Leveraging Indigenous Knowledge and Modern Science for Sustainable Food System Transformation Abstract

Drawing on the integration of indigenous knowledge and modern science, the narrative navigates through the inherent sustainability of Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and the potential of whole foods to enhance food security and sustainability. [...] 1 of 9 Figure 1: True Cost Analysis of the Food System Globally In light of the evident shortcomings in the food system, the inquiry arises as to how indigenous knowledge and modern sciences can jointly inform a sustainable food system transformation. [...] The case for shifting to fortified whole grains and whole blend foods Shifting from refined grains to fortified whole grains (FWG) and fortified whole blends (FWB) presents a transformative opportunity with substantial health and environmental benefits, without additional costs. [...] In the short term, the transition to FWG and FWB should start by making affordable whole meals of the “Big 3” grains, with gradual incorporation of secondary grains such as sorghum and millet. [...] Including food systems, biodiversity, nutrition and dietary health in the zero draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: a joint submission from the Alliance of Bioversity International and the CIAT and the UNEP.