Indigenous knowledge key to building healthier and more sustainable food systems Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Andrew Zinin Chief Editor Traditional and Indigenous knowledge could play a vital role in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss and poor health and nutrition, according to a new review of current research. The analysis, which looked at 39 peer-reviewed studies from around the world, found that while Indigenous and traditional food knowledge is increasingly recognized as a solution to these interconnected crises, health and nutrition education and practice continue to be dominated by top-down, medicalized approaches. Researchers from the University of East Anglia's (UEA) Schools of Global Development and Education and Lifelong Learning examined how food systems literacy—defined as the knowledge, skills and communication practices that help people engage with food systems—can be strengthened to support healthier, more equitable and environmentally sustainable outcomes.

They say this is an important, though often overlooked, element of food system resilience, involving nuanced knowledge of different elements of the food system, from food production to preparation and consumption. Grounding food literacy in culture The review, published in the journal Nature Food, also explored how different worldviews and approaches to knowledge production influence health and nutrition interventions involving Indigenous communities. The findings suggest that culturally grounded and participatory approaches are essential for improving food systems literacy and supporting communities to maintain and revitalize traditional food practices.

Lead author Nitya Rao, a professor in the School of Global Development, said, "Existing food systems are failing to adequately address global hunger and malnutrition, with over 600 million people projected to face food insecurity by 2030. "By identifying both challenges and examples of good practice, our review provides important insights for policymakers, educators, health practitioners and community organizations seeking to develop more inclusive approaches to food and nutrition education. "As governments and organizations seek solutions to the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and public health, the findings suggest that greater attention to Indigenous knowledge systems could help create food systems that are more sustainable, resilient, equitable and better equipped to meet future challenges." Case studies point to better practice Drawing on case studies from Indigenous communities across the world, the review highlights the importance of recognizing diverse forms of knowledge and fostering meaningful participation by these communities in the design and delivery of health and nutrition initiatives.

Integrating local and Indigenous languages also improves communication, cultural relevance and inclusivity in both research and health promotion. The case studies include a range of educational programs, community initiatives and institutional interventions that integrate local knowledge, cultural values and lived experience.