Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Dear HLPE-FSN members,

Please find my contribution below to the consultation on, Conserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous peoples' food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems. 

this is timely in the wake of climate change and drought especially in developing countries. I hope that we will be able to develop practical solutions that work from various contributions.

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Guiding Principles for Indigenous Peoples’ Food and Knowledge Systems

The HLPE-FSN report is grounded in principles that prioritize respect, inclusion, and scientific integrity. These principles uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the unique value of their food and knowledge systems. By adhering to international frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the principles of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS, 2011), the report aims to foster trust and legitimacy while ensuring Indigenous sovereignty is protected. The commitment to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) serves as a cornerstone for the report, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous Peoples are heard and respected.

One critical focus is the exclusive attention to Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, as outlined in the CFS MYPOW. This ensures alignment with positions held by key entities like the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This focused approach avoids diluting the discussion by conflating Indigenous systems with broader local communities.

Mainstreaming Indigenous Knowledge for Broader Benefits

The primary objective of the report is to Honor Indigenous Peoples as rights holders, ensuring that their needs and priorities remain at the forefront. However, there is also immense value in sharing lessons from Indigenous food and knowledge systems with the broader world. These systems hold key insights into sustainability and resilience, which are increasingly critical in addressing global challenges like climate change. Any efforts to mainstream Indigenous knowledge must be done with caution, adhering to FPIC principles and ensuring that benefits are equitably shared. This approach prevents exploitation while fostering collaboration.

Overcoming Challenges with FPIC and ABS

Promoting Indigenous food and knowledge systems on a larger scale comes with its own set of challenges. Obtaining FPIC can be logistically complex, especially given the diversity of Indigenous communities and their geographic dispersal. Misinterpretation or inconsistent application of FPIC principles further complicates this process. Additionally, equitable Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) remains difficult to enforce, particularly in international contexts where legal and institutional frameworks vary. Indigenous communities often lack the resources to navigate these systems effectively, which can leave them vulnerable to exploitation.

Ensuring Inclusion and Sustainability

The report must ensure that marginalized groups within Indigenous communities are included. This requires culturally appropriate methods of engagement, such as consultations in Indigenous languages and collaboration with traditional leadership structures. To safeguard Indigenous knowledge from commercialization, policies should emphasize community ownership and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms. Highlighting community-led governance models and sustainable practices is crucial, as these examples can inspire broader adoption of ethical frameworks.

Documenting Oral Traditions with Respect

Many Indigenous knowledge systems are rooted in oral traditions. Capturing these requires a sensitive and participatory approach, with the consent of the communities involved. Documentation can include audio and video recordings, alongside written records, to preserve the richness of these traditions. Recognizing and crediting knowledge holders and their communities ensures transparency and respect. Involving Indigenous experts in the process helps maintain accuracy and authenticity.

Empowering Indigenous Governance

The report should address governance issues, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Indigenous decision-making structures and customary laws. Strengthening land tenure rights and promoting co-management frameworks for natural resources are vital steps. Additionally, Indigenous representation in local, national, and global policymaking is crucial to ensuring their voices shape decisions that affect them. Capacity-building programs can further empower Indigenous Peoples to engage with external stakeholders effectively.

Identifying Gaps and Relevant References

While foundational documents such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Nagoya Protocol on ABS provide essential guidelines, the report could benefit from additional references. These might include regional agreements, studies on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), and successful national policies, such as Canada’s Indigenous Guardian Programs. Academic research on food sovereignty movements also offers valuable insights.

Addressing Climate Change and Fostering Understanding

Indigenous food systems are deeply connected to ecological balance and sustainability. Their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) can play a key role in addressing climate change. This includes practices like ecosystem restoration and climate-resilient agriculture. Ethical standards that emphasize FPIC and community-led adaptation strategies are critical to these efforts. To foster cross-cultural understanding, the report should promote dialogue platforms, educational programs, and cultural exchanges. Recognizing Indigenous languages and histories in public communications can further bridge gaps.

Revisiting Legal Frameworks

Legal frameworks such as FPIC and ABS have been instrumental in protecting Indigenous rights. However, as thinking around Indigenous knowledge evolves, these frameworks may need to be updated. Emerging challenges, such as digital and biotechnological advancements, highlight the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and expanded protections. Issues like data sovereignty and climate-induced displacement must also be addressed to ensure Indigenous communities remain resilient and empowered.

Conclusion

This report represents a vital opportunity to elevate Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems while promoting sustainability and equity. By following the guiding principles, addressing challenges, and incorporating best practices, it can serve as a transformative document. Indigenous knowledge is not just a heritage to be preserved, it is a living evolving system with the potential to benefit the world, provided it is handled with the care and respect it deserves.

Dear all,

Below is my contribution to the raised questions. I hope it proves helpful.

Kind regards,
Maryam Rahimi Jahangirlou

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1. Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

Unfortunately, it seems that the speed of agricultural modernization has threatened indigenous knowledge and resource management systems in recent years. These systems, developed slowly over centuries to align with local traditions, languages, and needs, have supported sustainable living. Rooted in cultural and biological evolution, they reflect the ingenuity of farmers, artisans, women, and herders in utilizing limited resources. For instance in Iran, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the Qanat System, Terrace Farming, Windbreaks with Trees, Rainwater Harvesting, and Mixed Cropping are prime examples of sustainable agricultural techniques shaped by the country’s diverse geography and cultural heritage. However, these practices are increasingly overlooked and less emphasized today, risking the loss of invaluable sustainable solutions.

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2. Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?

