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Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems - HLPE-FSN consultation on the scope of the report

Focus area: Enhancing equity and inclusiveness in agriculture and food systems

During its 51st plenary session (23-27 October 2023), the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) adopted its four-year Programme of Work (MYPOW 2024-2027), which includes a request to its High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) to produce a report on “Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems” to be presented at the 54th plenary session of the CFS in October 2026.

The text of the CFS request, as included in the MYPOW 2024-2027, is as follows:

Rationale: Indigenous Peoples’ agricultural and food systems are intimately tied to nature and are capable of providing food and nutritional security whilst restoring ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. This was recognized by the scientific group of the UN Food Systems Summit, which led to the creation of the Coalition on Indigenous Peoples’ food systems. 

Traditional knowledge clearly contributes to the enhancement of the sustainability of agriculture and food systems. FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) provide a good example of how to support traditional systems and demonstrate the wealth they can provide at social, economic and environmental levels. Since 2002, GIAHS has designated 62 systems in 22 countries as agricultural heritage sites. These represent diverse natural landscapes and agricultural practices that create sustainable livelihoods and food security in rural areas while combining biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, traditions and farmer innovations in a unique way. 

The 2022 HLPE-FSN Note on Critical, Emerging and Enduring Issues for Food Security and Nutrition reports that Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge systems are becoming more widely appreciated as methodologically, substantively and contextually strong and they address current contemporary agricultural and food system challenges through insights on socioecological mechanisms and interactions within food generation environments. Additionally, there is great value in acknowledging and striving to foster the connection between modern, scientific practices and traditional knowledge systems. 

Despite their centrality, Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, and traditional knowledge and practices are undervalued and under unprecedented risk of disappearance. One of the main challenges is that Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, and traditional knowledge and practices are either misunderstood or unknown, which often result in incomplete or inadequate policy tools. To this end, it is critical to establish a political willingness and leadership to increase Indigenous People's participation in the policy making processes. 

This thematic workstream will benefit from the comparative advantage of the CFS to offer an inclusive and intergovernmental platform for global coordination and policy convergence, which will bring together policy makers, scientific international communities, UN Agencies and Indigenous Peoples. 

Objectives and expected outcomes: The objective of the workstream is to create a set of focused, action-oriented policy recommendations on “Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems to achieve FSN” as a key means of achieving the CFS vision, SDG2, and an array of other SDGs, including SDGs 1, 10, 12, 13 and 15. The workstream will benefit from the findings and recommendations of an HLPE-FSN report on the topic.

Overview

This scoping paper draft addresses Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems’ solutions to enhance food security and nutrition (FSN) and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The scope covers preserving, strengthening and promoting these systems and practices in a rights-based policy framework to develop and present a set of focused, action-oriented policy recommendations. 

Indigenous Peoples have deep and enduring connections, along with inherent and granted roles and rights, related to food systems, knowledge systems and traditional practices. Unique and sophisticated food systems-related knowledge is possessed by Indigenous Peoples, much of which is undocumented and therefore un- or under-utilized. Even when it is documented, indigenous knowledge is often overlooked and rarely recognized as having scientific value, resulting in its exclusion from published literature.

The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has been analyzing issues related to Indigenous Peoples and indigenous knowledge in all its reports, and with increasing frequency in recent years. Sustainable Forestry for Food Security and Nutrition (2017) makes ten recommendations specific to Indigenous Peoples. Integration of transdisciplinary science and indigenous knowledge in participatory innovation processes that transform food system is recommended in the 2019 HLPE-FSN Report, Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. In the 2022 HLPE-FSN Note on Critical, Emerging and Enduring Issues for Food Security and Nutrition, the need to build meaningful interfaces for diverse knowledge and practices is emphasized. It states that Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge systems are methodologically, substantively and contextually strong, and can contribute to evidence-based agricultural and food system policies and programmes, and deliver solutions, across important dimensions of FSN.

Much has been documented on the consequences for Indigenous Peoples when separated from their traditional food systems. Those consequences include food insecurity, malnutrition[1], loss of food biodiversity, and opportunity-loss for transforming food systems to be more resilient and sustainable (Kuhnlein et al., 2009, 2013). The 2023 HLPE-FSN report on Reducing inequalities for food security and nutrition, recommends that policy and legislation should be informed by indigenous knowledge and related data, to broaden the spectrum of evidence for FSN policy and action, and address the systemic inequalities disproportionately affecting Indigenous Peoples.

