The Workshop Future Scenarios Exploitation, held on 17 and 18 September in Belém (PA), brought together experts to discuss food systems in the Amazon region.
The workshop brought together 40 representatives from civil society, academia, government, and the private sector from the eight countries that make up the Amazon region, along with technical representatives from the national offices of the WFP.
Over the course of the two days, the participants carried out group dynamics using the systems thinking methodology to draw up perspectives for future scenarios (future literacy) for Amazonian food systems. The discussions made it possible to establish connections between sectors and between countries and to build a vision, considering 2050 as the horizon, with possible implementation actions for food systems in the Amazon region.
The workshop’s initial activity was a visit to the Ver-O-Peso market, a traditional market where local producers sell fresh products typical of the region. Each of the participants was given guiding questions that would guide the debates on future scenarios for food systems in the Amazon region. “It was very thought-provoking to see the market ecosystem through the lens of food systems and to reflect on future scenarios that we can build”, said Programme Officer of the Center of Excellence Against Hunger of WFP in Brazil, Maria Giulia Senesi, who took part in the workshop.
During the discussions throughout the event, the most critical uncertainties in the region were identified, such as levels of equality, economy and infrastructure, climate issues, political stability and governance, integration of local communities, regional trends that impact future scenarios, among other aspects.
At the end of the workshop, a matrix of possibilities was drawn up with possible scenarios for the future. A publication will soon be produced and made available to all participating organizations.
“The workshop was an excellent opportunity for the WFP in the Region and the Centre of Excellence against Hunger of WFP in Brazil to dialogue with different representations and learn about the main challenges and opportunities for traditional peoples and communities in the Amazon region,” said Nayla Almeida, Technical Assistant in Rural Development of WFP in Brazil, who was also at the event.