Why Rural Voices Must Be Prioritized to Create Resilient Futures

By Andy Mundori

NGFP Africa member & Director of ClimateWise Organization

Food systems have an important part in the development of rural communities in Malawi and throughout Africa.  The majority of people in our communities rely on smallholder farming, but they face threats to their existence from climate change, unhealthy soil, and limited access to technology. Planning must prioritize rural voices if we are to create resilient futures.

ClimateWise, the NGO I co-founded, uses futures thinking to shape agriculture and rural development in 10, 20, or even 50 years.  We ask concerns like, What happens if young people continue to leave villages for cities? How can rural communities prepare for climate shocks? How will digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) affect farming?

We tested this proactive strategy in southern Malawi, where farmers frequently deal with droughts and floods.  Through working with them to map potential futures, we discovered that resilience requires more than just seeds and fertilizer—it also calls for youth leadership, inclusive governance, and community ownership.  In their ideal future, farmers would use digital platforms to obtain climate-smart inputs, women would manage resources equally, and young people would start businesses focused on food processing and green energy.

One lesson is that foresight is not only about prediction, but about participation. When rural people imagine their futures, they also design solutions that are more realistic and inclusive. 

For example, women proposed solar-powered irrigation as a way to reduce their workload while ensuring year-round harvests. Youth suggested using GPS mapping to better match crops with soils. These are ideas that can shape food sovereignty and justice in Africa.

I believe that rural futures and food systems are inseparable. To secure both, Africa must strengthen anticipatory governance, where leaders listen to community foresight and design long-term policies around it. This will reduce dependence on external aid and build true health and food sovereignty.

Join us at ClimateWise as we build futures where rural communities are not left behind. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or X.