In a significant step towards sustainable agricultural development, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has partnered with the Forum for Agricultural Research for Africa (FARA) to implement Country Foresight Exercises (CFEs) aimed at transforming the agri-food systems of three pilot countries: Nigeria, Kenya, and Madagascar. The initiative, rooted in strategic foresight frameworks, seeks to equip policymakers and stakeholders with tools to navigate future challenges in food systems related to sustainability and resilience.
The need to adopt this approach was highlighted during the "Regional Foresight Expert Consultation on Triggers and Drivers of Transformation in Africa," held on November 21-22, 2024, in Madagascar. The event brought together country foresight experts and regional stakeholders to explore the critical drivers of food system transformation, with discussions emphasizing the urgent need to understand and support ongoing changes in agrifood landscapes.
The consultations are designed to generate unique insights that align with FAO’s methodological guidelines while considering local contexts. This tailored approach aims to create actionable strategies that not only address immediate challenges but also promote long-term development goals.
Madagascar, together with Comoros, Malawi, and Tanzania, is currently implementing the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), coordinated by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA). The FSRP is aimed at increasing the resilience of food systems and preparedness against food insecurity in the participating countries.
The involvement of CCARDESA in the consultation underlines the organization's commitment to regional collaboration and capacity building. Future plans include scaling out of CFEs to additional SADC countries, empowering them to better prepare for socio-economic shifts and climate related challenges affecting agricultural practices.
As Africa grapples with interconnected global crises that impact food security, initiatives like the CFEs represent a pivotal effort to ensure that food systems can adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. This foresight exercise marks a critical moment in efforts to bolster the region's agricultural resilience and sustainability, ensuring a food-secure future for millions across the continent.