The objectives should include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems, as well as the lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, not just for Indigenous Peoples as rights holders. The world’s population is increasing dramatically, with all predicted growth between 2020 and 2050 occurring in less developed countries, more than half of it in sub-Saharan Africa. This region faces the challenge of feeding a rapidly growing population. In this context, the UN and EU are promoting dual or multiple land-use strategies to meet future food demands. The key challenge is finding sustainable environmental solutions that increase agricultural production while benefiting all stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples, and protecting the environment. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into global food systems can offer valuable insights for creating more sustainable and inclusive practices. Therefore, both Indigenous Peoples and the broader global population should benefit from solutions.

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3. What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?

The most significant challenge in promoting and mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems is language. Effective communication is essential to ensure that Indigenous communities fully understand the processes and their rights. Solutions must be practical and provide real economic benefits, as the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples often depend on their agricultural systems. The approach should avoid costly, theoretical models and instead focus on strategies that are understandable and yield tangible results.

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4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

Legal protections through FPIC are indeed the most crucial first step, as many Indigenous communities may face potential abuse due to a lack of sufficient literacy or understanding of the processes involved. FPIC ensures that their rights are protected, and their participation is voluntary and informed. The next steps should focus on providing economically significant support, including viable benefit-sharing mechanisms and incentives. These could take the form of subsidies, fair compensation for the use of traditional knowledge, or opportunities for skill-building through training courses. These measures would not only ensure that Indigenous communities gain tangible benefits but also empower them with the knowledge and resources necessary to actively participate in and benefit from these systems in a sustainable way. Each community, with their unique knowledge and practices, can serve as a model, inspiring others to follow their path towards sustainability.

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5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

It is essential that oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced following established standards that prioritize respect, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practices. Furthermore, legal protections should be implemented to prevent the commercial exploitation of Indigenous knowledge, ensuring it is safeguarded appropriately.

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7. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

The most important dimension linked to Indigenous Peoples' agency in governance issues is their right to land and territories, as outlined in the FPIC framework, with Self-Governance, Cultural Preservation, and Economic Autonomy as bold pillars. This fundamental right ensures that Indigenous communities have control over their ancestral lands, which are central to their culture, identity, and livelihoods. It should generally allow for Indigenous Peoples to have a say in decisions that affect their land, natural resources, and traditional practices.

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8. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?

The European Parliament Resolution on the violation of Indigenous Peoples' rights (3 July 2018) highlights the EU's growing commitment to protecting Indigenous rights, including land and resource rights. While the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) does not directly target Indigenous Peoples, it promotes rural development through sustainable agriculture, which can indirectly support Indigenous communities by fostering environmentally sustainable practices that align with their traditional knowledge. Additionally, the EU allocates specific human rights and development budgets to assist Indigenous Peoples.

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9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

The report should highlight the best practice of promoting dual land use systems as a strategy to diminish food system risks caused by climate change impacts. The headline could be: Diminishing Food System Risks through Dual Land Use Solutions.

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10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?

To promote cross-cultural understanding, the report should highlight the shared story and culture behind all civilizations, emphasizing that despite differences, they all share common roots in a deep connection to nature. Recognizing this commonality fosters respect, collaboration, and mutual understanding across cultures.

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11. Are the previous legal documents such as Prior and Informed Consent, enough in light of this evolution of thinking about Indigenous People’s knowledge, or do they need to be revised?

Documents like FPIC provide a strong foundation, but they should be updated regularly to account for regional specificities and evolving circumstances. This ensures that Indigenous Peoples' rights and knowledge are better protected, and that the frameworks remain relevant and effective in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities they face in different contexts. While governments and private sector actors must integrate these principles into policies and practices, civil society can play a key role by raising awareness, supporting advocacy, and holding stakeholders accountable. These collaborative efforts can help protect Indigenous rights while fostering sustainable environmental practices that benefit all by evolving and localizing FPIC. 

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While I fully appreciate the importance of Indigenous knowledge in agriculture and other cultural issues, I do see some need for caution accepting it without first reviewing why it evolved into todays agriculture. In reviewing this, it must be recognized that we live in a dynamic world in which everything is evolving. That includes the overall economic environment in which agriculture operates, with an ever-growing population to feed and clothe, as well as the aspiration of the people for a better, perhaps more materialistic lifestyle. An example of this dynamic comes from this consultation when someone from Kenya referred to maize, the staple crop of much of Africa, as an indigenous crop. Sorry, but maize is exotic to Africa, being a native crop of the Americas. However, it was very quickly introduced to Africa with the early European explorations of both the Americas and Africa. It then rapidly became the staple crop throughout Sub-Saharan Africa both east and west. I think replacing sorghum and millet. The difference in how maize is prepared in Africa as ugali or nsima compared to the tortilla in the Americas may reflect the preparation of sorghum. Enough note on the history of food. 

The note of concern for the consultation is what was economic viable when indigenous crop were relied upon, may no longer be so. Thus, the concern is: will the reverting to indigenous production provide the lifestyle today’s population expect, or will the yields be too low to meet those expectation? If not will people, particularly youth, drift away looking for a better life? Isn’t this what happened to the 2000-year-old rice terraces in Banaue, Philippines? Aren’t they now largely abandoned as they could only be managed manually and are no longer competitive with the highly mechanized rice production clearly visible down on the central plains of Luzon? I am not even certain the abandoned terraces have any tourist value today as they did in the past. Also, if indigenous practices are lower yielding will it result in increased land being cultivated to optimize food security for both farm families and urban populations? Would this land be better left fallow or placed in conservation reserves? Which would be environmentally more desirable?

