The success of AIRI hinges on effective collaboration between members of the consortium, and also the members’ ability to form networks of local partners in respective countries/regions. Other than engaging in regional collaborations of knowledge generation, dissemination and application, each of these institutions will play the role of an intermediary. They will help implement the Fellowship Scheme and empowerment programme in their respective countries/regions through identifying potential candidates for the Fellowship Scheme, organizing activities and residencies, and providing knowledge and logistic supports. They will also reach out to form local networks of partnerships with key players and stakeholders to disseminate knowledge and foster actions in rural sustainability.