Indigenous Nutritional Wisdom of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, India: A Sustainable Strategy for Addressing Malnutrition

Abstract

Climate change poses a complex challenge to food and nutritional security, impacting human health, well-being, and sustainable development. Bundelkhand, a semi-arid region in Uttar Pradesh, faces acute malnutrition, with 40.2% of children under five stunted and 59.1% of women anaemic. This study explores indigenous nutritional practices, rooted in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), as a sustainable approach to mitigate malnutrition. Fieldwork in Jhansi, Chitrakoot, and Hamirpur districts documented 45 traditional food preparations, including millets (Pennisetum glaucum, Echinochloa frumentacea), pulses (Cajanus cajan), and wild greens (Chenopodium album, Moringa oleifera). Seventeen foods were analysed for macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin A, calcium) using standard methods. Nutritional analysis revealed high levels of iron, zinc, and vitamin A, essential for combating anaemia and stunting. Surveys (n=650) indicated 84% household reliance on these foods during lean seasons, despite challenges like habitat loss and cultural shifts. Integrating these practices into public health programs could enhance food security, aligning with global sustainability goals. Bundelkhand’s indigenous nutritional practices, rooted in IKS, offer a sustainable solution to malnutrition. Integrating these into public health, conserving biodiversity, and preserving knowledge can enhance food security. This study affirms IKS’s relevance for modern health challenges.