Also, with the ever-growing urban population will your indigenous production provide sufficient food surplus to feed the growing urban population without forcing the government to invest heavily in food imports. Also, will it provide a good quality balanced diet advocated by the development community, or will it be too labor intensive to provide the necessary 4000 kcal/day diet needed to undertake a full day of diligent agronomic field work. Currently most smallholders only have access to 2500 kcal/day which allocating 2000 kcal/day for basic metabolism only leaves 500 kcal/day to work energy. That is good for only a couple hours of diligent field work, extending most crop management activities to excessive days with declining potential yield from both the time delay and quality of effort. In this case will relying on indigenous agriculture result in poverty entrapment.

For those interested I have referenced an article I prepared reflecting on my 50+ years assisting smallholder communities. The article is more concerned with factual accuracy than political correctness as only an emeritus professor no longer beholden to the system can express.    https://agsci.colostate.edu/smallholderagriculture/wp-content/uploads/sites/77/2023/03/Reflections.pdf

Thank you 

A continuación de manera adjunta enviamos el aporte del Instituto Mexicano Para el Desarrollo Comunitario al proceso de consulta sobre “Conservación, fortalecimiento y promoción de los sistemas alimentarios y de conocimientos y las prácticas tradicionales de los pueblos indígenas en favor de los sistemas alimentarios sostenibles", impulsado por la FAO FSN 

¿Son suficientes los documentos jurídicos anteriores –como el Consentimiento Previo e Informado–, a la luz de esta evolución del pensamiento sobre los conocimientos indígenas, o es necesario revisarlos?

Aunque los documentos jurídicos existentes han sido un avance significativo y han sido fundamentales para garantizar el respeto de sus territorios, culturas y sistemas de conocimiento, necesitan revisarse y ampliarse para abordar los desafíos actuales y las oportunidades que ofrecen los conocimientos indígenas. Esta revisión debe centrarse en garantizar su implementación efectiva, proteger los derechos colectivos y fomentar su contribución a la sostenibilidad global

Fuentes consultadas

Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición/ Elaborar una descripción global de cara a 2030. Grupo de Alto Nivel de Expertos https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/c8753688-a9a6-413b-a061-404fc5ada007/content

Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos (1948) https://www.un.org/es/about-us/universal- declaration-of-human-rights

Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas (2007) https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp- content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_S_web.pdf

Directrices Voluntarias en Apoyo del Derecho a una Alimentación Adecuada (2004) https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/635c915b-5247-41cf-817f-b0ac4f41cceb/content

Directrices Voluntarias para la Gobernanza Responsable de la Tenencia de la Tierra, la Pesca y los Bosques

(2012) https://www.fao.org/4/i2801s/i2801s.pdf

Protocolo de Nagoya sobre Acceso a Recursos Genéticos y Participación en los Beneficios (2011) https://www.cbd.int/abs/doc/protocol/nagoya-protocol-es.pdf

Marco Mundial Kunming-Montreal de la Diversidad Biológica (2022) https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop- 15/cop-15-dec-04-es.pdf

Libro Blanco/Wiphala sobre Sistemas Alimentarios de los Pueblos Indígenas (2021) https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/3462ba89-ea23-4d49-a3bf-e64bdcc83613/content

Perspectivas Locales sobre la Diversidad Biológica 2 (2020) https://localbiodiversityoutlooks.net/es/publicaciones/

Declaración Mundial de Jóvenes Indígenas sobre los Sistemas Alimentarios Sostenibles y Resilientes (2021) https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/faoweb/2021/Indigenous/EN_Indigenous_Youth_Global_Declarati on_on_Sustainable_and_Resilient_Food_Systems.pdf

1. Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

Yes.

2. Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?

Indigenous knowledge preserves the rich history and identity of indigenous groups by acting as a storehouse of traditional knowledge and cultural assets in addition to providing insightful information that can help address societal challenges and development issues. Furthermore, indigenous sources offer important local knowledge that can be applied to a variety of fields, including environmental management, agriculture, and medicine. Therefore, mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems should recognize Indigenous Peoples as rights holders while the knowledge systems and lessons learned should benefit of all. 

3. What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?

One of the main challenges is that of equitable access, revenue and benefit sharing. Kenya, has been actively involved in implementing Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) measures, one of the main components of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an international agreement that Kenya ratified in 1992. ABS seeks to guarantee that the advantages of using genetic resources and traditional knowledge are distributed fairly and equally between those who supply them and those who utilize them. The Kenya Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which describes the nation's commitment to ABS principles, serves as the main document that governs ABS. Furthermore, a legislative foundation for the use of ABS in Kenya is provided by the Biodiversity Conservation and Management Act of 2013. The National ABS Committee, which is in charge of managing ABS matters, is established by this statute. The ABS method in Kenya also views local and indigenous groups as important stakeholders, and their traditional knowledge is respected and preserved. The ABS regulatory framework places emphasis on the importance of users seeking Prior informed concent (PIC) from the provider community or individual before using genetic resources or traditional knowledge. In addition, Benefit Sharing Agreements (BSAs) must be negotiated between providers and users of traditional knowledge or genetic resources. These agreements specify the manner in which advantages - such as monetary gains, technological transfer, and capacity-building- will be distributed.

4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

By considering frameworks such as Kenya Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) that ensures that the users of traditional knowledge negotiate Benefit Sharing Agreements (BSAs) with providers and define how benefits will be shared, including financial benefits, technology transfer, and capacity-building and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) that places revenue-sharing models into place to guarantee that Indigenous People receive benefits from their traditional food systems and cultural assets.

