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Indigenous peoples' food systems: the many dimensions of culture, diversity and environment for nutrition and health

Authors:
Harriet V Kuhnlein at McGill University
Harriet V Kuhnlein
Bill Erasmus
Bill Erasmus
Bill Erasmus
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Dina Spigelski
Dina Spigelski
Dina Spigelski
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Food
Food
Food
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Abstract

The case studies presented in this book show the wealth of knowledge in indigenous communities in diverse ecosystems, the richness of their food resources, the strengths of the local traditional food systems, how people think about and use these foods, the influx of industrial and purchased food, and the circumstances of the nutrition transition in indigenous communities–Publisher's description.
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... Within Southern Europe, for instance, valid alternatives to a now globalized standard Mediterranean-style diet can be found, such as the Atlantic diet typified by regular consumption of red meat and processed pork (Carballo-Casla et al., 2024). There are, indeed, multiple ways to adopt a nourishing diet (Kuhnlein et al., 2009); many of these approaches (e.g., low-carb diets, certain indigenous diets, or the very diets on which Homo sapiens evolved) largely conflict with standard dietary guidelines. 2. Each body is unique, with varying nutrient requirements and metabolic responses (Berry et al., 2020). ...
... A key strategy that has allowed the human species to vastly expand its dietary breadth is the adoption of food processing technologies. Through practices such as the cutting, chopping, pounding, soaking, sprouting, fermenting, salting, drying, and heating of raw materials, our ancestors could incorporate various foods into their diets that would otherwise have been inaccessible, unpalatable, poorly digestible, unhygienic, or even toxic (Kuhnlein et al., 2009). ...
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... Plant sciences provide information on crop taxonomy, biogeography, genomics, agronomic and phenotypic traits, and seed science (Thomas et al, 2016). Development studies and food anthropology research on traditional crops can include themes ranging from livelihoods to agri-policies and land rights, cuisine, ritual uses, nutrition and health (Kuhnlein et al, 2009;Macbeth & MacClancy, 2004;Pimbert, 2009;Trauger, 2020). Historical approaches, archaeology and archaeogenomics provide insight into crop evolutionary processes and past distributions, which are crucial for understanding today's crop biogeography (Fuller et al, 2023;Gutaker & Purugganan, 2024;Sauer, 1993). ...
... Globalised systems have become highly complex and compartmentalised, and foods are often very distant from the original harvested crops in terms of both distance and product (eg ultra-processed foods) (Patel, 2013;Reed & Ryan, 2019). In contrast, in local food systems, grains used for food often still come from family or village stores (Kuhnlein et al, 2009;Ryan et al, 2022). ...
Is One Health really useful? Exploring the biodiversity-sustainable livelihood nexus
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  • Mar 2025
How does One Health apply to the use and conservation of biodiversity and links to livelihoods? One Health embraces 'the environment' and 'environmental health' yet does so principally through the lens of human and animal health risks and threats.
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... Plant sciences provide information on crop taxonomy, biogeography, genomics, agronomic and phenotypic traits, and seed science (Thomas et al, 2016). Development studies and food anthropology research on traditional crops can include themes ranging from livelihoods to agri-policies and land rights, cuisine, ritual uses, nutrition and health (Kuhnlein et al, 2009;Macbeth & MacClancy, 2004;Pimbert, 2009;Trauger, 2020). Historical approaches, archaeology and archaeogenomics provide insight into crop evolutionary processes and past distributions, which are crucial for understanding today's crop biogeography (Fuller et al, 2023;Gutaker & Purugganan, 2024;Sauer, 1993). ...
... Globalised systems have become highly complex and compartmentalised, and foods are often very distant from the original harvested crops in terms of both distance and product (eg ultra-processed foods) (Patel, 2013;Reed & Ryan, 2019). In contrast, in local food systems, grains used for food often still come from family or village stores (Kuhnlein et al, 2009;Ryan et al, 2022). ...
