Agrifood systems globally are facing unprecedented challenges due to climatic variations, with Southern Africa and Zambia particularly vulnerable. Recent droughts experienced in the 2023/2024 farming season have exacerbated food insecurity and water scarcity among other challenges; highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that promote integration of foresight, regional perspectives and multistakeholder collaboration. In the context of Zambia, the intersection of these elements and the food system situation which is largely influenced by the Government's Farmer Input Support Programme. The FISP promotes industrial fertilizers and chemicals, contrary to agroecological principles and this context underpins the importance of exploring multistakeholder perspectives with the aim to transform the agrifood systems.
In terms of regional and multistakeholder perspectives; regional perspectives play a crucial role in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within agrifood systems. For instance, despite the region (southern Africa) being hit by El Nino and drought conditions, the different countries have diverse ecosystems and socio-economic contexts which have been critical in tailoring specific approaches to address food insecurity. In terms of multistakeholder engagement. Tghis is essential for the successful implementation of foresight initiatives through collaboration among governments, NGOs, research institutions, farmers, and communities. Multistakeholder collaboration can foster innovation and ensure the relevance and sustainability of interventions. In the context of agrifood systems, involving stakeholders at all levels is imperative to address complex challenges comprehensively.
Attaining effective implementation of foresight on emerging Technologies and Innovations in Agrifood Systems requires effective collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders. For instance, Government as the main anchor of Agri extension and regulator of the sector needs to buy in and provide an enabling environment especially the policy framework. Similarly, CSOs and NGOs have a duty to reach out to the marginalised and excluded; to ensure they have access to information and innovations. The Academia and researchers also bring to the table a wealth of experience in terms of what has worked and what hasn’t. This is critical for strengthening shared understanding, implementation programmes.
先生 Jeston Kalembwe Lunda