Abstract
Oraon tribes of India have high levels of undernutrition. Dietary diversification is one of the food-based interventions to ameliorate malnutrition. This study assessed the awareness and availability of indigenous foods and estimated dietary intakes and nutritional status with emphasis on indigenous food consumption among women in the Oraon tribal community in Jharkhand, India. A cross-sectional study with a longitudinal component on dietary intake assessment to capture seasonality. Selected villages in Raidih block of Gumla district of Jharkhand. Reproductive-age Oraon tribal women (N =143). Household and dietary surveys were conducted. A 24-hour dietary recall for 2 consecutive days (repeat surveys in 2 other seasons) and food frequency questionnaire were adminsitered on 1 woman per household. Anthropometric assessments were also carried out. Socioeconomic status, awareness about indigenous foods, dietary intake pattern, and contribution of indigenous food to nutrient intake of Oraon tribal women in the reproductive age-group. Comprehensive awareness about indigenous food resources was present. However, household food security and actual intake of indigenous foods were low. Higher intake of key micronutrients, calcium and iron, was observed among those who consumed indigenous foods. About 40% of the woman had various degrees of chronic energy deficiency. Despite rich knowledge, nutrient-rich indigenous food resources remain underutilized in the Oraon tribal community of Jharkhand, India. Identifying strategies to promote dietary diversity via optimum indigenous food intake could contribute to both food and nutrition security.
Highlights
Oraon tribes of India have high levels of undernutrition
The findings presented in this article are from a substudy of a larger project that investigated the nutrient composition of commonly consumed indigenous foods in the tribal communities of Jharkhand
The study was conducted in selected villages of Gumla district of Jharkhand, which are inhabited by the Oraon tribal community
Summary
Oraon tribes of India have high levels of undernutrition. Dietary diversification is one of the food-based interventions to ameliorate malnutrition. In addition to that and importantly, they retain knowledge of the land and food resources rooted in historical continuity within their region of residence These food resources that are often referred to as indigenous foods are documented as having high nutritive value when compared to nonnative varieties.[4,5] the contribution of indigenous foods varies seasonally and is affected by unexpected climatic changes,[6] these foods add diversity to local food systems and are important for household (HH) food security, nutrition, and income generation (notes 2 and 3).[7] If these foods are familiar and accessible to the indigenous communities, their use can be incorporated as an effective food-based strategy to increase dietary diversity and ameliorate nutrient deficiencies in these communities.[8]
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