Systems thinking for sustainable food futures: Reflections from the systems analysis course

Dr Judith Falola-Olusankanmi participated in an intensive Systems Analysis Course facilitated by Professor Mary Scholes from the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. The workshop was convened by the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems at the University of Pretoria and hosted at the Future Africa Campus.

The four-day programme brought together emerging scholars and researchers from diverse disciplines to explore systems thinking and systems analysis as tools for understanding and addressing complex challenges facing food systems, climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, and socio-ecological resilience in Africa. The course sessions covered a broad range of interconnected themes, including climate change impacts in South Africa, systems analysis and systems thinking, food systems within global geopolitical frameworks, socio-ecological systems research, and the identification of critical indicators for sustainability assessment. Through interactive exercises, collaborative discussions, and practical systems-mapping activities, participants were introduced to innovative approaches to analysing the complexity of agricultural and environmental systems.

Discussions highlighted how conflict remains one of the major drivers of hunger worldwide and reinforced the principle that no nation can achieve true stability without food and water security.

One of the most impactful aspects of the workshop was the emphasis on understanding food systems beyond isolated agricultural production problems. Rather than viewing agriculture as a standalone sector, discussions encouraged participants to think holistically about the interactions between climate, ecosystems, economics, governance, technology, conflict, livelihoods, and social dynamics. This systems perspective demonstrated the importance of recognising feedback loops, interdependencies, and unintended consequences when designing solutions for sustainable food futures.

Throughout the workshop, Prof Scholes shared insights on climate variability and global environmental change. She explained that while climate change is fundamentally a natural phenomenon, human activities remain the greatest influence accelerating current environmental transformations. Discussions highlighted that minimum temperatures are expected to continue rising globally. At the same time, rainfall patterns will remain highly variable and increasingly difficult to predict because numerous interacting environmental processes influence rainfall.

Particularly striking was the reflection that global environmental change remains deeply unequal, with Africa disproportionately affected despite contributing less to global emissions. The uncertainty surrounding rainfall variability, especially across vulnerable regions, continues to complicate environmental planning, food production systems, and adaptation strategies across the continent.

The workshop critically examined greenhouse gases and their differential contributions to global warming, with particular emphasis on methane due to its strong warming potential. Participants were encouraged to reflect critically on the urgent need to keep the Earth within a “safe operating space” for humanity while recognising that complex systems frequently produce unintended consequences and unforeseen outcomes.

Left: Participants engaging in systems analysis exercises during the workshop sessions at Future Africa Campus. Right: Dr Judith Falola-Olasunkanmi with Prof Mary Scholes following one of the interactive workshop sessions.

A recurring message throughout the sessions was that the primary application of systems analysis is problem-solving within complex environments. Prof Scholes introduced participants to the concept of “emergent properties” in systems thinking, the understanding that it is impossible to fully predict how a system will behave simply from examining its individual components. This perspective challenged participants to think beyond reductionist approaches and to appreciate the dynamic interactions shaping real-world systems.

The programme further examined the relationship between food systems, conflict, and national stability. Discussions highlighted how conflict remains one of the major drivers of hunger worldwide and reinforced the principle that no nation can achieve true stability without food and water security. Participants were also encouraged to engage with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and data science, as important tools for understanding and managing future food systems challenges.

Interactive group exercises formed a major part of the learning experience. Participants developed systems diagrams, analysed causal relationships within agricultural systems, and explored food production case studies involving maize, rice, and livestock systems. These collaborative activities created opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement, critical thinking, and peer learning among researchers from different academic backgrounds.

Beyond the scientific and technical knowledge shared during the workshop, one of the most memorable aspects was the mentorship and personal guidance provided by Prof Scholes to emerging researchers. She encouraged participants, as young scholars, to embrace socio-ecological systems (SES) thinking and stressed the importance of intellectual openness, curiosity, and continuous learning.

Among the many valuable lessons shared was her powerful reflection on “open-hearted listening” – listening not only to what people are saying, but also to what remains unspoken. The workshop concluded with thoughtful advice on reading, writing, and navigating both personal and professional life as an early-career researcher. Her motherly guidance, humility, and generosity in sharing both academic and life experiences left a lasting impression on participants.

For me personally, the workshop was an intellectually enriching and transformative experience. It strengthened my appreciation for systems thinking as an essential framework for climate-smart agriculture, sustainability research, and the development of resilient food systems in Africa. More importantly, it underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complex, interconnected challenges facing our societies today.

I am sincerely grateful to Prof Mary Scholes, Future Africa, and the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems for creating such a valuable learning environment that fostered both academic growth and meaningful professional reflection. The workshop reaffirmed the importance of collaborative, systems-oriented approaches in shaping resilient, sustainable food futures for Africa.

Feedback report submitted by Dr Judith Falola-Olusankanmi