Foresight for the transformation of agrifood systems through agroecology

Abstract

In a bold step to revolutionize sustainable food systems, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Agency for International Cooperation – GIZ) joined forces in 2022 to leverage foresight processes in driving agroecological transformation. Their collaboration has culminated in a comprehensive guidance document that unlocks new pathways for integrating foresight into the transition to more sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse food systems. This guidance document provides a comprehensive investigation of the existing intricate interplay among foresight methodologies, agroecological principles, and the dynamics of food system transformation. Thus, the guidance document contributes to scientific discourse by providing a novel framework for the integration of agroecology into foresight processes, thereby facilitating a scientifically rigorous and empirically grounded approach for the development of sustainable food systems. Harnessing global expertise, stocktaking, and workshop deliberations, this guidance document provides insights and recommendations on how agricultural foresight processes can be used to properly consider integrated and biodiverse approaches, such as agroecology. The goal is to expand the range of choices and routes available to decision makers and societies when envisioning pathways to transformative food systems. It is designed to help foresight practitioners implement foresight differently and better integrate agroecology that supports transformation towards sustainable food systems. The document can also help agroecology researchers better understand what foresight is, and why such a process is useful in supporting sustainable food system transformation through agroecology.