Healthy food for the picking kitchens and wild plants could be key to Lebanon's food security

Date

2010-03

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, Ottawa, ON, CA

Abstract

“Healthy Kitchens” were established in different Lebanese villages by researchers based at the American University of Beirut. They are part of a food-security project funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre. The team assessed the nutritional value of more than 40 wild edible plants, documented traditional dishes using them as ingredients, and proposed a list of healthy local foods that could improve diets at minimal cost. The study also found that villagers who pick wild edible plants and have gardens enjoy greater food security and better health. When cheap food began flooding into Lebanon, farming became unprofitable.

Description

1st interim report, appendix 16

Keywords

MIDDLE EAST, BIODIVERSITY, FOOD SECURITY, RURAL HEALTH, LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, NUTRITION, INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES, RURAL ECONOMY, LEBANON

Citation

Boothroyd, J. (March 2010). Healthy food for the picking kitchens and wild plants could be key to Lebanon's food security. UniWorld/UniMonde: 14-15.

DOI