Regenerative mindsets, values and cultures of local communities are the foundations of equitable and sustainable food systems.
In 2023 CoFSA launched a collective inquiry to explore how community-based initiatives can nurture inner capacities—drawing on the work of Gaia Education, Opportunity International, and Schumacher College . The inquiry was initiated by a launch followed by in-depth sessions showcasing grassroots success stories.
The inquiry resulted in a Learning Report and Case Studies Collection, which highlighted the role of education and transformational learning, culture, faith and spirituality for regeneration; the importance of strong and healthy communities; and the need to foster local economies that support community wellbeing.
A partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation made it possible to complement the inquiry with an Academic Literature Review on the Inner Dimensions of Regeneration: Mental Models, Mindsets and Culture, which informed the development of “Communities of Wellbeing—a Community-led Assessment Methodology on Regenerative Mindsets and Values”. With this method, communities can explore the cultural and mindset shifts needed to drive regenerative agriculture, contributing to a more holistic and sustainable transition. It has been successfully tested in India and is currently being adapted to be tested in Colombia.