Reviewing, consolidating, and presenting FSN recommendations from relevant sectors and disciplines will bring much needed attention to policy imperatives for achieving the CFS vision and the SDGs; and for advancing progress on realizing the right to food and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Consultations on this scope and on the development of the full report will be held with a comprehensive range of rights-holders and stakeholders. Beneficiaries of the report will be Indigenous Peoples and the wider global community, through the CFS. 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

While drafting the report, HLPE-FSN experts will adhere to the following guiding principles, in addition to the established HLPE-FSN working procedures, to ensure legitimacy among stakeholders and maintain a high degree of scientific quality:

  1. The rights-based policy framework includes the rights of Indigenous Peoples, the right to food, and the rights of nature, along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
  2. Consistent with the wording of the CFS request, and in respect of the position of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and that of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, the focus on ‘food and knowledge systems’ will be Indigenous Peoples exclusively (i.e., it will not include terms such as ‘local communities’)[2]. 
  3. The report will be focused on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, as elaborated in the CFS MYPOW. 
  4. The report will also address traditional knowledge and practices covering those from cultures and communities with heritages and legacies of place (e.g., local communities), and those designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)). 
  5. A review of relevant policy recommendations from a range of scientific and intergovernmental processes will be conducted. 
  6. Relevant text and recommendations from previous HLPE-FSN reports will be reviewed, updated, and corrected as appropriate.
  7. Current disparate, conflicting, contradictory, and controversial issues will be addressed, along with ramifications, repercussions and unintended consequences for Indigenous Peoples from unrelated, and/or well-meaning policies and processes.
  8. Recommendations will be directed to CFS, UN agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, national and local governments, academia and research sector, and Indigenous Peoples’ mechanisms and governing bodies as rights’ holders. 
  9. All consultations, content of the report, and especially all recommendations, will respect Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), principles of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS, 2011), and sovereignty issues around food and information. 

KEY QUESTIONS TO GUIDE THE E-CONSULTATION ON THE SCOPE OF THE HLPE-FSN REPORT

1. Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?
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?
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?
4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?
5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?
6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?
7. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?
8. Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?
9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?
10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?
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?

The results of this consultation will be used by the HLPE-FSN to elaborate the report, which will then be made public in its V0 draft for e-consultation, and later submitted to peer review, before finalization and approval by the HLPE-FSN drafting team and the Steering Committee.

We thank in advance all the contributors for reading, commenting and providing inputs on the scope of this HLPE-FSN report. The comments are welcome in English, French and Spanish languages.

This e-consultation is open until 13 December 2024.

The HLPE-FSN looks forward to a rich consultation!

Co-facilitators:

Paola Termine, HLPE-FSN Coordinator ad interim, HLPE-FSN Secretariat

Silvia Meiattini, Communications and outreach specialist, HLPE-FSN Secretariat 

[1] Malnutrition relates to a deficiency, excess, or imbalance of energy and other macro and micronutrients.

[2] The Permanent Forum reiterates its call at its twenty-first session for a clear distinction between Indigenous Peoples and local communities. All United Nations entities and States parties to treaties concerning the environment, biodiversity and climate are encouraged to eliminate the use of the term “local communities” in connection with Indigenous Peoples, so that the term “Indigenous Peoples and local communities” would be abolished (Report of the 22nd Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (with Oral Amendments), 2023).

The Permanent Forum reiterates the position of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, namely that it is unacceptable to undermine the status and standing of Indigenous Peoples by combining or equating them with non-indigenous entities such as minorities, vulnerable groups or local communities. Such attempts, whether by States or United Nations entities, are not acceptable and will be challenged by Indigenous Peoples and those mandated to defend their rights. The Permanent Forum urges all United Nations entities and States parties to treaties concerning the environment, biodiversity and the climate to eliminate the use of the term “local communities” in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples, so that the term “indigenous peoples and local communities” would be abolished (Report on the Twenty-First Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2022). 

Foundational documents and principles

  1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. For the first time, it sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Article 25: 1 states: Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food… Full text: https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

  2. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP): This Declaration, adopted in 2007, provides a global framework for efforts to protect and advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including food and knowledge systems. It recognizes that respect for Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditional practices contribute to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment; and that Indigenous Peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures. Coverage includes human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs. Full text: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf

  3. Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security (Right to Food): The objective of the Right to Food, adopted by the FAO in 2004, is to provide practical guidance to States to achieve food security and nutritional adequacy for all. It recognizes that foods, diets and eating habits are vital to people’s cultures and traditions. Indigenous Peoples are identified as deserving special consideration in the context of access to resources and assets, land, and genetic resources for food and agriculture. Full text: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/307a8e6b-c478-49ba-8a29-f97c825d5770/content

  4. Voluntary guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests in the context of national food security (VGGT): These Guidelines, endorsed by the Committee on World Food Security in 2012, call upon the States to recognize and protect the legitimate tenure rights of Indigenous Peoples and to consider adapting their policies and legal and organizational frameworks to Indigenous Peoples’ tenure systems, with the goals of food security, the right to adequate food, environmental protection, and more. Indigenous Peoples are identified as deserving special consideration; other groups are also listed (e.g., local communities). Full text: https://www.fao.org/4/i2801e/i2801e.pdf

