Traditional Food System Provides Dietary Quality for the Awajún in the Peruvian Amazon

Abstract

Awajún∗ Indigenous People live along the Rio Cenepa in the Peruvian Amazon. This article describes the Awajún traditional food system (TFS) and defines its nutritional importance. Nutritional status of women and young children were assessed using anthropometry. Dietary intakes were recorded using repeat 24-hour recalls. Anthropometry suggested a healthy population, although the Awajún had short stature. They purchased <1% of their food. Group dietary assessments indicated adequate intakes of energy, protein, fat, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin A. The Awajún TFS provides good nutrition and should be promoted and protected.

KEYWORDS:

• Indigenous Peoples
• traditional food
• indigenous food
• Amazon
• Awajún
• Aguaruna

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We sincerely thank Sandra Vidal, Melissa Abad, and Miluska Carrasco for their work in data collection. We also thank Alvaro Antumtshi, Ruben Giukam, and Francisco (Pancho) Kantuash Saan for their efforts in translation. ODECOFROC and the dedicated women's group were essential throughout the research, for which we are grateful. We would like to thank Margot Marin of the IIN for her work with the data, and we thank Dr. Mark Plotkin and colleagues affiliated with the Amazon Conservation Team, Washington, DC, for assistance with species identifications. We extend our appreciation to the communities of lower Cenepa, especially the women and children who participated in the study. We also recognize with appreciation the funding contribution of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health (IAPH), and Institute of Population and Public Health (IPPH).

Notes

∗Also called the Aguaruna - Awajún is the preferred identity for this group of Indigenous People.

Johnson, A. (1974). Carrying capacity in Amazonia: Problems in theory and method. Mexico D.F.: Un-published report presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Anthropological Association.