The Pumpkin Village and the Harvest: Utilizing the Resources of Traditional Health Beliefs and Food Practices

Abstract

It is important to contextualize traditional health beliefs, diets, and food practices in community development. Traditional beliefs and practices are valid within their environment and support the health of the community. Furthermore, displacing or dismissing traditional diets harms community health and does not help further development, especially as there are many misconceptions about the benefits of Western nutrition. There are practical ways to discover traditional health beliefs and food practices in a community and to utilize traditional diets as part of development. By incorporating traditional diets into development work, development practitioners can expect a more sustainable and empowering health system within the community. Traditional food and health beliefs are valid health systems that must be integrated into community development practices.