5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

Documenting traditional knowledge (TK) is of importance since it ensures the social, cultural, and economic interests of local communities and indigenous peoples. It is also a mechanism that helps prevent TK loss, preserve TK over time, facilitate benefit sharing between TK holders and users, and ultimately shield TK from unauthorized usage. However, despite the fact that documentation is one way of protection, there are concerns that it may not guarantee protection of TK, since there are chances and concerns that communities may lose control by making TK widely available and compromise its secret. Therefore, any documentation should only take place in the context of intellectual property.

One method of documentation may be writing down medicinal preparations by the Maasai, traditional methods of treatment, or food preservation methods by various tribes in Kenya.

6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

Ownership retention while allowing third parties to gather TK or access it through a registration or database.

Legal safeguards for Indigenous knowledge, including capacity building, privacy, and knowledge sovereignty.

7. None 

8. References

Ethical principles for climate change: reports of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) of UNESCO (2010-2015)

World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology 

SHS-2016/WS/3. 91 p.

Documenting Traditional Knowledge –  A Toolkit. WIPO 2017

Access to Information Act, No. 31 of 2016, Laws of Kenya. 

Carolina Zambrano-Barragán, ‘Decision Making and Climate Change Uncertainty: Setting the Foundations for Informed and Consistent Strategic Decisions’ (World Resources Institute, 27 June 2013) https://www.wri.org/ourwork/project/world-resources-report/decision-mak…;

9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

The UNESCO Declaration of Ethical Principles promotes "prevention of harm" as one of the six key ethical precepts about climate change. Prevention of harm, anticipate, avoid, or minimize harm, wherever it might emerge, from climate change, as well as from climate mitigation and adaptation policies and actions.

Another ethical guideline pertains to "scientific knowledge and integrity in decision-making", equity and justice, solidarity and sustainable development. It states that "the best available knowledge from the natural and social sciences should be the basis and guide for decisions." "Actions which help protect and maintain the independence of science and the integrity of the scientific process".

10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report? 

According to the 2010 Kenyan Constitution, culture is the cornerstone of the country and the collective civilization of the Kenyan people. As a result, it requires the State to, among other things, support all forms of national and cultural expression through literature, the arts, traditional festivals, science, communication, information, mass media, publications, libraries, and other cultural heritage; it also acknowledges the contribution of science and indigenous technologies to the country's development. Furthermore, the Access to Information Act emphasizes that in order for communities to make educated decisions, information that impacts the public interest must be made available. In order to help communities, become more resilient and adjust to climate change and other environmental changes, decision-making processes should concentrate on providing them with the appropriate knowledge, incentives, resources, and skills.

Dear colleagues,

below, please find the German comments for the e-consultation on Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems.

Kind regards

Carolin Weber

International Organisations for Agriculture and Food, Codex Alimentarius, Global Food Security Governance

Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture, website: http://www.bmel.de/

• Agrobiodiversity plays a key part in ensuring healthy and varied nutrition. Indigenous Peoples can play a significant role in increasing agrobiodiversity for improved nature-positive production and resilience. Indigenous People’s territories encompass unique dynamic biocultural spaces that are important to adapt to climate variability and other climate-related challenges. In addition, Indigenous People’s communities serve as guardians of a substantial proportion of the world’s genetic resources.⁹
• Through systemic approaches to risk analysis including a collaborative, co-learning approach that is guided by science as well as by the priorities and values of those impacted, it is possible to include Indigenous People’s perspectives in preventing and monitoring shocks.¹⁰
• Land tenure and sovereignty are a prerequisite to adaptive capacity in confronting climate change and fostering sustainability. Community-based decision-making mechanisms and information systems on land rights, as well as the application of CFS Voluntary Guidelines are fundamental.¹¹
• UNESCO’s Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems programme (LINKS) promotes local and Indigenous Peoples knowledge and its inclusion in global climate science and policy processes.
• The Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF) by IFAD is an innovative funding instrument that Indigenous Peoples’ communities can use to find solutions to the challenges they face.

Overall, the report should present a literature review of already existing major studies, e.g. Indigenous Peoples’ food systems by FAO (2021). Besides climate change, the report should identify and address all drivers that threaten Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, violence and extractivism. It should address the responsibilities of governments and the private sector (CFS RAI, VGGTs, Right to Food, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights) to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the context of their food and knowledge systems and make policy recommendations.

• Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?
• Charles, A., Macnaughton, A. & Hicks, S. 2024. Environmental stewardship by small-scale fisheries.

FAO, Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9342en

• FAO. 2015. ‘Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication’ (SFF Guidelines)
• FAO and Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. 2021. Indigenous Peoples’ food systems: Insights on sustainability and resilience in the front line of climate change. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb5131en.
• FAO. 2021. The White/Whiphala Paper on Indigenous People’s food systems. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4932en
• General Recommendation No.39 (2022) on the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which acknowledges intersectional discrimination faced by indigenous women and girls, perpetuated by gender stere- otypes and racism fuelled by colonialism and militarization, and identifies a lack of effective im- plementation of the right to self-determination as one of its root causes.
• WIPO 2017 - Protect and Promote Your Culture A Practical Guide to Intellectual Property for In- digenous Peoples and Local Communities
• CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (RAI)

¹ FAO. 2021. The White/Whiphala Paper on Indigenous People’s food systems. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4932en

² UNGA. 2024. Fisheries and the right to food in the context of climate change. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri

⁸ FAO (2021). The White/Whiphala Paper on Indigenous People’s Food Systems. Rome. https://openknow- ledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb4932en

⁹ Ibid

¹⁰ Ibid

¹¹ Ibid

Dear colleagues,

Below, the contribution is for "Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems".

Should you have any query, pls don't hesitate to contact me.

