Cultivating the power of participatory foresight for accelerating food systems transformation

Global food systems are failing to deliver adequate social, economic and environmental outcomes. These have been further impacted by major trends such as climate change, geopolitical fragmentation, and shocks such as COVID-19, global trade tariffs and regional conflicts. The nature of the poly-crisis facing food systems signifies future disruptions to come. In 2021, the UN Food Systems Summit called for food system transformation. Since then, many countries have struggled to advance beyond dialogue toward meaningful systemic change. We argue that insufficient emphasis on the transformation process has stalled progress. Transformation processes have been unable to generate alignment and momentum on desired food system futures, tackle power imbalances, overcome narrow focus on technological solutions, bridge food system disconnects. Leaders often overlook the necessity for adaptive, systemic responses suited to the complexity of food systems. Crucially, facilitative capacities to harness the collective wisdom and imagination of diverse stakeholders remain underutilised. We propose, based on literature, a diversity of foresight cases and experiences across four countries, a guiding framework for foresight for food systems transformation through which participatory foresight—integrating inclusive principles, systemic thinking, political economy awareness and evidence-based analysis—can contribute to seven key elements essential to food system transformation processes. This kind of participatory foresight fosters shared understanding among stakeholders, surfaces challenges and trade-offs, and opens up new avenues for systemic action. As looming disruptions threaten further instability, developing scenarios and unearthing dilemmas and existing power structures through participatory foresight can empower stakeholders to accelerate action toward resilient, equitable and nutritious food futures. • Global food systems transformation is needed but transformation processes lack emphasis • Food systems are complex adaptive systems with structural barriers that hinder transformative change • Facilitative capacities to harness collective wisdom and imagination remain underutilised • Greater alignment and collaboration towards exploring transformative food system futures is essential • Participatory foresight can support seven elements crucial to food systems transformation processes