Climate Change, Food Sovereignty, and Ancestral Farming Technologies in the Andes. (10th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carrasco-Torrontegui, Amaya; Gallegos-Riofrío, Carlos Andres; Delgado-Espinoza, Florencio; Swanson, Mark
• Is Part Of: Current developments in nutrition. Volume 5:(2021) Supplement 4
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2020-04-10
• Subjects: food sovereignty -- climate change -- micronutrients -- cultural diet -- adaptation -- mitigation -- ancestral farming technologies -- Andes; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutrition; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 612.3
• DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2475-2991

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Indigenous people are among the populations most vulnerable to climate change. However, indigenous societies' potential contributions to addressing climate change and related issues of food security are vast but poorly recognized. The objective of this report is to inform the nutrition and public health communities about the potential contributions of ancient Andean technologies to address these contemporary challenges. Our research examines these ancient farming technologies within the frame of climate change and dietary potential. Specifically, we focus on 4 technologies derived from 3 case studies from Ecuador. These technologies were analyzed using evidence mainly of adaptation to climate change in indigenous-based agriculture. Our examination of these technologies suggests they could be effective mechanisms for adapting to climate change and protecting food sovereignty. Thus, although highly vulnerable to climate change, indigenous peoples in the Andes should also be seen as "agents of change." Abstract : This research aims to inform audiences working in nutrition and public health about the potential contributions of ancestral Andean technologies to addressing climate change and food insecurity. This report studies terraces, waru-waru (raised beds), and qochas and albarradas ( jagueyes ) (2 different types of reservoirs) as ancient farming technologies, as part of an observational and integrative study combining: 1 ) secondary information; 2 ) 3 relevant, independent, primary research experiences in Ecuador; and 3 ) plant species grown using ancient farming technologies and their micronutrient content. From this analysis, we can conclude that the identified ancestral technologies could be used to mitigate emissions and successfully adapt to some of the effects of climate change, such as soil erosion, drought, hailstorm, frost, and flooding. At the same time, they allow production of highly nutritious crops that improve access to culturally adequate foods within indigenous communities. Around the globe indigenous people are among the populations most vulnerable to climate change. However, evidence suggests that through their ancestral knowledge they should also be considered agents capable of addressing climate change and food security challenges.