With best regards,

Nepal

The paper title: Sustainable Food Systems through the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Food Knowledge and Practices of Ethnic Communities in Bangladesh

Authors: Nepal C. Dey^1*, Ikhtiar Mohammad¹ and Md. Tofazzal Islam^2
1Resilient Food System Policy Research, Research and Entrepreneurship Development, Bangladesh

²Institute of Biotechnology and Genetics Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University

1 Introduction 

In an era of rapid globalization and environmental uncertainty, it is important to recognize the invaluable contributions of Bangladeshi ethnic groups towards sustainable food systems. The initiative to preserve, strengthen, and promote Bangladeshi ethnic groups’ (Beteille, 1998; Bowen, 2000; Shelly, 1992) food (FPMU, 2021, pp. 38-39) and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems involves the recognition and safeguarding of the unique agricultural (Alam, 2020), nutritional (Chakma et al., 2022), and cultural practices of ethnic communities in Bangladesh. These practices, which have evolved over centuries, are key to building resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems, particularly in the face of climate change and modern agricultural challenges (Sakapaji, 2022; Mohammad and Dey, 2024).

2 Key Elements of the Initiative

2.1 Preservation of Ethnic Knowledge Systems

Ethnic communities in Bangladesh (World Bank Group, 2008), such as the Chakma, Marma, Santal, Garo, Tanchangya, and others, possess rich knowledge of local ecosystems, biodiversity, and food production methods that are intricately tied to their environment. These indigenous knowledge and practices includes traditional farming techniques, method of seed preservation, agroforestry (Akter et al., 2022), sustainable water management (Nasrin et al., 2023), and diversity in foods. The initiative aims to document, protect, and promote this traditional ecologically sustainable knowledge, ensuring it is preserved for future generations and integrated into broader agricultural policies.

2.2 Strengthening Food Systems

The traditional food systems of ethnic communities are often more sustainable, unique, diverse, and resilient than modern monoculture-based systems (Gonçalves et al., 2021). They rely on local crop varieties, mixed cropping, and organic farming techniques that promote soil health and biodiversity. Strengthening these systems involves supporting ethnic farmers in the ongoing use and refinement of their methods amidst pressures from industrial agriculture, market dynamics, and climate variability (Choudhury, 2021).

2.3 Promoting Sustainable Practices

Ethnic food and agricultural practices are often aligned with the principles of sustainability, making them critical for building climate-resilient food systems. Local indigenous practices (Amin et al., 2021), such as rotational farming, reliance on native species, and the sustainable use of natural resources, are inherently less environmentally destructive than many modern alternatives. Promoting these practices can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving biodiversity, and improving the sustainability of national food systems.

2.4 Cultural and Nutritional Value

Ethnic food systems also offer significant nutritional and cultural benefits (Alam & Naser, 2020). Traditional diets are often rich in diverse, nutrient-dense foods that support community health and well-being. At the same time, food is a core part of ethnic cultural identity, ceremonies, and social structures. This initiative recognizes that protecting food systems is also about preserving the cultural heritage and autonomy of ethnic peoples. 

3 Challenges Faced by Ethnic Peoples

3.1 Land Rights and Access 

Ethnic communities often face challenges in securing land rights (Ahammad et al., 2023; New Age, 2022; Zaman 2020), which are vital for maintaining traditional farming and food practices. Encroachment by commercial agriculture, land degradation, and deforestation threaten their access to the natural resources they depend on.

3.2 Climate Change Impacts and Water Scarcity

Ethnic communities are disproportionately affected by climate change (Jerez, 2021), with shifting rainfall patterns, increasing water scarcity (Dey et al., 2024), intensified droughts, increasing temperatures, and extreme weather events putting their food security at risk. Water scarcity caused by reduced water availability and quality poses a significant challenge to building resilient food systems through impacting traditional cropping cycles and leading to crop failure or reduced yields. The rugged terrain, combined with limited water storage options and unpredictable rainfall patterns, makes it difficult for communities to sustain agricultural activities and secure a stable food supply year-round. Farmers face severe limitations in accessing water for crops during the dry season. Analysis of national survey data reveals that overall, majority of respondents (72.9%) reported about difficulty in cultivation of paddy using surface water such as pond, river, canal across various regions of the country, the highest (97.8%) difficulty poses in hilly area (Dey et al., 2025). Due to water scarcity, farmers in hilly districts may limit their crops to those that require less water, often monocultures of low-water-demand crops, which can decrease crop diversity and ecosystem resilience. Water-stressed crops have lower productivity, leading to reduced yields and less food availability. This affects the local food supply, nutrition levels, and income generation for communities. A recent study by Dey and Rasul (2023) found that ethnic communities in the hilly area of Bandarban consume a less diverse range of foods—typically fewer than four groups—over the past 24 hours compared to other regions of Bangladesh. Additionally, the study revealed that the intake of protein-rich foods such as milk, fish, eggs, and meat is also lower among the predominantly ethnic population residing in these hill areas. 

Case studies (Dey et al., 2022, 2024) discovered that over half of the participants have access to safe water sources, primarily deep tube-wells (53%), and shallow tube-wells (8%) in Bandarban, a hill district. Overall, 49% of households have access to improved or home-based sanitation facilities, but access in the Rowangchhari subdistrict of Bandarban is notably lower, at only 10%. The findings of the study are comparable with the previous studies (Rasul & Kishore, 2016; Rasul & Gurung, 2024), where it was illustrated that access to clean water and sanitation remains limited in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in comparison to the rest of Bangladesh. Dey et al. (2024) also identified that most respondents (86.1%) reported a lack of irrigation for agricultural production, with Rowangchhari experiencing the most severe irrigation difficulties. Participants in the focus group discussions (FGDs) expressed that they face significant challenges with irrigation due to the absence of nearby surface water sources, such as streams or canals. One participant from Bandarban Sadar subdistrict stated, "The area is hilly; while we could supply water using a pump, it is too expensive for us."

