Agroecology Knowledge Hub

Culture and food traditions: by supporting healthy, diversified and culturally appropriate diets, agroecology contributes to food security and nutrition while maintaining the health of ecosystems

Agriculture and food are core components of human heritage. Hence, culture and food traditions play a central role in society and in shaping human behaviour. However, in many instances, our current food systems have created a disconnection between food habits and culture. This disconnection has contributed to a situation where hunger and obesity exist side by side, in a world that produces enough food to feed its entire population.

Almost 800 million people worldwide are chronically hungry and 2 billion suffer micronutrient deficiencies. Meanwhile, there has been a rampant rise in obesity and diet-related diseases; 1.9 billion people are overweight or obese and non-communicable diseases (cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes) are the number one cause of global mortality. To address the imbalances in our food systems and move towards a zero hunger world, increasing production alone is not sufficient.

Agroecology plays an important role in re-balancing tradition and modern food habits, bringing them together in a harmonious way that promotes healthy food production and consumption, supporting the right to adequate food. In this way, agroecology seeks to cultivate a healthy relationship between people and food.

Cultural identity and sense of place are often closely tied to landscapes and food systems. As people and ecosystems have evolved together, cultural practices and indigenous and traditional knowledge offer a wealth of experience that can inspire agroecological solutions. For example, India is home to an estimated 50,000 indigenous varieties of rice – bred over centuries for their specific taste, nutrition and pest-resistance properties, and their adaptability to a range of conditions. Culinary traditions are built around these different varieties, making use of their different properties. Taking this accumulated body of traditional knowledge as a guide, agroecology can help realise the potential of territories to sustain their peoples.

Database

The co-organizers of the Community of Practice on Family Farming and Agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean are presenting a Capacity Building Program to contribute to the transformation of more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment, and a Better life,...
Event
2021
The course ''Agroecology: transition towards sustainable food systems'' is a joint effort of FAO and the Latin American Scientific Society of Agroecology (SOCLA). The course stimulates the exchange and promotion of agroecological principles and approaches in the context of territorial development, sustainability and resilience, governance and empowerment of communities and...
Event
2021
NAPPC's mission is to encourage the health of resident and migratory pollinating animals in North America. This year, NAPPC partners will gather virtually from throughout North America and beyond on 19-21 October 2021. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS INCLUDE: 1. ABRAM BICKSLER, PH.D., FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS The intersection of sustainable food systems and pollinator...
Event
2021
The National Network of Municipalities and Communities that Promote Agroecology (RENAMA), the Argentine Society of Agroecology (SAAE) and the National Agroecology Directorate (DNAE) of the National Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, call for the collective construction of the VII Month of Agroecology, to be held between 20 October and...
Argentina
Event
2021
Agroecological approaches have evolved to offer a set of guiding principles that can help transform our food systems to create a more socially just, diverse, holistic and sustainable food system that better respects and benefits cultures, the environment and people engaged at every level of the system. Agroecological approaches are anchored in...
Event
2021