  5. Rights of Nature (RoN): Rights of Nature is a legal instrument that describes inherent rights of ecosystems and species to have the same protection as people and corporations; that ecosystems and species have legal rights to exist, thrive and regenerate. In at least twelve countries, and several sovereign territories within countries, have enacted laws protecting rights for nature; many more countries are in the process of developing legislation. Indigenous worldviews align with and have accelerated the development of rights of nature law. https://www.garn.org/rights-of-nature/

  6. Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues (GIPI): The purpose of GIPI is to assist the United Nations system in mainstreaming and integrating Indigenous Peoples’ issues in processes for operational activities and programmes at the country level. Full text: https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/UNDG_guidelines_EN.pdf

  7. Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (C-169): This ILO convention, adopted in 1989, recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples within the nation-States where they live; their right to land, natural resources, and full participate in decision-making. It defines responsibilities of governments to protect these rights. Full text: https://www.refworld.org/legal/agreements/ilo/1989/en/19728

  8. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: This 2022 COP decision highlights the relationship and roles of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in its conservation, restoration and sustainable use. It specifies and reiterates in its targets that traditional knowledge, innovations, worldviews, values and practices of Indigenous and local communities are respected, documented and preserved. Full text: https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-15/cop-15-dec-04-en.pdf

  9. Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity, also simply known as the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), Convention on Biological Diversity United Nations Environmental Programme, 2011: This protocol is an international agreement on the fair and equitable access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. It notes the interrelationship between genetic resources and traditional knowledge, the importance for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components, and for the sustainable livelihoods of these communities. It makes note of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. [Note: this document uses the phrase, “indigenous and local communities,” as do most treaties and guidelines from the CBD.]  Full text: https://www.cbd.int/abs/doc/protocol/nagoya-protocol-en.pdf

  10. Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC): FPIC is a specific right, recognized in the UNDRIP and ABS, which allows Indigenous Peoples to provide or withhold/ withdraw consent, at any point, regarding projects impacting their territories; and to engage in negotiations to shape the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects. 

  11. The White/Wiphala Paper on Indigenous Peoples’ food systems: This paper, published as a contribution to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, addresses Indigenous Peoples foods, food systems, and traditional knowledge, and how they contribute to resilience and sustainability of food systems worldwide. It presents the perspective that Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge is evidence-based; i.e., it has methodological, substantive and contextual strengths equal to or indeed beyond those of many (dominant) scientific study designs. Full text: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/3462ba89-ea23-4d49-a3bf-e64bdcc83613/content

  12. Indigenous Youth Global Declaration on Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems: This paper, delivered and published in 2021, presents perspectives and actionable recommendations on respecting, preserving and revitalizing Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and traditional diets and practices. Full text: https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/faoweb/2021/Indigenous/EN_Indigenous_Youth_Global_Declaration_on_Sustainable_and_Resilient_Food_Systems.pdf

  13. Local Biodiversity Outlooks 2: This 2020 report highlights the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in providing nature-based solutions for conserving, protecting and sustainably using biodiversity through traditional knowledge and practices. They highlight the effective transformations needed for recognizing and respecting diverse ways of knowing and being, revitalizing Indigenous and local food systems, tackling environmental crises, and inclusive decision-making. Full text: https://localbiodiversityoutlooks.net/publications/

Additional references

Azam-Ali, S. et al. (2023). Marginal Areas and Indigenous People Priorities for Research and Action. In: von Braun, J., Afsana, K., Fresco, L.O., Hassan, M.H.A. (eds) Science and Innovations for Food Systems Transformation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15703-5_14

FAO and Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. (2021). Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems: Insights on sustainability and resilience from the front line of climate change. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb5131en

FAO. (2016). Free Prior and Informed Consent: An indigenous peoples’ right and a good practice for local communities: Manual for project practioners. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/8a4bc655-3cf6-44b5-b6bb-ad2aeede5863/content

HLPE. (2017). Nutrition and food systems. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/publications/hlpe-12 www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe

HLPE. (2017). Sustainable forestry for food security and nutrition A report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/publications/hlpe-11/en

HLPE. (2019). Agroecological and other innovative approaches/ A report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/publications/hlpe-14

HLPE. (2022). Critical, emerging and enduring issues for food security and nutrition. A report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/3/cc1867en/cc1867en.pdf

HLPE. (2023). Reducing inequalities for food security and nutrition. A report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/publications/hlpe-18

IFAD. (2022). Sustainable and resilient Indigenous Peoples’ food systems for improved nutrition No Title. https://www.ifad.org/digital-toolbox/indigenous-peoples-food-systems/features.html

