PROF. RICHARD ONWONGA ATTENDS THE 4TH GLOBAL FORESIGHT4FOOD WORKSHOP

Prof. Richard and other delegates during the BRAC CDM Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The workshop held at BRAC CDM Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh on June 3 - 7, 2024 brought together foresight leaders, innovators, and food systems changemakers from across the globe. The focus of the workshop was on how to realise the transformative potential of engaging food systems stakeholders in foresight. With the objective of pushing the boundaries of integrating foresight into the political and social realities of making decisions and shifting mindsets for food systems transformation. The event aimed at strengthening linkages across science, policy and practice.

It imperative to note that transforming food systems would require imagining radically different futures in the way food is consumed and produced. Change requires consumers, producers, agri-food businesses and policy actors to reframe their understanding of what food systems should deliver, how they function, and the incentives that drive the behaviours of actors in the system.

More than ever, longer-term perspectives are needed to underpin food system transformation efforts. Substantial uncertainties and systemic challenges that are unfolding, including impacts of climate change, shifting diets, disruptive technologies, trade tensions, and the impacts of pests, diseases, natural disasters and conflict. At the same time, the world is moving towards achieving the SDG targets, many of which depend on transforming food systems for health, livelihoods and the environment.

Bangladesh - our host country

Kenya is one of the four ‘Foresight for Food Systems Transformation’ (FoSTr) programme countries, and the University of Nairobi is one of the implementing institutions in Kenya - currently implementing foresight activities in Nakuru and Marsabit Counties, with possibilities of out scaling to other counties.