Advancing Foresight for a pro-nature food system
A section of the participants and facilitators.
The Mind-Nature Institute proactively contributed in shaping foresight practices and processes for a pro-nature food system this July, 2025. This happened during the foresight validation and co-creation workshop organised by FARA (Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa), Foresight4Food Initiative at the University of Oxford and the financial support of IDRC (Canada) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
We were represented by the Director, Dr. Juliet Katusiime who reported having emphasized the issue of resources as a key criteria for quality foresight processes. Especially, to include in the natural resources elements - in addition to the financial, human, time , tools and equipment, among others.
During the mapping out of the foundational mental models group work.
As a strong believer in the power of the mind(set), she also reported having contributed well in the participatory process of mapping out the foundational mental models that can hinder or fuel foresight processes and adoption.
The two elements of natural resources and the mindset, stand true and core to the aspirations of the Mind-Nature Institute, where we seek to create and foster agency in the mind for nature, and in this case, to ensure the agricultural and food system is pro-nature through our food and agricultural program. Foresight is definitely one of the ways we are working with communities, institutions and individual power holders such as farmers, policy makers, and other decision makers to achieve current food goals, while considering the future.
The co-created products seek to support the different stakeholders engaged and interested in foresight. These include those in planning, analysis, monitoring and evaluation, programming, future and strategic studies among other future-looking undertakings, with a number of easy to refer to strategic and handy guides, background papers among other materials. The goal is to ensure quality foresight work is carried out for a transformative food and agricultural system. The products also seek to compliment both scientific and policy decision making processes.
Importantly, the event built the necessary momentum for foresight on the leadup to the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4) that is taking place between 27-29th in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
As the Mind-Nature Institute, we were honored to be a part of this crucial process, in these less predictable times that demand foresight at multiple levels.
What is the talking about food without food? Enjoy.
