Chepangs are an indigenous ethnic group living in central and southern Nepal. Amongst other agricultural systems they practice shifting cultivation and live in the proximity of forests, depending upon it for food and other livelihood needs.

This publication brings together the traditional knowledge of the Chepang people regarding the wild edible and neglected plant species. Similarly, the proximate nutrient analysis of these plant species could be of great importance to demonstrate the value addition feasibility of these species. Description, uses, distribution and availability of wild edible plants gathered by this community is a first step towards the understanding and appreciation of the value of these neglected and underutilised forest resources.

Click here  to downlaod Chepang Food Culture

A publication written by Sergio Giani and Rokia Sanogo dedicated to the integration of traditional medicinein health systems has been published in the latest issue of Universitas Forum.

The abstract is copied below. Following this link it can be found in English, French and Italian along with the link for downloading the full publication in French

Reflecting on their experiences in Mali, the authors argue that the action-research methodology (AR) is particularly suited to promoting traditional medicines, for three main reasons: systemic approach, flexibility and stakeholder participation. The aim of AR is also the creation and the appropriation of knowledge by local actors: it is not the acquisition or the transmission of knowledge, but the mastering of the process of knowledge creation. Thus, participation in AR is also formative for all participants, including researchers. The authors also underline the importance of dynamic exchange and intercultural communication, gender analysis and the empowerment of local actors. The use of the methodologies and approaches
illustrated has achieved some positive results in various fields, such as: promoting good care during pregnancy and safe delivery, traditional treatment of trauma and malaria, and also strengthening of local health systems, safeguarding of biodiversity and improving the work of herbalists.

AIDEMET is a Malian based NGO involved with TM, improving livelihoods and much more.

To read more about this organisation and the work it is doing click on the links below

• La Valorisation de la Médecine Traditionnelle et les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication
• Aidemet Ong: Aide au Développement de la Médecine Traditionnelle
• Ethno-pharmacology, traditional medicine and the effort that Aidemet, a Malian based NGO is making!
  Read about it in French and in English

Apart from the classical horticultural themes addressed, this congress will also include “Food Security” and “Indigenous African crops”.

Key Dates:
Deadline for abstract submission for oral presentations: 15 October 2011.
Early bird registration closes on 30 of September 2011.
Late registration closes on 15 November 2011.

Congress website | Congress brochure

Las tierras del oriente de Guatemala tienen sed y sus habitantes tienen hambre. La sequia termino con la cosecha, la falta de visión y de políticas agrícolas a largo plazo no ayudo, pero no muy lejos de oriente, en el departamento del Petén, nace la esperanza y su nombre es Ramón.

El Ramón es un árbol que crece en el Petén. Es de rápido crecimiento, su follaje es excelente alimento para le ganado y de sus nueces sale una harina altamente nutritiva. Gelio Cuellar, agronomo petenero, cree fervientemente en sus bondades y cree que podrían ser aplicadas en todo el país, porque al Ramón le gusta toda Guatemala. Gelio cree que el Ramón es la respuesta, no solo a la hambruna, sino a la deforestación y el subdesarrollo económico.

Se puede mirar el video aquí: http://www.entremosleaguate.net/

Food systems of Indigenous Peoples who retain connection to long-evolved cultures and patterns of living in local ecosystems present a treasure of knowledge that contributes to well-being and health, and can benefit all humankind. This book seeks to define and describe the diversity in food system use, nutrition and health in 12 rural case studies of Indigenous Peoples in different parts of the world as a window to global Indigenous Peoples’ circumstances. A procedure for documenting Indigenous Peoples’ food systems was developed by researchers working with the Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Environment (CINE) at McGill University, Canada, and the FAO. The procedure was adapted and applied in case studies located in Canada, Japan, Peru, India, Nigeria, Colombia. Thailand, Kenya, and the Federated States of Micronesia. The collective intent of this documentation is to show the inherent strengths of the local traditional food systems, how people think about and use these foods, the influx of industrial and purchased food, and the circumstances of the nutrition transition in indigenous communities. This research was completed with both qualitative and quantitative methods by Indigenous Peoples and their academic partners in the context of the second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted in 2007 by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Copies of the book can be ordered from FAO at this website:

http://www.fao.org/catalog/bullettin/08_09.htm

For more information about the Island Food Community of Pohnpei, one of the partners in developing this book, please visit….  http://www.islandfood.org