercial networks as priorities. In conclusion, it was determined that Tejemujeres’ main strength lies in its community identity and human capital, rather than in traditional economic indicators. The proposed theoretical frameworks were found to be relevant and adaptable to the context of the organization. Finally, a hybrid strategy is proposed that combines the participatory flexibility of the WWP model with the methodological rigor of the IRA principles, which will enable the cooperative to consolidate an innovative, sustainable, and culturally legitimate production system.