Kuhnlein, H., Erasmus, B., & Spigelski, D. (2009). Indigenous Peoples’ food systems: the many dimensions of culture, diversity and environment for nutrition and health. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and CINE. https://www.fao.org/4/i0370e/i0370e.pdf

Kuhnlein, H., Erasmus, B., Spigelski, D., & Burlingame, B. (2013). Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and well-being: interventions and policies for healthy communities. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and CINE. https://www.fao.org/4/i3144e/i3144e.pdf

UN General Assembly. (2015). Right to Food. General Assembly Seventieth Session, A/70/287. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/Food/A-70-287.pdf

UNEP. (1992). Convention on biological diversity. https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/8340;jsessionid=EF1F228DCABD0D7B5DC72F68338975A9

UNESCO. (2018). UNESCO policy on engaging with Indigenous Peoples. In United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000262748/PDF/262748eng.pdf.multi

United Nations. (2015). The UN Sustainable Development Goals.

UNPFII. (2022). Report on the Twenty-First Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Pub. L. No. E/2022/43-E/C.19/2022/11, United Nations, Economic and Social Council. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii/unpfii-twenty-first-session-25-april-6-may-2022

UNPFII. (2023). Report of the 22nd Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (with Oral Amendments), E/2023/43-E/C.19/2023/7. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii/unpfii-twenty-second-session-17-28-april-2023

World Health Assembly. (2023). The health of Indigenous Peoples. 76th World Health Assembly WHA76.16 Agenda item 16.3. https://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2020-043

WB, The Indigenous Peoples' Resilience Framework: https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/4cafc3a906669ba0d34d4a39dc903472-0090012024/indigenous-peoples-resilience-framework-executive-summary

Please note that in parallel to this scoping consultation, the HLPE-FSN is calling for interested experts to candidate to the drafting team for this report. The call for candidature is open until 16 December 2024. Read more here

 

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A part of my contribution to the consultation on the Scope of the HLPE-FSN Report (High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition) can be found in attachment. 

Thanks and best regards,

Khaldoun Othman Al Sane, PhD, Dept. Head

Dept. of Biodiversity Characterization and Multiplication of Plant Genetic Resources

National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Jordan

 

As long as the consultation report of HLPE-FSN (High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition) aims to collect a variety of viewpoints and insights, the expected goal is to make sure that the report takes into account the requirements and difficulties of many stakeholders, such as international organizations, smallholders, marginalized groups, politicians and legislators. The consultation promotes inclusion of and supports the development of practical suggestions for sustainable food systems and better nutrition by involving a diverse variety of perspectives.

In this state, it is essential to follow a rights-based policy framework since it guarantees that nutrition and food security policies are founded on people's fundamental rights, especially the right to enough food. A rights-based strategy encourages responsibility, fairness, and inclusivity by holding institutions and governments accountable for combating malnutrition and food insecurity. The necessity of safeguarding vulnerable groups is also emphasized by this framework, which makes sure that policies prioritize social justice, environmental sustainability, and human dignity in addition to economic efficiency.

Within the HLPE-FSN framework, the emphasis on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems identifies the critical roles that Indigenous communities play in biodiversity conservation, food security, and sustainable farming methods. Traditional knowledge, cultural customs, and a profound comprehension of the ecosystems in which people reside are all fundamental components of indigenous food systems. In addition to providing useful models for sustainable food production and land management, these systems frequently exhibit resistance to climate change and environmental deterioration. 

To guarantee that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected and maintained within frameworks for food security and policy, it is essential to emphasize the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS):

1. Because it protects Indigenous Peoples' rights to self-determination and empowers them to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their land, resources, and traditional knowledge, FPIC is crucial. In order to respect Indigenous communities' sovereignty and avoid exploitation, it guarantees that any policies, initiatives, or activities that have an impact on them be only carried out with their express agreement.

2. In fields like biodiversity protection, genetic resources, and food systems, ABS principles are essential for guaranteeing that Indigenous Peoples gain fairly from the use of their traditional knowledge. In accordance with international agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol, these principles guarantee that Indigenous people receive just compensation and recognition when their resources or expertise contribute to wider society benefits.

By focusing on these values, the HLPE-FSN consultation supports moral collaborations and sustainable, just practices that respect Indigenous Peoples' environmental and cultural knowledge while defending their rights and improving their security of food and livelihood management.

The following summarizing table highlights the key needs and priorities of Indigenous Peoples regarding their food and knowledge systems:

Traditional Knowledge - Protection of traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights. Implementation of ABS principles for equitable benefits.

Land Rights & Tenure - Protection and recognition of land ownership, which is vital for sustaining their agricultural practices and livelihoods.

