Foresight isn’t just about predicting the future, it’s about shaping it. Through the Foresight4Food FoSTr programme, Jordan embarked on a journey to envision and prepare for the future of its food systems. As part of this process, facilitators, researchers, and policymakers came together to map possibilities, explore scenarios, and imagine pathways toward more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Among all the stages: scoping, mapping, exploring scenarios, and mobilising for change, the scenario exploration phase stood out to me as the most transformative. It was during this stage that data, modelling, and dialogue converged. By bringing evidence to the table and encouraging open conversations, participants were able to co-create shared visions for Jordan’s food future.

This process helped stakeholders navigate trade-offs, identify opportunities, and build consensus around priorities for action. In many ways, it turned abstract challenges into tangible insights and collective understanding, making it both analytical and collaborative.

From the outset, Jordan’s foresight journey was characterised by strong stakeholder engagement. Ministries, researchers, farmers, and private sector actors all played active roles.

While managing different levels of experience and expectations proved challenging, the outcome was gratifying. The Government of Jordan, in particular, showed remarkable ownership and commitment. Their decision to involve senior officials and even extend the conversation to regional partners demonstrated a powerful belief in the value of foresight for shaping national and regional food agendas.

One of the most meaningful insights gained from this experience is that foresight is more than a set of tools—it’s a mindset. It encourages forward thinking, long-term planning, and proactive decision-making in the face of uncertainty.

The biggest challenge, however, lies in sustaining the momentum. Ensuring that foresight becomes a regular part of planning and policymaking in Jordan requires continued effort, institutional support, and capacity-building. But the foundations are now in place for this cultural shift to take root.

Working alongside researchers, facilitators, and policymakers was both inspiring and enlightening. The diversity of perspectives revealed the true complexity of transforming food systems. It also highlighted the importance of developing Jordan-specific foresight guidelines, building a national database of trends, and training local facilitators to maintain and expand this work.

Foresight and futures thinking will continue to play a central role in shaping Jordan’s food systems in the years ahead. They provide the vision and structure needed to coordinate across sectors and build resilience in an uncertain world.

In practical terms, foresight can help Jordan by:

Ultimately, foresight offers more than a strategy, it offers hope. It empowers Jordan to anticipate change, adapt wisely, and co-create a food system that is not only resilient but future-ready.