Workshop on significance of indigenous food system

SHILLONG, April 22: A one-day international workshop on the theme “Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems- A game changing solution in the context of climate change” was conducted by Sohra Government College, Sohra, in collaboration with North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS), Shillong.
The main goal of the programme was to generate awareness and interest among college-goers on the importance of local food systems in the context of climate change and biodiversity. Charlotte Milbank, Research Scholar, University of Cambridge, UK, the keynote speaker of the session, presented her current research that is focused in Meghalaya — ‘Wild Foods for Sustainable Food Security and Health within Indigenous People’s Food Systems’.
She stressed on the scope of research and the biodiversity that the region has to offer.
She delightedly expressed, “It was a pleasure to be invited to speak at Sohra Govt. College, and talk with the students about some of the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous Peoples’ food systems worldwide”.
During the first half of the programme, Lead Associate, Communications at NESFAS, Alethea Kordor Lyngdoh, briefly shared the journey of NESFAS and its role in promoting Indigenous Food Systems.
Stating that the year 2022 marks the 10th year anniversary of NESFAS, she emphasised that the society is working on strengthening local livelihood opportunities for the youth.
Senior Associate, Research and Knowledge Management, NESFAS, Dr Bhogtoram Mawroh, spoke on ‘Indigenous Food System: A bulwark against biodiversity loss’, pointing out that Indigenous Food System is very important for adaptation to climate change and youths are going to play a very important part in it as the responsibility for preserving and strengthening lies with them.
The programme also highlighted how to build a cadre of local food youth enthusiasts to promote and defend their own local food and to make students aware about the importance of research and train them to be local researchers and improve their employability skills.
It aimed to increase partnership between Sohra Government College and NESFAS in the areas of research and capacity building for young people thereby opening up job opportunities for students and to sensitise the participants about the global debate on food systems that will trigger local actions in the near future.