Dear colleagues,
Below, the contribution is for "Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems".
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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. Dey1*, Ikhtiar Mohammad1 and Md. Tofazzal Islam2
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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教授 Nepal Dey