Traditional food systems

Traditional food systems refer to the ways communities produce, harvest, process, and share food based on age-old practices and local knowledge. These systems often rely on small-scale farming, fishing, hunting, and gathering, emphasizing locally adapted methods that sustain both people and the environment. They prioritize crop diversity, seasonal cycles, and cultural traditions, fostering community bonds and resilience. Unlike modern industrial food systems, traditional systems are characterized by their sustainability, use of natural resources, and emphasis on local markets and diets, helping preserve cultural diversity and ecological health.