Consequences of the reduction of Andean crops: nutritional situation of three Kichwa communities in Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction. In the Andean region, the decrease of local edible plants has been evidenced due to adverse climatic factors, loss of seeds, little commercial value, and predominance of monocultures. The aim of this study was to identify the consequences of the reduction of Andean crops on the nutritional situation of the population of three Kichwa communities (Shungubug Grande, Shungubug Chico and Santa Rosa of Riobamba) in Ecuador. Methods. The research was sequential mixed. The quantitative and qualitative data were collected in 2018, with a questionnaire applied to 68 household heads from three communities and a semi-structured interview with three community leaders in 2022. Results. A total of 13 species of crops were registered that have been reduced in the communities. The two most frequent were Tropaeolum tuberosum and Oxalis tuberosa. The main consequences of the reduction of these native foods were limited availability of nutritious foods, changes in the diet with the substitution of Andean products, ignorance, and loss of identity. Likewise, the perception of more negative effects on health and the reduction of life expectancy were recorded. Conclusion. Children and young people were unaware of the nutritional value of Andean crops. There was a change of diet in the communities by substituting Andean foods for other processed foods, which influenced the health of the population.