Indigenous and Local Knowledge as a Catalyst for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

Agricultural sustainability and resilience are pivotal in addressing the global challenges posed by climate change, especially for indigenous and local communities (ILCs) heavily dependent on agriculture. Billions are tied to the land through small-scale farming, fishing, and cultivation, including marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples, who are disproportionately affected by environmental changes despite contributing minimally to the problem. Historically, practices like monoculture and heavy chemical use have degraded lands and reduced the capacity of these communities to produce sufficient, sustainable, and healthy food options. Recognizing the potential in indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) reveals pathways not only to improve livelihoods but also to counteract the ongoing adverse effects on these vital ecosystems.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the wealth of traditional agroecological knowledge possessed by small landholders, indigenous communities, and ILCs for improving land management and fostering food system transformation. Such knowledge, deeply rooted in a harmonious interaction with nature—land, soil, water, and biodiversity—has fostered resilience against environmental and socio-economic disruptions. By harnessing these traditional practices, which naturally embody circular economy principles, there lies a promising opportunity to enhance food production sustainability, enforce eco-friendly resource use, and secure health and nutrition for local communities. The integration of ILK into agricultural policies and practices can pivot the conventional agricultural methods towards more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive models that contribute to broader sustainable development goals.

To expand the understanding and application of indigenous wisdom in modern agriculture, the research topic is open to contributions across several pertinent themes. We encourage submissions that:

Explore the interaction between ILK and modern agricultural practices.
Examine the impacts of traditional land and resource management on sustainability.
Analyze biocultural practices and their contributions to ecological health.
Discuss the integration of ILK in policy-making and agricultural planning. This inquiry is not only crucial for bridging existing knowledge gaps but also essential in promoting an inclusive approach to global agricultural challenges, aiming to boost resilience, biodiversity, and ecological health under the changing climate conditions.