Biodiversity Conservation - Collaboration in environmental protection using traditional practices, safeguarding ecosystems against deforestation and climate change.

Climate Adaptation - Support for climate resilience programs that incorporate Indigenous knowledge in sustainable agriculture and land management.

Food Sovereignty - Control over food systems, secure land rights, and access to resources necessary for sustainable agricultural practices.

Health & Nutrition - Addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, ensuring access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food sources.

Cultural Integrity - Preservation of food-related cultural practices, traditions, and the spiritual significance of food in ceremonies.

Inclusive Governance - Active participation in policy-making processes, with a focus on FPIC to ensure that Indigenous voices are perceived and respected.

Furthermore, we have to take into consideration the following components to determine which important traditional knowledge and practices that need to be emphasized: 

1. Environmental Knowledge

This includes Resource Management Practices, Crop rotation, agroforestry, sustainable water harvesting and conservation. 

The use of natural indicators, such as weather patterns, plant phenology, and animal behavior, to forecast changes in the environment is known as ecological indicators. 
The term "biodiversity conservation" refers to methods (such as protected habitats) that support the conservation of species, ecosystems, and genetic resources. 

2. Health and Medicine

And this includes Traditional Medicine: Knowledge of medicinal herbs and their uses, in addition to Healing Practices: Herbal medicines, rituals, or therapies are examples of cultural approaches to wellness. 

3. Agriculture and Food

  • Traditional Farming strategies: strategies for managing soil, preserving seeds, or controlling pests. 
  • Food Preservation and Preparation following techniques for fermenting, drying, or preserving culturally specific foods. 

4. Social and Cultural Approach

  • Rules governing hunting, fishing, or land use are examples of cultural norms regarding resource use.
  • Knowledge transmission methods include storytelling, oral histories, and apprenticeship programs.

5. Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change

Information that aids in climate change adaptation, such as flood control techniques or drought-tolerant crops.

6. Utilization of Materials

  • Ecologically sustainable crafts: like weaving with natural fibres or dying with colours derived from plants.
  • Construction Techniques: Conventional building techniques with sustainable and locally sourced materials.
  • Respect intellectual property and cultural sensitivity while showcasing traditional knowledge by placing it within the project objectives and making sure the community from where the knowledge comes is included.

Concerns about sustainable development, nutrition, and global food security are the main areas of interest for the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN). In this context, national policies, regional initiatives, and international frameworks all have an impact on Indigenous Peoples. The following are some important policies and their effects:

I- International Policy

  • The United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples' Rights (UNDRIP)
    It highlights the rights of Indigenous Peoples to preserve and fortify their own institutions, customs, and cultures, as well as to pursue development that aligns with their needs and goals.
    Impact: Contributes to the advancement of Indigenous Peoples' rights to resources, lands, and territories—all of which are essential for sustainable agriculture and food security. But execution differs greatly from nation to nation.
  • Biological Diversity Convention (CBD): Nagoya Protocol provisions: 

It’s highly recommended to acknowledge the traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation and guarantees fair distribution of advantages resulting from genetic assets.
Impact: Encourages the preservation of the traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and equitable sharing of resources. 

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Goals such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15) address Indigenous food systems and environmental proper use and management of resources. This would has the impact of encouraging countries to integrate Indigenous practices into national strategies, though progress is often slow and uneven.

II. Policies at the Regional and National Level

National Laws Concerning Land Rights
In order to preserve traditional food systems, certain nations acknowledge the land rights of Indigenous peoples.
The impact of this could be land tenure promoting food sovereignty.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is one example of a regional framework. Protection of the traditional and subsistence food and land practices of Indigenous Peoples is one of the provisions and the impact would be good precedents for Indigenous rights, even though the fact that court cases can be drawn out and expensive.

III. Specific Food Security Policies 

  • Particular Agroecology-Supporting Food Security Policies
    Recommendations: Encourage the incorporation of traditional Indigenous methods into sustainable food and agricultural systems.
    Impact: Promotes resilience and food sovereignty, while frequently being overlooked in favour of industrial agriculture.
  • Plans for Climate Adaptation

Provisions: Recognize the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Impact: Although indigenous knowledge is becoming more widely acknowledged, communities are frequently not adequately included in funding and implementation.

Challenges and Deficits

  • Absence of Enforcement: Progress is impeded by ineffective enforcement mechanisms, even in cases where policies are in place.
  • Marginalization in Decision-Making: Indigenous perspectives are frequently left out of the process of developing policies.
  • Resource exploitation: Indigenous territory are regularly the target of agriculture and extractive companies.

These polices and laws and their effects highlight the need for an all-encompassing strategy that upholds Indigenous rights and incorporates their understanding into international food security and sustainability plans.

