Revitalizing traditional food systems in Uganda : restoring and adapting indigenous food storage and preservation methods for improved food security in Kitu Guru parish, Rampura District, south-western Uganda

Abstract

Traditional food preservation and storage methods play a crucial role in enhancing food security and reducing poverty in Uganda. However, modernization and shifting dietary preferences have led to the decline of indigenous knowledge in food systems. This study explores the restoration, adaptation, and valorization of traditional food preservation and storage methods in Kitunguru Parish, Rugando Sub-County, Rwampara District, in Uganda’s Southwestern Region. Through qualitative research, the study examined how methods such as smoking, sun-drying, boiling, steaming, and frying contribute to prolonged food shelf life, ensuring year-round availability and resilience against food scarcity. The findings highlight the socio-economic and cultural significance of these techniques, emphasizing their potential to enhance food security, reduce dependency on expensive modern storage facilities, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. By integrating indigenous knowledge with modern innovations, the study advocates for policy interventions and community-driven strategies to revitalize traditional food systems. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of preserving, storing and adapting indigenous food practices and methods to foster resilience, self-reliance, and sustainable development in rural Uganda.