Understanding Differing Household Consumption of Native and Traditional Crops in Cochabamba, Bolivia

Abstract

Background Bolivia exhibits the highest rates of child malnutrition in South America, despite being the center of diversity of many highly‐nutritious native and traditional crops (NTCs). This research explored household consumption processes Cochabamba Department, to understand how NTCs contribute to household food security and nutrition. Methods Five communities were purposively selected to represent four ecotypes (puna, sub‐puna, sub‐tropical, and urban/valles). Three focus‐group discussions were carried out in three communities, and two in the others. Participation targeted female household heads, and utilized participatory methods such as group drawing and mapping of NTC harvesting, processing and preparation. Results In all five communities, participants identified the post‐planting season (Nov‐Dec) as the period of highest food insecurity, while NTCs were most available during the harvest and post‐harvest period (Mar‐Jul). Many NTCs require labor‐intensive preparation processes, and depend on the availability of other resources, including abundant water and cooking fuel. Some NTCs have important commercial value, and present challenges in post‐harvest storage, increasing incentives for market sale. The differing in‐ and out‐migration profiles of individuals and communities also influence their knowledge of and propensity to use NTCs in each place. Conclusions Household NTC consumption is linked to resource availability, post‐harvest storage capacity, market value, and the life histories of food preparers.