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  • Mar 2025
The global value of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) is estimated to be USD 3 billion and encompasses over 2300 species. WEM are also a valuable source of nutrition. A select number of highly prized species, including truffles (Tuber spp.) and matsutake (Tricholoma spp.), make significant contributions to local and national economies. The impacts of harvesting on the viability of species populations are incompletely understood, yet there is little evidence that serious harm is being caused. Loss and degradation of habitats is a more genuine cause for concern. Better evaluations of WEM harvests are needed to identify trade-offs between those dependent on WEM for income and those concerned about conservation and restricting or banning access to collectors. Lessons learned about the effective regulation of the WEM trade and sustainability could be shared more widely between countries. Greater attention needs to be paid to WEM within th
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... Traditional crop varieties can also be viewed as part of cultural heritage. Outside of the United Kingdom, the heritage context of traditional crops is often the platform for their conservation or revival, particularly within local cultural food systems where they are still grown (Burton et al., 2024;Faye, 2020;Kuhnlein et al., 2009). ...
... In many parts of the world, regionally indigenous crops and other traditional crops grown within cultural food systems can be a focal point for valorisation or research and investment. As such, 'Indigenous and Traditional Crops' are also key terms used, especially in culturally framed research and initiatives (with traditional referring to non-native crops that have become adopted at some stage within cultural food systems) (Kuhnlein et al., 2009). The UK scenario is different as there are no Indigenous UK crops. ...
The current state of peas in the United Kingdom; diversity, heritage and food systems
Article
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  • Feb 2025
Societal impact statement Landraces and traditional pea varieties hold great potential for enhancing agrobiodiversity and promoting pulse consumption, offering a rich historical and cultural resource for the UK food system. Unfortunately, many traditional pea varieties are lost, and those surviving are mostly in seed banks or used only by small‐scale growers. Minor pea cultivars and landraces are overlooked by wider food systems, making it difficult to integrate them into modern value chains. Reintroduction challenges include complex phenotypic traits, legislative hurdles and limited access to genetic resources and information. Summary Peas (Lathyrus oleraceus Lam. syn Pisum sativum L.) are one of the oldest UK pulse crops and are still an important part of the food systems today. Despite the United Kingdom having a rich history of crop diversity and being a centre of crop trade since the Victorian era, historic pea varieties have been largely lost. Most currently grown pea cultivars are of commercial use with little or no historical significance. In general, most UK landraces (including those of peas) today, are maintained ex situ in seedbanks. Varieties with a long UK heritage are arguably well‐suited to local conditions, but their cultivation is needed to enable their ongoing adaptation to climate change. Globally, many crops still have cultivated landraces; however, their use can be largely limited to local food systems. In the United Kingdom especially, there are legislative rules and frameworks such as the National Lists and Plant Breeders' Rights that increase the complexity of in situ maintenance of landraces and possibly de‐incentivise their wider use across the food systems today. These findings highlight the importance of underutilised varieties and neglected crops in sociocultural contexts.
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... Another opportunity is the promotion of local food movements and indigenous knowledge. There is a rising trend in celebrating local cuisines and traditional food systems, particularly as people seek healthier, more sustainable alternatives to industrialized food production (Kuhnlein et al., 2009). In Indonesia, efforts to revive and promote traditional Sundanese cuisine provide a platform for highlighting the importance of kecipir, kenikir, and leunca. ...