3.3 Soil Degradation and Water Runoff 

In the hills, soil erosion from heavy rains leads to nutrient loss, and water quickly runs off instead of infiltrating and replenishing groundwater. This leaves soils dry and less fertile, requiring more water for productive agriculture that is already scarce. Frequent erosion degrades soil health, which reduces its water-holding capacity, further exacerbating water shortages and affecting crop growth and resilience.

Banana and pineapple are essential cash crops for many ethnic communities across various regions of Bangladesh. However, soil degradation due to banana plant waste left in the fields post-harvest poses challenges for sustainable cultivation. The residual plant material, which can take several months to decompose, hinders subsequent crop growth and the healthy sprouting of new banana and pineapple plants. Furthermore, limited access to waste disposal sites, combined with the practice of leaving plant waste in fields, leads to significant waste accumulation and littering, adversely affecting soil quality and crop productivity. Dey and Saha (2024) examined the role of the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh's (CCDB) Green Innovation for Resilience Building (GIRB) project in Mymensingh and Tangail districts. They found that the project significantly improved waste management by producing vermicompost and fiber from pineapple and banana waste. Additionally, it created green jobs for unemployed youth and women, increased income to support a circular economy, promoted diverse organic vegetable consumption for food and nutrition security, and enhanced livelihoods.  They also identified that establishing market linkages for the business expansion of banana and pineapple fiber is essential for making the project sustainable, as this aspect is still underdeveloped in the project area.

3.4 Lack of Storage Facilities and Sustainable Food System 

A case study conducted by Dey et al. (2022) in hilly regions revealed that farmers' sustainable livelihoods and food systems primarily rely on the sale of highly perishable items, such as mangoes, vegetables, rice, pineapples, and bananas. Due to inadequate storage facilities and limited local market accessibility, many farmers are forced to sell their products at lower prices or risk having them spoil at home or in the market. The study found that farmers with storage facilities were able to sell their products at prices nearly double those of farmers without such amenities. Upgrading local market storage facilities is essential. Improving storage capacity with proper facilities for large-scale buyers from distant areas could help mitigate income losses for farmers and strengthen the local food system.

3.5 Socioeconomic Impacts on Food Security

Smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of the agricultural workforce, are heavily impacted by water scarcity. Lacking the financial resources to implement resilient farming practices or build adequate infrastructure, these farmers often find it difficult to adapt. As a result, many are compelled to migrate or seek alternative employment, which exacerbates labor shortages and reduces overall food production. Furthermore, the low productivity and limited crop diversity within ethnic farming communities lead to diminished food diversity, adversely affecting nutritional quality and access. This is crucial for establishing a resilient food system (Tithi et al., 2020).

4 Strategies for Enhancing Water Resilience in Hilly Food Systems

4.1 Water Harvesting and Storage Solutions

Implementing small-scale rainwater harvesting, constructing check dams with periodic excavation to remove accumulated silt and soil from runoff or landslides, and enhancing water storage capacity can promote sustainable water use. These systems, along with groundwater recharge initiatives, can significantly increase water availability during dry months.

4.2 Climate-smart Agricultural Practices 

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) represents a comprehensive strategy aimed at boosting productivity, improving resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Mahashin & Roy, 2018). Encouraging the use of drought-resistant crops, agroforestry (Riyadh et al., 2021), and soil conservation practices can help enhance food security (Hasan et al., 2018) by optimizing water usage.

4.3 Integrated Watershed Management 

Promoting watershed management to control soil erosion and increase water retention can improve soil health and groundwater recharge, supporting more resilient agriculture. Addressing water scarcity through sustainable water management and climate-adaptive practices is essential for building a resilient food system in Bangladesh’s hilly districts, ensuring food security and better livelihoods for these vulnerable communities (Haque, 2021).

4.4 Marginalization and Lack of Representation

Ethnic people in Bangladesh are often marginalized in policy-making processes (Indigenous Peoples Development Services, 2022). This initiative aims to elevate their voices and ensure their participation in shaping sustainable food systems at national and global levels.

4.5 Sustainability of effective projects/programs 

The Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Program (CPRP) by the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) adopts a sustainable livelihood approach, integrating service delivery with rights-based development to address poverty comprehensively through community engagement. The program focuses on several thematic areas, including strengthening community-based organizations (CBOs) through initiatives in livelihood and food security, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education and culture, societal peace, local-level advocacy, gender justice, and pro-poor market development (Dey et al., 2023).

Expanding the Green Innovation for Resilience Building (GIRB) Project, implemented by CCDB and Tearfund, to include market linkage interventions for banana and pineapple farming in hill regions is critical for advancing sustainable waste management and improving soil health. Such an expansion would facilitate the production of vermicompost and fibers from banana and pineapple waste, creating green job opportunities for unemployed youth and women, increasing household income to support a circular economy, and enhancing the consumption of diverse, organic vegetables for improved food and nutrition security. This initiative would also significantly contribute to improving livelihoods for local communities.

To further strengthen food and nutrition security, targeted efforts should promote increased dietary diversity by encouraging the consumption of more than four food groups within 24 hours (Dey et al. 2023). This should include protein-rich foods such as milk, fish, eggs, and meat to improve the nutritional intake of ethnic communities, thereby fostering better health outcomes and more resilient food systems. Engaging members of the indigenous community in development and policy formulation is essential for ensuring sustainability (Ostrom et al. 1999).

