Let's Go Local! Pohnpei promotes local food production and nutrition for health

• Chapter Authors : Englberger, L.; Lorens, A.; Pedrus, P.; Albert, K.; Levendusky, A.; Hagilmail, W.; Paul, Y.; Moses, P.; Jim, R.; Jose, S.; Nelber, D.; Santos, G.; Kaufer, L.; Larsen, K.; Petrick, M.E.; Kuhnlein, H.V.


• Document type : Book section


• Year of publication : 2013


• Book title : Indigenous Peoples' food systems & well-being: Interventions & policies for healthy communities


• Editors : Erasmus, B.; Spigelski, D.; Burlingame, B.


• Publisher(s) : FAO


• Place of publication : Rome, Italy


• ISBN : 978-92-5-107433-6


• Pages : 191-220


• Language(s) : English


• Abstract : The Pohnpei community intervention programme took place in Mand community, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM ) from September 2005 to June 2007. The programme aimed at increasing the production and consumption of locally grown foods and improving health. A community based, participatory, inter-agency, multiple-methodology approach was used, with all age groups in the community participating in programme activities. The programme had two phases: phase 1 involved documenting the traditional food system and imported foods, and assessing health status, using the Centre for Indigenous Peoples' Nutrition and Environment methodology; phase 2 involved two sub-phases. In phase 2a, promotion and intervention activities focused on building awareness through workshops, competitions weight loss drugs, planting and cooking), mass media, posters, billboards, postage stamps, postcards and other materials; the conservation of rare crop varieties; and small-scale food processing. In phase 2b, the impact of promotion and intervention activities carried out in phase 2a was evaluated. Activities for expanding the programme continue. Phase 1 revealed neglect of the traditional food system, reliance on rice and other imported processed foods, and high incidence and prevalence of overweight, obesity and diabetes among adults, and of stunting, vitamin A deficiency and dental decay among children. Detailed studies initiated in 1998 revealed that local staples, including yellow- and orange-fleshed banana, giant swamp taro, breadfruit and pandanus varieties, are rich in nutrients. They contain substantial levels of provitamin A and other carotenoids, which are important in alleviating vitamin A deficiency and other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Promotional activities based on the campaign slogans - "Let's Go Local" and "Going Yellow" - were adopted widely throughout FSM to promote local foods and yellowand orange-fleshed staple crop varieties. The project impact evaluation revealed a significant decrease in rice consumption; an increase in the consumption frequency of local banana varieties, giant swamp taro and vegetables (including green leaves); an increase in the intake of local food diversity and provitamin A carotenoid; and a positive change in attitude towards local food. The Pohnpei Go Local campaign also created interest nationally and regionally.


• Keywords : CAROTENOIDS; HUMAN NUTRITION; HEALTH; VITAMIN A; MICRONESIA (FEDERATED STATES OF); VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY


• Open access : Yes


• Document on publisher's site : View article on publisher's site


• Musalit document ID : IN150232

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