Neglected but Not Forgotten: How Sundanese Culture Sustains Indigenous Plant Diversity
Article
  • May 2025
The Sundanese people of West Java, Indonesia, have long sustained indigenous plant diversity through deeply rooted cultural practices, offering critical insights into the preservation of neglected and underutilized plant species (NUS). This study examines how traditional Sundanese agricultural methods-such as intercropping, organic farming, and community-based seed saving-have safeguarded plants like kecipir (winged bean, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), kenikir (Cosmos caudatus), and leunca (Solanum nigrum). These species thrive within biodiverse agroecosystems, providing nutritional, medicinal, and ecological benefits. Culturally embedded practices, including culinary traditions and ethnobotanical knowledge, ensure their continued relevance, with plants serving dual roles as food and medicine. However, modernization, monoculture expansion, and generational knowledge erosion threaten their survival. Conversely, global movements toward sustainable agriculture and local food systems present opportunities to revitalize these species. By integrating Sundanese traditional knowledge with contemporary organic farming and market initiatives, neglected plants can enhance food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience. This review underscores the importance of preserving indigenous agricultural heritage as a model for global sustainability, advocating for policies that support agroecological diversity and community-led conservation efforts. The findings highlight the urgency of bridging traditional wisdom and modern practices to address pressing challenges in food security and ecological health.
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... Another opportunity is the promotion of local food movements and indigenous knowledge. There is a rising trend in celebrating local cuisines and traditional food systems, particularly as people seek healthier, more sustainable alternatives to industrialized food production (Kuhnlein et al., 2009). In Indonesia, efforts to revive and promote traditional Sundanese cuisine provide a platform for highlighting the importance of kecipir, kenikir, and leunca. ...
Neglected but Not Forgotten: How Sundanese Culture Sustains Indigenous Plant Diversity
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2025
The Sundanese people of West Java, Indonesia, have long sustained indigenous plant diversity through deeply rooted cultural practices, offering critical insights into the preservation of neglected and underutilized plant species (NUS). This study examines how traditional Sundanese agricultural methods-such as intercropping, organic farming, and community-based seed saving-have safeguarded plants like kecipir (winged bean, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), kenikir (Cosmos caudatus), and leunca (Solanum nigrum). These species thrive within biodiverse agroecosystems, providing nutritional, medicinal, and ecological benefits. Culturally embedded practices, including culinary traditions and ethnobotanical knowledge, ensure their continued relevance, with plants serving dual roles as food and medicine. However, modernization, monoculture expansion, and generational knowledge erosion threaten their survival. Conversely, global movements toward sustainable agriculture and local food systems present opportunities to revitalize these species. By integrating Sundanese traditional knowledge with contemporary organic farming and market initiatives, neglected plants can enhance food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience. This review underscores the importance of preserving indigenous agricultural heritage as a model for global sustainability, advocating for policies that support agroecological diversity and community-led conservation efforts. The findings highlight the urgency of bridging traditional wisdom and modern practices to address pressing challenges in food security and ecological health.
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... Only 5% of the world's population, these individuals own 28% of the planet's landmass, much of which is covered in some of the most pristine and biologically diverse woods (FAO, 2018). They have retained their unique cultural practices and methods of interacting with the environment as a result of having inherited and used traditional habitats or ancestral lands, making them crucial stewards of the knowledge of these ecosystems (Kuhnlein et al., 2009). The indigenous people include them in their everyday social, cultural, and religious practices since they are the vital custodians of their food systems. ...
Advancing Global Food Security With Agriculture 4.0 and 5.0
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Full-text available
  • Apr 2025
Supplemental pills and syrups are frequently consumed in modern India, notably by the nation's growing new middle class. Vested pharmaceutical interests promote the remarkable uptake of dietary supplements. It is an irony that indigenous knowledge system has been disdained in relation to modern knowledge system owing to its hegemony and power relations. In contrast to nutrient-dense medications, this paper makes an attempt to examine the nutritional benefits of locally available, easily accessible items. However, these indigenous resources are grossly underutilized due to lack of an inadequate knowledge system and logistic support. The proposed indigenous knowledge system must be rigorously and scientifically scrutinized for its validation in addressing the nutritional value of items and its accessibility by the excluded sections of the society in pursuit of inclusive policy for a healthy society.
