Revalorizing Indigenous Foods for Sustainable Diets: Integrated Policy,  Value-Chain Innovation, and Implementation Science for Achieving  Food and Nutrition Security

Authors

  • Aruna Mesa Department of Home Science, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati, India
  • Nizaha Juhaida Binti Mohamad Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, University Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
  • Valangi Bindu Department of Home Science, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati, India
  • Ravula Bharathi Department of Home Science, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati, India
  • Santhi Sree Sunkara Department of Home Science, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati, India
  • Kimeera Am bati Department of Home Science, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati, India
  • K Bhuvananeswari Department of Home Science, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/jfdr.2026.6.1.2

Keywords:

Indigenous foods; sustainable diets; food security; nutrition security; agroecology; food sovereignty; nutri tion-sensitive agriculture; value-chain innovation; implementation science; climate resilience

Abstract

The resurgence of indigenous foods has gained global attention as a strategic response to malnutrition, climate vul nerability, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable food systems. This review synthesizes evidence published between 2021  and 2026 to critically evaluate the role of indigenous food systems in advancing sustainable diets and nutrition security.  A structured scoping review approach was adopted, drawing from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of  Science. Evidence indicates that integrated, systems-based interventions—such as institutional procurement, agroecological  production, and nutrition-sensitive value chains—can improve dietary diversity by 15–30% in intervention settings,  although robust biomarker-based evidence remains limited. While indigenous foods demonstrate strong potential for  enhancing resilience and micronutrient intake, major gaps persist in longitudinal impact evaluation, cost-effectiveness  analysis, and governance frameworks. This review proposes an Integrated Indigenous Food Promotion Model linking production, processing, distribution,  demand generation, and governance. Emerging research emphasizes implementation science, biomarker-based trials,  and climate-resilient food systems. Strengthening methodological rigor, policy coherence, and community-led governance will be critical for scaling indigenous food systems as sustainable solutions for global nutrition security.

 

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Published

2026-06-04

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Food and Dietetics Research (Jan-apr) 2026

Section

Review Article

How to Cite

Revalorizing Indigenous Foods for Sustainable Diets: Integrated Policy,  Value-Chain Innovation, and Implementation Science for Achieving  Food and Nutrition Security. (2026). Journal of Food and Dietetics Research, 6(1), 15-25. https://doi.org/10.48165/jfdr.2026.6.1.2