Connecting Sustainable Rural Development Projects and Principles of Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems from WWP Model: Lessons from Case Studies in Seven Countries

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.