Here are some issues, complications, and strategies for Indigenous Peoples in HLPE-FSN Context; These would be summarized in the attached file.

Policies that tackle these problems with inclusive and rights-based approaches can reduce negative effects on Indigenous Peoples and support global goals for sustainability and food security.

Thanks for this great opportunity to participate and best regards,

Khaldoun Othman Al Sane, PhD
Dept. Head, Dept. of Biodiversity Characterization and Multiplication of Plant Genetic Resources
National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Jordan

 

See the attachments:

Climate change is a real and active phenomena.

In all food related processing activities, this issue need to be considered.

So, a topic of climate change in each sector is a must, if we want to work on food in any means.

When we bring indigenous people in our topic, there are two issues need to be considered, 1) resilience of indigenous people and  adaptation potential and 2) vulnerabilities 

See the attachments:

The Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, and traditional knowledge and practices are worth re-visiting to ensure a better utilization of our natural resources. By embracing our biocultural heritage will help to shape the future food system that enables sustainability. Given that our interconnected global food system involves a complex supply chain prone to risks due to regulatory barriers, disruptions because of economic  instability,  variations  in  consumer  demand.  The  global  food  system  is  wasteful  and  inefficient,  and  gaps  in  access  to  food  have  created  food  insecurity in many parts of the world. These gaps comprise food security and  also  food  safety,  such  as  food  waste,  the  failure  to  track  the  origin  of  foods, and compromised safety and quality in processed food products. To  achieve  sustainability,  reduce  waste,  and  ensure  the  efficient  use  of resources, changes are required in food supply chains with inputs from traditional knowledge, starting with local  suppliers  and  processors.  More in Chapters 11 and 12 of an open access book - https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003057758/food-security-high-north-kamrul-hossain-lena-maria-nilsson-thora-martina-herrmann?_gl=1*vfocij*_ga*MjAzMzM4NjY1OS4xNzI5MDY4NjE0*_ga_0HYE8YG0M6*MTcyOTA2ODYxNS4xLjAuMTcyOTA2ODYxNy42MC4wLjA.*_gcl_au*MTc2NDM2NTExMy4xNzI5MDY4NjE4 

I would like to provide my response in two parts:

Part 1 will address the structure of the report, while Part 2 will focus on Indigenous food practices in Afghanistan.

Part 1: Report Structure

This is a significant report with the potential to preserve valuable knowledge and traditions. I particularly appreciate the focus on rights-based policies and the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' ownership of their knowledge, including the application of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) principles. The inclusion of best practices for promoting cross-cultural understanding is also essential for its success. Compiling a report that highlights regional similarities in Indigenous food knowledge could serve as a powerful tool to foster unity and appreciation of shared traditions.

Here are some additional ideas to consider for the report:

  • Visual Comparisons: Include side-by-side images or illustrations of similar dishes from different cultures to visually demonstrate the connections between food traditions.
  • Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive features like quizzes or activities to engage readers and encourage exploration of diverse food practices.
  • Personal Stories: Add personal anecdotes from Indigenous communities to enrich the narrative and provide a human connection to the food traditions.
  • Historical Context: Explore the historical and cultural influences that have shaped similar food practices across different regions.
  • Health Outcomes: Consider including a section that examines the health outcomes associated with Indigenous food cultures. This could provide valuable insights into the relationship between traditional diets and health.

Key points to consider in this section:

  • Health Benefits: While some Indigenous food practices may be linked to certain health challenges, it is important to highlight the numerous health benefits they offer, such as diets rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
  • Cultural Context: Health outcomes from Indigenous food practices are often influenced by social determinants of health, access to healthcare, and environmental factors. These elements should be considered when analyzing health data.
  • Globalization and Modernization: The introduction of processed foods and other modern influences can impact Indigenous food traditions and contribute to changes in health outcomes, such as rising obesity rates.

Possible subtopics:

  • Traditional Diets and Nutrition: A nutritional analysis of traditional foods and their health benefits.
  • Health Challenges: A discussion of common health issues related to Indigenous diets, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
  • Impact of Globalization: How modern influences have changed food practices and health outcomes in Indigenous communities.
  • Health Promotion Strategies: Initiatives for promoting healthier eating habits while addressing emerging health challenges.

In response to question 5, I think to effectively document and reference the oral knowledge and traditions of Indigenous food practices, I would suggest using a creative and engaging approach, such as turning the information-gathering process into a competition. For example, in the case of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, each region could be encouraged to showcase its unique food traditions through a YouTube channel or similar platform. By framing it as a competition, provinces could share their best dishes, cultural stories, and food preparation methods, which would not only promote community engagement but also generate a wealth of freely provided information.