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Traditional foods based on chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) cooked by different methods as a proposal for diabetes and thrombosis management
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  • Apr 2025
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and thrombosis have increased in prevalence worldwide. Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) has antidiabetic and antithrombotic properties. They are consumed fried, roasted, and boiled by the Mayan population. This work studied the sensory, nutritional, and functional properties of traditional chaya-based foods cooked by different methods (fried, roasted, and boiled) for DM and thrombosis management. The fresh chaya leaves were cooked fried, roasted, and boiled. Raw leaves were used as a reference. All treatments underwent microbiological analysis, sensory evaluation, nutritional determination, measurement of bioactive compounds, and antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antithrombotic evaluation. Sensory analysis revealed that fried and roasted chaya were the most attractive foods in terms of purchase intention, texture, and color. The different cooking processes affected the nutritional content, bioactive compounds, and biological effects. Compared to raw chaya, roasted chaya increased vitamin A (+ 54%), total phenols (+ 25%), flavonoids (+ 83%), α-amylase inhibition (+ 31%), and α- glucosidase inhibition (+ 92%). On the other hand, fried chaya increased DPPH inhibition (+ 125%) and α-amylase inhibition (+ 30%) and kept ABTS inhibition unchanged. The boiled chaya decreased all the parameters, expecting calcium recalcification (+ 42%). Frying and roasting improved sensory appeal while retaining nutritional value and enhancing functional properties, making them promising for dietary interventions in DM and thrombosis management.
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Reviving the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) for Nutrition
Chapter
  • Apr 2025
Supplemental pills and syrups are frequently consumed in modern India, notably by the nation's growing new middle class. Vested pharmaceutical interests promote the remarkable uptake of dietary supplements. It is an irony that indigenous knowledge system has been disdained in relation to modern knowledge system owing to its hegemony and power relations. In contrast to nutrient-dense medications, this paper makes an attempt to examine the nutritional benefits of locally available, easily accessible items. However, these indigenous resources are grossly underutilized due to lack of an inadequate knowledge system and logistic support. The proposed indigenous knowledge system must be rigorously and scientifically scrutinized for its validation in addressing the nutritional value of items and its accessibility by the excluded sections of the society in pursuit of inclusive policy for a healthy society.
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Elevating tribal entrepreneurship: Exploring the fermentation potential of traditional starter culture from the Tons valley highlands of Uttarakhand
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Full-text available
  • Jan 2025
The highlands of Uttarakhand, India, possess a rich tradition of fermentation techniques that have enabled the local population to sustain themselves in challenging weather conditions. This study focuses on the preparation of a fermented drink using a traditional starter culture known as "Keem," sourced from Tons valley, Uttarakhand. The substrate for fermentation is an indigenous orange variety called Malta. The nutritional parameters, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the fermented drink, were evaluated. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined to be 327.8 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100ml, while the total flavonoid content (TFC) was measured as 98 ± 0.01 mg rutin equivalent/100ml. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity was found to be 40 ± 0.1% while ABTS value and Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) were 40.13 ± 0.02%, 2.92 ± 0.002 µM Fe(II)/ml respectively. Additionally, the drink exhibited the following composition: carbohydrates (285 mg/100 ml), protein (620 mg/100 ml), calories (28.012 kcal), total dietary fibre (0.22%), moisture (2.40%), and ash (0.5%). The antimicrobial activity of the fermented drink against E. coli, Shigella, and A. flavus revealed a zone of inhibition measuring 10 mm, 8 mm, and 17 mm, respectively. The results indicate that the fermented orange drink have bioactive compounds which could be responsible for the potential health benefits it imparts. By leveraging the ancient fermentation practise and incorporating industrial standard processing we can promote food security and financial growth for the tribal people.
