Prosperous futures inspired by prosperous pasts: Fostering imagination of radical food system alternatives in Guatemala

Abstract

Transformations imply the need for radical alternatives to current realities. This requires a fundamental reimagination of current systems. Different future-oriented practices specifically designed for the imagination of transformations have emerged in recent years, including the Disruptive Seeds approach (DS). DS focuses on innovative bottom-up initiatives (seeds), that show potential to grow in impact and challenge unsustainable systems, contributing to transformative change. This paper reports on the first time DS was applied in practice, as part of a project focusing on food systems transformation in Guatemala. Working primarily with Indigenous actors representing smallholder communities, DS shows great potential when it comes to emphasizing their perspectives and objectives in the imagination of desired futures. Tapping into marginalized perspectives and sources of knowledge, it can help advance the conceptualization of transformative change that truly contributes to social equity and justice. Moreover, the approach facilitates an inclusive platform for articulating and interrogating power dynamics. Initially developed and tested in Global Northern contexts, the DS approach demonstrates adaptability across diverse contexts, including Indigenous communities in the Global South. Findings underscore the transformative potential of collective imagination rooted in Indigenous worldviews, offering alternatives to unsustainable and unjust realities, challenging dominant narratives and contributing to more just and sustainable futures. More generally, it demonstrates huge potential for imagining transformations, challenging dominant political structures and imaginaries, emphasizing issues of social justice and equity. It shows the value of incorporating the knowledge, perspectives, values and imaginaries of—often marginalized—communities into conversations about sustainability transformations.