Towards resilient food systems: Interactions with indigenous knowledge

Summary

This narrative review examines how Indigenous Peoples' traditional knowledge and practices contribute to sustainable, biodiverse, and resilient food systems. The authors argue that integration of science-based approaches with Indigenous insights offers critical pathways to address climate change impacts and food system unsustainability. The paper emphasises that leveraging Indigenous knowledge—rooted in diversity, flexibility, and adaptability—can strengthen global food systems and co-develop strategies for more sustainable global food security.

Regional applicability

Whilst the abstract does not specify UK case studies, the review's emphasis on knowledge exchange and system interconnection may inform UK policy on incorporating indigenous ecological knowledge into domestic food system resilience and agroecological transition strategies. Application would require contextualisation to British agricultural and cultural contexts.

Key measures

Qualitative assessment of Indigenous food system practices; documentation of biodiversity protection, environmental degradation reduction, food security outcomes, and food wastage reduction; connectivity and integration strategies between Indigenous and mainstream systems

Outcomes reported

The review describes traditional knowledge and practices used by Indigenous Peoples to provide nutritious and diverse foods, preserve biodiversity, and protect the environment. It identifies opportunities and strategies to increase connectivity between Indigenous Peoples and mainstream food systems, and discusses lessons from experience-based practices that offer strategies for transitioning to more sustainable food systems.

Topic tags