5 Global and Local Relevance

The food systems of Bangladesh's ethnic communities can significantly contribute to global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific practices (Talukder et al., 2023), this initiative aims to create more sustainable and resilient food systems, benefiting not only ethnic communities but the entire country. Preserving and promoting the genetic resources, biodiversity, and food knowledge of Bangladeshi ethnic peoples is essential for fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future. This approach ensures food security while safeguarding cultural heritage and ecological balance.

6 Conclusion

The preservation, strengthening, and promotion of the food and knowledge systems of Bangladeshi ethnic communities are not merely a matter of cultural significance; they are vital for building resilient and sustainable food systems amidst contemporary challenges such as climate change and globalization. The unique agricultural practices and indigenous knowledge that have been honed over generations provide key insights into sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and nutritional security. As demonstrated, these practices offer a viable alternative to the industrialized agricultural models that often neglect both the environment and the cultural heritage of farming communities. These communities possess invaluable traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices, which offer lessons for resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the creation of a circular economy.

Recognizing the significant role that these ethnic groups play in sustainable development is crucial. However, they face numerous challenges, from land rights issues and climate change impacts to socioeconomic marginalization and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these challenges through targeted strategies—such as enhancing water resilience, implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, and ensuring the representation of ethnic communities in policy-making—is essential for fostering food security and improving livelihoods. Moreover, by integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary agricultural practices, we can create a more holistic approach that benefits not only these communities but also contributes to broader goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative ultimately advocates for a paradigm shift in how we approach food systems, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and respect for indigenous practices.

As we move forward, fostering partnerships between local communities, policymakers, and researchers is paramount to ensure that the voices of ethnic communities are heard, and their practices are valued. By doing so, we not only safeguard their cultural heritage but also pave the way for a sustainable food system that honors the interconnectedness of ecology, culture, and health in Bangladesh and beyond. This represents a collective step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all, where the wisdom of the past informs the solutions for the present and the future. By investing in these communities' heritage and livelihoods, Bangladesh takes a significant step toward ensuring food security, cultural preservation, and ecological sustainability for generations to come.

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Choudhury, M. U. I., Haque, C. E., Nishat, A., & Byrne, S. (2021). Social learning for building community resilience to cyclones: role of indigenous and local knowledge, power, and institutions in coastal Bangladesh. Ecology & Society, 26(1).

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Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

• Agreed. Though, on item 1 of the Guiding Principles, I thought it should read “…the rights to food, food sovereignty, and the rights of nature….”

Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?

• The objectives should be for the benefits of all. IPs around the world have diverse food and knowledge systems and traditional practices sequel to their geography and ecology. The food and knowledge systems, and lesson learned share with other communities will strengthen adaptation and resilience building. 

What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?

• The most challenge worth highlighting is the refusal by many countries to ratify the ILO Convention 169. For example, Nigeria, who also in 2007, opposed the draft UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), describing it as “unacceptable”.  In the same track, a one time Head of Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee at Nigeria's Permanent Mission to the UN, Amb. Chijioke Wigwe,  opined that there were 371 tribes indigenous to Nigeria and noted that the absence of a definition of the term "indigenous peoples" in the text raised legal, social and political issues that would make implementation of the Declaration "problematic‘’.
• With Nigeria’s position, the principle of FPIC that we know is critical to the development of IPs, and respecting their substantive rights under ILO convention No 169  is not adhered to, therefore posing a gray area requiring a way out when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming IPs food and knowledge  systems, perhaps in Nigeria, and other geographies. 
• Secondly, non mainstreaming of gender equality and equity in ABS and traditional knowledge governance is another challenge worth highlighting. Because inequalities between men and women violates women’s rights.

How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

• Inclusion of the marginalized can be ensured through local organizing, from where information can be elicited for the report. This could engender sustainability of IPFK, and the protection against commercialization risk can be safeguarded by ensuring the handling of food and knowledge systems from different geographies as a unique entity and assigned an intellectual property rights.

How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

• This could be achieved through the employment of virtual media, and made available on YouTube channel, where links are referenced on the report

What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

• Ratification of IPs related International Conventions by Countries not done yet. 

Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?

Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?

• This report examines the implementation of the Convention No. 169 and the current social and economic situation of indigenous people across the world. 

https://www.ilo.org/publications/implementing-ilo-indigenous-and-tribal-peoples-convention-no-169-towards

What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?

• Learning exchange with IPs taking the lead, multi-stakeholders dialogue, community dialogue.

Are the previous legal documents such as Prior and Informed Consent, enough in light of this evolution of thinking about Indigenous People’s knowledge, or do they need to be revised?

• For me Prior Informed Consent is enough because it ensures development of IPs.

Progress and Future Prospects for Neglected and Underutilised Species

Authors: Titilayo D.O. Falade 1, Olapeju O. Phorbee 1, Carline C. Santos 2

1. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, West Africa Hub, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
2. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, 08 BP 0932 Tri Postal Cotonou, Republic of Benin

Introduction

Neglected and underutilised species (NUS), both crop and livestock species form an integral part of societies, particularly indigenous people. With increased rural-urban drifts in several African communities and globally, the knowledge and production of indigenous species is waning. It is important for institutions of government, research, development and private sector, especially those promoting agriculture and nutrition to consider NUS in order not to lose the biodiversity that these crops provide and their contributions to the food systems. 

