Food sovereignty is under threat, particularly in Indigenous food systems, which serve as biodiversity hotspots. Yet, policies continue to favour monocultures, chemical inputs and corporate control over seeds, undermining the very systems that sustain life.
Research presented by 16 Indigenous women from 16 Indigenous Peoples across all seven socio-cultural regions, published in the latest issue of Knowledge Makers Journal, suggested that Indigenous knowledge holds the key to addressing food insecurity, biodiversity loss and climate vulnerability. The journal was launched on March 7, 2025.
The journal serves as more than just a publication — it brings together Indigenous researchers to highlight the urgent need to shift power back to those who have successfully protected biodiversity for generations.
Unlike industrial agriculture’s focus on high-yield, genetically modified crops — which reduce seed diversity and increase vulnerability to climate change — Indigenous farmers continue to preserve traditional seeds, practise organic farming and maintain ecological balance. Yet, their contributions remain largely overlooked in biodiversity and food policy discussions.
The research underscored how Indigenous knowledge strengthens climate resilience. From the flood-resistant rice of the Terai region in the Himalayan foothills to the drought-tolerant potatoes of the Andes, Indigenous farmers have cultivated climate-resilient crops over centuries. These crops are naturally adapted to harsh environments — something industrial agriculture struggles to replicate.
A notable example comes from the Maasai people of Tanzania, who are transitioning from nomadic to sedentary livelihoods while ensuring food security in the Kiteto District. Their adaptation strategies include cultivating drought-resistant crops and employing traditional livestock management techniques to mitigate the effects of climate change.
In Burkina Faso, the Kel Tamashek people have developed unique strategies to combat desertification. Their food resilience methods include preserving native plant varieties and using agroecological techniques to restore degraded lands.
In North America, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate people are leading the Bundle Carriers Project, a buffalo restoration initiative that demonstrates how Indigenous-led conservation benefits both ecosystems and food systems. Research found that buffalo grazing had a positive impact on soil and plant diversity compared to cattle grazing.
The journal also highlights examples from India, illustrating how Indigenous knowledge offers a clear path forward. The Dongria Kondh of Odisha cultivate over 100 varieties of millet, preserving genetic diversity and ensuring food security despite increasing drought conditions. Their traditional shifting cultivation system has been recognised as one of the most sustainable farming methods in forested landscapes.
Similarly, the Lotha Tribe in Nagaland integrates food systems with cultural practices, employing agroforestry methods that support biodiversity conservation while ensuring food security. Their approach underscores the importance of local knowledge in maintaining a resilient ecosystem.
However, the journal warned that many Indigenous food systems in India are under threat. Traditional millets, pulses and native rice varieties are being replaced by high-yield hybrids that lack genetic resilience, making Indian food systems more vulnerable to erratic weather patterns.
The research reinforced what Indigenous communities have long understood: Food security and biodiversity conservation are deeply interconnected.
To address these challenges, governments and policymakers must act by recognising and securing Indigenous land rights and supporting seed-saving initiatives and community-led seed banks. They must also integrate Indigenous agricultural knowledge into national food security policies and ensure policy frameworks allow Indigenous farmers to continue their sustainable practices without restrictions.