Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Sustaining Indigenous Food Knowledge in the Modern Era

Abstract Women have historically been the principal custodians of indigenous food knowledge, substantially shaping agricultural diversity, food preservation techniques, and dietary practices across cultures and generations. Their expertise extends from seed selection and crop management to food processing, preservation, and the maintenance of culinary traditions that ensure both household nutrition and community resilience (Howard, 2003; Kuhnlein et al., 2009). In rural India, such knowledge has been vital for sustaining agro biodiversity, food security, and cultural continuity. However, the transmission and practical application of indigenous food knowledge are increasingly threatened in the modern era by a range of complex factors, including globalization, urbanization, climate change, shifting gender roles, and the pervasive adoption of industrial agriculture (Saraswati, 2013; Shiva, 2016). These challenges lead to the erosion of traditional practices, diminished intergenerational knowledge transfer, and the marginalization of women’s roles within food systems. Conversely, the evolving landscape presents new opportunities for the preservation and revitalization of indigenous knowledge. Policy initiatives recognizing women farmers, educational interventions, community-based organizations, and the rise of digital platforms facilitate the documentation and dissemination of traditional wisdom (Sundaram et al., 2020). This paper employs qualitative methodologies—including literature review, semi-structured interviews, and case studies—to critically examine the multifaceted challenges and emerging opportunities for women in sustaining indigenous food knowledge, with a particular focus on rural India. The study concludes by offering recommendations for empowering women as vital agents of food security, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development, emphasizing the urgent need for gender-sensitive, context-specific strategies in policy and practice.