Abstract

ROLE OF WOMEN’S INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION FOR ENHANCING HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN ALLAHABAD DISTRICT

Paul Virginia and Singh Pallavi*

ABSTRACT

This study examined and documented the role of indigenous food processing knowledge in enhancing household food security in the rural population of Allahabad District. The respondents were selected from the villages of two blocks named Jasra and Chaka in Allahabad District. It specifically identified the indigenous food processing practices which enhances household food security; determined the extent of use indigenous food processing knowledge in enhancing household food security; identified the factors that limit the use of indigenous practices in enhancing food security. The data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, personal interviews and group discussions. The finding showed that Out of 600 respondents 78% respondents practice the application of indigenous food processing methods whereas 22% respondents do not practice the processing. The reason of not using indigenous food processing methods are economic crisis (72%), lack of equipment (18%) and lack of raw material (10%). The types of processing used by respondents were sun drying (96%), powder making (74%), Salting plus sugaring (82%), dairy processing (16%) and fermentation (48%). There is a need to build strong awareness programs by extension agents on indigenous knowledge systems in order enhancing household food security in especially rural areas where the factors of production is scarce.

Keywords: Indigenous food processing Knowledge, Women, Food Security.