A panel of experts or culturally knowledgeable individuals could then assess and score these submissions based on criteria such as authenticity, presentation, and storytelling. This approach has the dual benefit of preserving traditional knowledge and motivating widespread participation.

Once this information is collected, the report could compile and document these food practices, using the videos as primary sources. The multimedia content could be referenced within the report as part of the documentation process, preserving both the visual and oral aspects of these traditions. Additionally, transcripts and detailed descriptions of the food practices could be included in the report, ensuring that the information is both accessible and easily referenced in future research or policy work.

Part 2: Indigenous Food Practices in Afghanistan

Afghanistan, with its rich cultural heritage, has a wide range of Indigenous food practices deeply rooted in its history, geography, and social customs. These practices are essential to the country’s cultural identity.

Key Characteristics of Indigenous Afghan Food Practices:

  • Regional Variations: Due to Afghanistan's diverse geography, there are notable differences in food practices across regions. For example, people in mountainous areas may have different dietary habits than those in the plains.
  • Seasonal Influences: Afghan cuisine is highly seasonal, reflecting the availability of locally grown produce throughout the year.
  • Hospitality: In Afghan culture, sharing food is central to social life, and hospitality is a deeply valued tradition.
  • Religious Influences: Islamic dietary laws, such as halal practices, play a significant role in shaping Afghan food traditions.

Popular Afghan Dishes:

  • Kabuli Pulao: A national dish made of rice, lamb, carrots, raisins, and almonds.
  • Shorba: A hearty meat and vegetable soup.
  • Ashak: Dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served with a yogurt-based sauce.
  • Bolani: Savory pancakes stuffed with spinach, potatoes, or meat.
  • Qorma: A stew made with meat, vegetables, and gravy.

Challenges Facing Indigenous Food Practices:

  • Globalization: The growing influence of Western food culture threatens the preservation of traditional Afghan food practices.
  • Conflict and Displacement: Ongoing conflicts have disrupted food production and distribution, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition.
  • Loss of Traditional Knowledge: As younger generations embrace modern lifestyles, traditional food knowledge and skills risk being lost.

Efforts to Preserve Indigenous Food Practices:

  • Community Initiatives: Communities are taking steps to preserve their food heritage through cooking classes, food festivals, and documentation of recipes.
  • Government Support: The Afghan government is promoting sustainable agriculture and food production as part of efforts to preserve Indigenous food practices.
  • International Organizations: International partners are working with Afghan communities to ensure food security and promote sustainable food systems.

Despite the challenges, Indigenous food practices in Afghanistan remain a vital part of the country's cultural heritage, contributing to the unique identity of the Afghan people.

 

To ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems, the report can incorporate the following strategies:

  1. Engagement and Participation: Actively involve Indigenous communities in the report's development through consultations, workshops, and participatory research methods. This ensures their voices, needs, and perspectives are central to the findings.
  2. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect the cultural significance of Indigenous food systems and knowledge. Incorporate traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) alongside scientific approaches to enhance sustainability practices.
  3. Legal Protections: Recommend legal frameworks that protect Indigenous intellectual property rights over traditional knowledge and food systems, preventing unauthorized commercialization and exploitation.
  4. Sustainable Practices: Highlight and promote sustainable agricultural practices that Indigenous communities use, ensuring that these methods are documented and valued.
  5. Capacity Building: Support training programs for Indigenous communities that enhance their ability to manage and protect their food systems and knowledge from external pressures.
  6. Policy Recommendations: Advocate for policies that prioritize the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring they have a say in decisions that affect their lands and resources.
  7. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish mechanisms to monitor the impact of any commercial activities on Indigenous food systems, ensuring accountability and adaptive management.
  8. Intersectional Analysis: Address the intersection of various forms of marginalization (e.g., gender, socio-economic status) within Indigenous communities to ensure comprehensive inclusion.

By implementing these strategies, the report can contribute to the resilience of Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems while safeguarding against commercialization risks.

Indigenous food systems are a crucial repository of traditional knowledge and biodiversity, playing a vital role in sustainable diets and food security (Kuhnlein, Eme & Larrinoa, 2019). These systems are rooted in cultural practices and spirituality; they are resilient to climate change, epidemics, and nutritional issues (Swiderska, Argumedo, Wekesa, Ndalilo, Song, Rastogi & Ryan, 2022). Despite contributing positively to diets, Indigenous Peoples are facing significant threats to their food systems from environmental degradation, marginalization, and loss of traditional knowledge. It is important to recognize that understanding indigenous peoples' sustainable food systems respects cultural heritage and ecological integrity. An examination of Indigenous food systems must focus not only on sustenance but also on encompassing a wealth of traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations. It is worth noting that the indigenous food system operates within a framework of biodiversity, utilizing local plants and animals in a way that enhances ecosystem resilience. The HLPE-FSN consultation emphasizes the need to include indigenous perspectives in food policy frameworks, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples as guardians of biodiversity and promoters of sustainable practices.

