Dear FSN Forum,
I would like to share a specific example with reference to dietary diversity, women's engagement in agricultural and ecosystem services. This is the most crucial issue in rural areas due to changes in the land use systems and practices.
Most commonly, the changes in cropping systems as well as species growing in the common land affects their dietary diversity. In one of our field sites we observed that intake of wild greens was drastically reduced due to the changes in crops from millet species to cassava in agricultural fields and invasive growth of Lantana species in common areas which reduced the growth of such wild greens. Consequently the knowledge associated with the species, nutritional benefits and use among families declined over the last 5- 7 years among men and women. Earlier both men and women farmers were aware of the edible species and men supported in their collection while returning from the field (intake is at least five days in a week). Now the communities entirely depend upon other vegetables which are commonly available in markets. Intake rates of greens reduced to a large extent. This issue came up when we evaluated the outcomes/impacts of nutritional gardens. These insights and understanding helped the team to realign and revisit the interventions; document and share the gendered knowledge on wild green species; explore the possibility of its cultivation in the home gardens and field bunds; manage invasive species involving local PRIs; and create awareness among younger generations on local species and their importance. Identifying such nuanced field level issues and evolving strategies to address them would help to strengthen the linkages in rural areas.
Regards
Rengalakshmi
Dr. Rengalakshmi Raj