Documentation and Knowledge Products for the Development of NUS

Documentation is one of the ways that knowledge can be preserved and attribution given to indigenous communities that are contributing to the protection of species. By developing knowledge products including docuseries and print material of their propagation via a catalogue of these species and information about their propagation with images, the awareness about these species can be generated, including the taxonomy, agronomy of the species as well as their nutritional information and benefits that can be profiled. It is important that the indigenous communities are acknowledged when information is generated from their contributions. Where funds are generated by these products, the mechanisms of benefit sharing need to be made clear and agreed in a consultative manner. Furthermore, to promote the attribution to community members, it would be beneficial if journals or publishing organisations that are responsible for disseminating these knowledge products mandate acknowledgements of the indigenous communities. Research and development bodies (stakeholders) should see indigenous communities of NUS as a key stakeholder for collaborations. While the research bodies contribute modern innovative technologies on NUS, the communities contribute indigenous knowledge & technologies, which are usually prerequisites to the final products. Understanding local food processing using local technologies can pre inform modern, innovative technologies/approaches to advance the products in the context of urbanization, friendly ecosystem, nutrient retention, safety, improved food and nutrition security. For instance, indigenous knowledge can use some local ingredients/preservatives to ease processing, reduce cooking time of a crop but with little or no retention of nutrients in the crop after processing/cooking. Meanwhile, with that background, modern technology can develop novel technologies like high temperature short time to achieve same purpose and still retain nutrients. Collaboration with indigenous communities on the NUS and recognition of their contributions can strengthen commitments and sense of belonging on the part of the communities, which can motivate them to contribute more and share vital information on the NUS at no cost. The research/development partners can in turn easily access local intelligence to further research on the NUS, generate more information on their nutrient contents and processing techniques that are protective of nutrients and safe for consumption. In these circumstances, the shared contributions of knowledge generation need to be documented in an open and transparent manner. These practices can encourage shared learning for the benefit of humankind and biodiversity in our shared ecosystem.

Biodiversity Through Preservation of Forests and in Conservation Collections

Some practices and strategies that are being implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, CGIAR and partners that can enable cross-cultural understanding of these NUS, include contribution to maintaining biodiversity in Forests, such as via secondary forests like the  IITA Forest Reserve in Ibadan, Nigeria https://www.iita.org/research/facilities/biodiversity-conservation/ and the Drabo Forest in Republic of Benin https://www.iita.org/news-item/drabo-forest-reserve-a-haven-for-birds-and-biodiversity-conservation/ that protect a range of plant and animal biodiversity. Agreements made with the community enable access to the IITA grounds by community members at no cost and for their continued benefits. Additionally, the Genetic Resource Centre at IITA holds diversity of crops with capacity to be propagated in diverse agroecologies. Access to these resources is provided at no cost for research and development purposes. Research is encouraged for the preservation of these genetic resources.

Integration of NUS in production and processing systems

It is important that as we explore the use of NUS that we expand our understanding of, and capacity scope to include these species in production systems. This can be via integrating them into agriculture and nutrition including existing or adapted cropping systems, processing into diverse foods for healthy diets, targeting diverse demographic groups, and studying their nutrients and bioavailability of nutrients, as evidence to their importance in food and nutrition security. Some of these species may also have therapeutic properties that can be explored for the benefit of humans and animals. By working with both community and research/development partners, visibility of these neglected crops and the nutritional benefits that they provide can be enhanced and food preparation can be explained in ways that resonate with the younger audiences and populations that are unaware of these indigenous crops. 

Indigenous intelligence in crop processing and food product development is traced to history in Africa. Crops are processed into diverse food products using indigenous technologies, which research and development bodies add value in preservation, improved processing for nutrient retention, improved packaging, drudgery reduction through automation and other novel technologies. NUS should not be an exception here. Most of the NUS exist mainly because of poor knowledge of their nutritional benefits, no/low processing or technological know-how, cultural and religious beliefs about them. Working with relevant indigenous communities will enable in-depth understanding of the crops and reasons behind the neglect, which research and development partners can leverage, to further research across their value chain-study and educate on nutritional benefits, develop innovative processing and appropriate technologies that can enhance their popularity, availability, access, improve nutrient bioavailability, ensure safety, debunk myths around them where necessary and promote their consumption. Contributions of the partners at the bottom of the pyramid is vital and should be brought to the fore, in recognition and documentation when such knowledge products are developed and published. Their intellectual property right should be protected with rewards taking back to them.

Also, food safety matters particularly related to mycotoxins, pesticide and heavy metal contamination are important across the value chain from production through postharvest management and consumption. It is important that in doing these, the visibility and value that indigenous people have provided by being the custodians of knowledge of these crops, preserving them and their traditional practices or propagation, postharvest management, preparation for consumption, management of waste are acknowledged and valued. It is also important to acknowledge and document their customs and systems in a manner that is fair and gives attribution to them. Where the traditional practices expose the communities to harm, it is important to develop systems or machinery that minimise exposure to such harm. These could come from the practices of production or processing that may not have evolved with the changes to the social and environmental systems that can expose communities to food safety or occupational risks. For example, in areas where mining of mineral has increased or pesticide use for agrochemicals is expanding, it could be that traditional practices would expose consumer to higher risks of heavy metal or pesticide contamination for example. Furthermore, with advancing technologies, it is important that systems, equipment and processes that are shared with these communities do not deprive them of their independence or create a dependence on external parties in a way that it takes away their autonomy from them. 

Mechanisms for shared benefits to these populations are critical to maintain ethical and fair utilisation of the knowledge and practices of indigenous people and ensuring that the communities are not exploited in an unwholesome manner. While upscaling of these commodities may be thought about and advanced, interest in the protection of the environment is critical to ensure that biodiversity loss is not reintroduced and that communities are not exploited and lose their independence or autonomy for self-sustenance or improved livelihoods.