The state of foresight in food and agriculture and the roads toward improvement

To target research, innovation and policies more effectively to desired future impacts we need to better understand how key issues in agriculture and rural development may develop in the future. Participants to the first Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD1) reached a good comprehension of current constraints. At GCARD 1, a group of foresight practitioners moderated a session presenting the main outputs of exchanges between the authors of nine exercises and invited guests1. As a result, the Roadmap recognises that “improved foresight” is essential for understanding future agricultural and rural development contexts and changes around the world and for driving the research and innovation required to meet these needs. GCARD1 also highlighted the fact that all stakeholders must be involved in identifying possible future needs in agriculture and rural development, if research, innovation and policy are to benefit the poor as intended.