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Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance Among the Inuit Population of Greenland
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Full-text available
  • Oct 2002
  • DIABETES CARE
To assess the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among the Inuit population of Greenland and to determine risk factors for developing glucose intolerance. This cross-sectional study included 917 randomly selected adult Inuit subjects living in three areas of Greenland. Diabetes and IGT were diagnosed using the oral glucose tolerance test. BMI and waist-to-hip ratio were measured and blood samples were taken from each subject. Sociodemographic characteristics were investigated using a questionnaire. The age-standardized prevalences of diabetes and IGT were 10.8 and 9.4% among men and 8.8 and 14.1% among women, respectively. Of those with diabetes, 70% had not been previously diagnosed. Significant risk factors for diabetes were family history of diabetes, age, BMI, and high alcohol consumption, whereas frequent intake of fresh fruit and seal meat were inversely associated with diabetic status. Age, BMI, family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and place of residence were significant predictors of IGT. The prevalence of diabetes is high among the Inuit of Greenland. Heredity was a major factor, while obesity and diet were important environmental factors. The high proportion of unknown cases suggests a need for increased diabetes awareness in Greenland.
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Diet and Nutritional Status of Tribal Population in ITDA Project Areas of Khammam District, Andhra Pradesh
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2007
Tribal populations are socio-economically disadvantaged compared to other population groups. They have different health problems owing to the variability in their geographical, socio-economic development and cultural characteristics. At the request of the project officer, a cross sectional survey was carried out to assess the diet and nutritional status of tribal population in ITDA, Bhadrachalam in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh. A total of eight hundred households in twenty villages from five Mandals, were covered for survey. The study revealed that a majority of the households were living in kutcha houses. The major occupation of the head of the HH in a majority of the HHs was either agricultural labour or other labour. About 72% of the men and 88% of their women counterparts were illiterate. In general at household level, the average consumption of all the foods except cereals and millets were below the recommended level. The average intake of all the nutrients was lower than the RDA as well as the figures reported in NNMB tribal survey. The extent of deficit was highest with respect to vitamin A (83%), followed by riboflavin (64%), iron (59%), and total fat (47%). Protein calorie adequacy status revealed that about half of the HHs (52%) were consuming adequate amounts of both protein and energy, while about 21% were consuming inadequate amounts of both the nutrients. The prevalence of undernutrition (<Median –2SD of weight for age) among 1-5 years children were lower (65.4%) than that reported for the Tribes in the State of Andhra Pradesh (68.8%). Among the adolescents (12-17 years), about 45% of boys and 21% of girls were undernourished. The prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) among adults was about 51%. Breast-feeding practices revealed that majority of the mothers initiated breast-feeding with in 24hrs of delivery. About 76% of the children started receiving the complementary feeding from the age of 4-6 months. About 93% of children (12-24 months) were fully immunized and 90% received at least one dose of massive dose vitamin A during previous one year. However the study indicates the need to control the micro nutrient deficiencies through dietary diversification by promoting home gardening. Since the prevalence of morbidity was higher in this population, effort should be made to improve the environmental sanitation and personal hygiene.
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Adequacy of micronutrient content of south eastern Nigerian meals in meeting the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups
Article
  • Feb 2007
The Zinc (Zn), iron Fe) and copper (Cu) contents and their bioavailability in south-eastern Nigerian meals were evaluated. Their adequacy in meeting the nutritional requirements of pregnant and lactating women and preschool children were determined. Mineral content was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer after dry ashing. Phytate was determined by the ion exchange method. The bioavailability of Zn was evaluated using the phytate: Zn molar ratio (PZMR). Bioavailability of iron was determined by the in vitro procedure involving a simulated gastrointestinal digestion followed by dialysis. Portion sizes of meals consumed by these vulnerable groups were obtained during an interview and validated using data obtained from food consumption surveys. The amount of Zn and Fe in such portions were calculated and compared with the recommended intakes. Zn content of the meals ranged from 1.18mg to 4.99mg/100g, Fe from 1.10mg to 3.31mg/100g and Cu from 0.03mg to 0.21mg/100g edible portion or as consumed. Phytate levels varied from 4.11mg to 53.05mg/100g. The PZMR of the meals and serving portions were <10. Bioavailability of iron from the meals varied from 6-26%, while that of Cu varied from 1-59%. The diets were found to contain enough micronutrients to meet nutritional requirement of the vulnerable groups. However, the amount of bio-available Fe and Cu were grossly inadequate for all the groups. The results showed that Zn deficiency in Southern Nigerian may not be due to inadequate intake or phytic acid content of foods but probably due to interaction with other dietary components. This study highlights the need for dietary modification and other nutrition intervention for the Nigerian population and particularly the vulnerable groups..
