Food Habits and Nutritional Challenges Among Tribal Communities of Jharkhand, India

Authors

Shamsher Alam

Abstract

This explorative study investigates the nutritional deficiencies prevalent among tribal communities in Jharkhand, India, focusing on the impact of traditional dietary habits on the growth and health of children, adults, and women. The research involved 72 participants from diverse tribal groups across multiple districts, utilizing semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to gather qualitative data. The study revealed that traditional foods, such as millets and wild greens, remain central to these communities’ diets, but environmental degradation, economic pressures, and cultural shifts have reduced access to these nutritious foods. This shift has led to widespread nutritional deficiencies, including anaemia, stunting, and vitamin deficiencies, particularly among children and women. The research highlights the importance of preserving traditional food practices and knowledge while integrating them with modern nutritional education and public health initiatives. The study recommends community-based interventions, policy changes, and cultural preservation efforts to address these challenges and improve health outcomes. The findings contribute to the fields of public health and anthropology by providing a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between culture, environment, and nutrition in tribal communities. It also emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches to nutritional improvement that honour and sustain the traditional practices of indigenous populations.

Keywords

Nutritional Deficiencies, Traditional Food, Jharkhand, Child Health, Cultural Practices, Environmental Impact, Public Health, Nutritional Interventions.

Food Habits and Nutritional Challenges Among Tribal Communities of Jharkhand, India. Shamsher Alam. 2015. IJIRCT, Volume 1, Issue 1. Pages 170-182. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=1501035