Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

Abstract

Indigenous food (IF) systems comprise culturally important foods derived from natural resources with shorter farm to plate chains, as compared to modern counterparts. These food systems are at epicenter of sustainable food systems with potential to alleviate malnutrition and protect ecosystems. The Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand have access to diverse IFs, yet experience malnutrition. A sequential mixed-method study was conducted to explore local food systems with assessment of diet quality and nutritional status of Ho women. Focus group discussions (n = 10) and free-listing (n = 7) were conducted to capture community’s perspectives on IF systems, associated sustainable attributes and perceived challenges towards IF utilization. Scientific names and nutritive values of IFs were documented through secondary review; in case of no information in literature, IFs were identified through ethnobotanist with nutritional analysis in laboratory. 24 h recalls (n = 284 in winter and n = 154 in monsoon) and anthropometric assessments (n = 273) were conducted to estimate women’s dietary diversity and nutritional status. Findings revealed rich traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) producing a diverse list of IFs (n = 243) mainly accessed from natural food environment (wild and cultivated). Among listed foods, 171 IFs were taxonomically classified and among these, nutritive values were documented for 121 IFs. Potentially sustainable traits of Ho’s IF systems included high nutrient density of IFs, community’s preference towards their consumption because of their flavorsome attributes, climate resilient properties and cultural heritage. However, impacts of climate variability, changing farming practices and market-integrated life ways challenged the sustained production, access and consumption of IFs. This was evident in poor diversity in diets (diet diversity scores of 2.9 in winter and monsoon) and chronic energy deficiency (36%) in women. The unique TEK systems of indigenous communities need to be integrated into mainstream policies and programs for safeguarding and promoting their potentially sustainable food systems to support food and nutritional security.