Integration of Indigenous Knowledge as Part of a One Health Research Toolkit to End Hunger and Improve Nutrition

One of the foundations of social value in transdisciplinary research is the employment of indigenous knowledge (IK) in the One Health concept. In understanding societal challenges involving adequate nutrition and abolishment of hunger and disease, linkages are being sought between a research agenda and sustainable development that promote the cooperation of communities. The small-scale livestock producers have struggled with sustaining their productivity amidst food-borne neglected tropical diseases, poor husbandry systems, and modernization of traditional ways of rearing their livestock on one hand, and on the other, ensuring a sustainable livelihood and feeding people. While widespread traditional pig production continues to be the hallmark of resiliency in providing livelihoods of the rural population, existing production challenges require an improvement in ways of raising indigenous pigs in averting hunger, and where applicable, taking advantage of IK and associated methodologies. Efforts aimed at replacing indigenous breeds with unsuitable exotic breeds or crossbreeding have had mixed results as the farmers and their communities believe their indigenous ways still have a place in the sustainability of the enterprises. Striking a balance between the adoption of modernized animal livestock practices and its potential for increased productivity and disease control strategies, and taking into consideration experiences, and practices that, if desirable to fight hunger, can encourage communities to take research outcomes seriously. Such adoptions may lead to sustainable initiatives that are locally driven. While the fight against hunger may be the focus of SDG #2, the SDGs will remain integrated in terms of neglected tropical diseases. This is because any action done to achieve any of them, particularly SDG 1 “End poverty in all its forms everywhere” and SDG 6 “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” affects outcomes in others. To achieve any meaningful progress, any development must balance aspects of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Considering the wealth of IK and the pursuit of the social value of research, approaches are being modified to improve a community-based inquiry and application.