Advancing Indigenous knowledge systems should be actively integrated into food policies at all levels, both nationally and internationally. This means that Indigenous Peoples should be encouraged to participate in global decision-making while acknowledging their rights to their lands and resources. Integrating Indigenous communities’ ownership will lead to innovative solutions for sustainable food security and climate change (Kuhnlein & Chotiboriboon, 2022). There is a need for global institutions such as the UN to develop a comprehensive approach that values Indigenous practices to enhance food sovereignty, promoting resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Finally, the HLPE-FSN consultation offers a crucial platform for supporting the integration of Indigenous understanding into modern food systems, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity in achieving global food security and sustainability.

References 

Kuhnlein, H.V., Eme, P.E. and Larrinoa, Y.F. (2019). Indigenous food systems: contributions to sustainable food systems and sustainable diets. Sustainable diets: linking nutrition and food systems.

Swiderska, K., Argumedo, A., Wekesa, C., Ndalilo, L., Song, Y., Rastogi, A. and Ryan, P. (2022). Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems and Biocultural Heritage: Addressing Indigenous Priorities Using Decolonial and Interdisciplinary Research Approaches. Sustainability.

Kuhnlein, H.V., & Chotiboriboon, S. (2022). Why and How to Strengthen Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems with Examples from Two Unique Indigenous Communities. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.

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I present an example of the incorporation of indigenous (in this case Māori) world views, concepts and framing into eating and wellbeing guidelines. The Manaora (literally high status of health) Rangatahi (youth) Eating and Wellbeing Guidelines were co-created with Māori youth and peer-tested. They consist of 10 health eating guidelines and 10 wellbeing guidelines (physical activity, sleep, screen time, mental health) incorporating Māori concepts such as 'mauri' (life force) and turangawaewae (a place to belong and feel safe, carrying rights and responsibilities), Māori terms (eg kai, food; whanau, family) and uplifting framing, such as proclaiming Tihei Hauora, Tihei Mauri Ora (celebrating wellbeing and the life force of health) and finishing with a Whakatoki or aspirational saying. The social and environmental aspects of eating and wellbeing are prominent, and all messages are accompanied by detailed explanations and video clips featuring the youth themselves. 

These co-created guidelines are far superior to the official government guidelines for youth and dissemination approaches are currently being tested. (google manaora guidelines Nourishing Hawkes Bay)

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Dear colleagues

I am happy to read the contributions so far!! Indeed, indigenous and local peoples, across the globe and diverse ecosystems, have adopted a plethora of strategies for addressing family food securities.

For example, rural Bangladeshi households follow the well-established tradition of ‘’musti chaul’’ – of keeping back one fistful of dry rice each time a meal was cooked, to hold against lean times, to have ready when a beggar called, or to donate to the mosque or temple when called on to do so.

Women being the key strategist of ensuring food security of the family, policies need to pay enough attention and focus on their needs and priorities. Strategies supporting their efforts to save food or the income from sale of crops and livestock need to be tailored to the ‘’seasonalities’’ which affects many rural communities (See HARVEST TIME SAVING draft that our team is proposing). (attached) 

Such efforts require a radical shift in attitude and behavioiur among professionals and ‘’experts’’ who are often used to top-down model of development interventions. Robert Chambers (of IDS, Sussex, often labeled the ‘’undisputed dean of Participatory Planning) advise that such professionals need to start to Sit down, listen, learn… and ‘’Ask them’’. … He emphasize prioritizing Shutting up, among such experts to empower the locals, which could be surprisingly hard to practice, as it requires ‘’suffering the silence’’.

Looking forward to learn more.

Regards, Getaneh

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I think this is a very interesting topic, in most countries in Africa there is promotion of government policies, laws and regulations that dont favour our Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices, a good example is the seeds sector where most of this policies favour multinationals in seeds sector at detriment of small scale farmers who promote indigeneous seeds, the governments of the day should have robust policies, laws and regulations that are not skewed more so protecting indigenous foods and knowledge systems.

Concerning the best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding, the report should highlight strategies focused on community-led knowledge sharing, participatory research, and cross-cultural education. Collaborative projects with scientists that involve indigenous communities as active decision-makers can foster mutual respect and enhance integration of traditional practices into broader food policies either at the national or regional levels. Knowledge exchange programs and culturally sensitive educational initiatives will bridge understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous communities, emphasizing the ecological and nutritional benefits of traditional foods. Further, supporting indigenous traditional governance concerning natural resources will help to preserve the food systems sustainably, build cross-cultural understanding and also enhance biodiversity, food security, and environmental resilience.