Related Experiment Videos
Ecological approaches to human nutrition
Fabrice A J DeClerck1, Jessica Fanzo, Cheryl Palm
1Division of Research and Development, CATIE 7170, Turrialba, Costa Rica 30501. fdeclerck@catie.ac.cr
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
|July 2, 2011
Summary
Integrating ecological and agricultural knowledge can combat malnutrition and improve environmental sustainability. This interdisciplinary approach addresses hidden hunger by enhancing agrobiodiversity and ecosystem services for better human health.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Agriculture
- Human Nutrition
- Econutrition
Background:
- Malnutrition is a widespread issue in developing regions.
- Current malnutrition reduction strategies seldom integrate ecological and agricultural perspectives for simultaneous human nutrition and environmental benefits.
- Interdisciplinary approaches combining ecology and agriculture offer a promising strategy for alleviating hidden hunger.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of ecological knowledge in mitigating hidden hunger.
- To examine human nutrition as an underappreciated ecosystem service.
- To propose a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on econutrition.
- Analysis of case studies from western Kenya.
- Development of a framework for integrating ecological and agricultural practices.
Main Results:
- Integrated approaches positively influence human nutrition.
- Increased functional agrobiodiversity is linked to reduced anemia.
- Environmental sustainability interventions yield direct and indirect health benefits.
Conclusions:
- Integrated, interdisciplinary strategies are vital for achieving development goals.
- Ecologists should consider biodiversity's role in human health and ecosystem services.
- Nutritionists and agronomists must recognize the link between environmental health and human well-being.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
00:48Optimal Foraging
How animals obtain and eat their food is called foraging behavior. Foraging can include searching for plants and hunting for prey and depends on the species and environment.
01:28Microbial Nutrition
Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
01:20Evolutionary Psychology
Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the human psyche...
01:24Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...
This approach...
01:23Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...