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The Human Use of Insects: Examples from Yukpa
Article
  • Sep 1973
Entomophagy often plays an integral and complementary role in the diet of autochthonous groups in tropical South America where it helps to compensate for the general deficiency of animal proteins and other vital "protective" products. Most studies have regarded insect-eating as an archaic trait which is gradually disappearing owing to the steady encroachment of more modern subsistence systems. Among the Yukpa-Yuko Indians of Venezuela and Colombia, however, insect foods have retained their importance in the less acculturated communities. Cultural ecological research was conducted among this tribe between 1969 and 1971. Specimens for identification were procured in the areas exploited for subsistence purposes by the Irapa, Maracá, and Rionegro subgroups. The collection and use of insects belonging to 22 genera and 7 orders is discussed.
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Insects as Food: A Case Study from the Northwest Amazon
Article
In this article I examine the use of insects as food by Tukanoan Indians in the Northwest Amazon and discuss both the characteristics of the species exploited and their significance in the diet. Data on insect collection were obtained from harvest records and participant-observation. Dietary intake was determined from weighed food intake records. The insects collected belonged to over 20 species. The most important in the diet were those which formed large, highly predictable aggregations: beetle larvae (genus Rhynchophorus), ants (genus Atta), termites (genus Syntermes), and caterpillars (families Noctuidae and Saturniidae). The composition of insects is similar to that of other animal foods. Their inclusion in the diet was frequent and inversely related to the consumption of fish and game. They provided up to 12% of the crude protein derived from animal foods in men's diets and 26% in women's diets during one season of the year.
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Finding Food Sources of Vitamin A and Provitamin A
Article
  • Jun 2000
Food-based programmes have the potential to effect long-term and sustainable solutions to the problem of vitamin A deficiency. Dietary sources of vitamin A and provitamin A, including natural and fortified food, are multiple and include a variety of plants, animals, and their fats and oils. These may be available to the community or the individual routinely or only seasonally, and their effectiveness in vitamin A nutrition is dependent on a host of issues affecting bioavailability and other health and nutrition circumstances. Procedures are now attainable to define the holistic framework of local availability and cultural acceptability of vitamin A–containing food, and the perceptions and other factors that influence its harvest, preparation, preservation, and consumption. This kind of information is essential to bring behavioural change in dietary patterns to improve vitamin A status. A wealth of information on vitamin A– and provitamin A–rich food species exists within traditional food systems of indigenous peoples. Research to scientifically define these foods, their vitamin A contents, and constraints on availability and cultural acceptability will benefit food-based strategies to prevent and alleviate vitamin A deficiency.
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Mas allá de la estadistica alimentaria y nutricional: percepciones de un aguaruna con relación a la situación alimentaria de su pueblo
Article
  • Jan 2006
  • Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica
Aguaruna are one of the most numerous Amazon jungle native communities.Three decades ago they were described as healthy people due to their adequate nutritional status.However,recent studies shod that this is no longer true.Looking for an explanation that may be different from figures and statistics show,a qualitative approach to the problem was used, through an oral interview with an Aguaruna health promoter,who told the interviewers how Western civilization influenced this community.Aguaruna people dedicate to hunting,fishing and picking up vegetables.Nevertheless,now they live in communities and they had adopted some foreign habits without being aware of preservation of the environment.They overexploited their surroundings,so their protein sources from hunting and fishing had been reduced.Aguaruna people are afraid of performing new activities (agriculture,farming and animal breeding)which imply new working forms and that had not been part of their historical development.
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