Description
Ferraria de São João is a Smart Village located in the District of Coimbra under the Municipality of Penela in the Central region of Portugal. Ferraria de São João adopted a “smart village” approach under the European Commission's Smart Rural project to address the specific challenges faced by the village, such as depopulation and ageing, the weak local economy, and the consequences and impacts of the forest fire of June 2017 that devastated the surroundings of the village. The village has adopted three smart solutions: the creation of a Village Protection Zone, the promotion of the FarmReal digital app, and the development of agritourism.
Technology
FarmReal is an online application and mobile application used by the inhabitants of Ferraria de São João Smart Village that aims to attract investments in goat and goat cheese production by allowing users to adopt goats in the village's community herd, thus becoming “virtual shepherds”. FarmReal was adopted to promote sustainability in the recreation of the community herd with the support of new technologies. Anyone with an Internet connection can adopt a goat and observe their daily lives, and can use the app for other purposes, such as to schedule visits to their adopted animal and get involved in activities related to the herd.
Target
FarmReal is currently in use by 50 permanent residents of the smart village Ferraria de São João. It is well-suited to farmers seeking innovative ways to increase investments through crowdfunding. As of August 2022, six villagers have put up their goats for adoption.
Impact
The smart village approach has helped reverse the depopulation phenomenon and created conditions that encourage the settlement and attraction of new residents and economic activities. The app aims to make pastoral activities more attractive for young people and increase their income through the adoption of animals. The smart approach also contributes to the reinforcement of cultural heritage and strengthens the local identity.
Partners
European Commission; European network of Living Labs; Institute Pedro Nunes
Four Betters
Better production
Better life
