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Food diversity among Amazonian Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: a socioecological perspective
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DOI：10.3389/fsufs.2026.1869997.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
IntroductionHuman dietary patterns have undergone significant transformations in recent decades; marked by increased consumption of industrialized foods and ultraprocessed products; contributing to growing burdens of diet-related chronic diseases and environmental impacts. These changes are particularly pronounced among Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs); where food transition and market integration have reshaped local food systems. This study analyzes dietary diversity and quality among Amazonian IPLCs and examines how socioecological factors influence food consumption and acquisition patterns.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted across 41 households from six Amazonian communities selected through a multi-criteria purposive sampling strategy to represent distinct socioeconomic settings in floodplain and paleovarzea ecosystems. Community typologies were previously identified through hierarchical cluster analysis of 164 communities. Data were collected from 41 randomly selected households using 24-h food recalls; structured questionnaires; and semi-structured interviews. Dietary diversity was characterized by adapting an ecological diversity framework (alpha; beta; gamma); while diet quality was assessed using the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS).ResultsCrop diversity was the only significant predictor of household food consumption patterns. In contrast; supermarket food acquisition was primarily associated with the presence of local minimarkets; fishing income; and ecosystem characteristics. Higher dietary diversity did not necessarily correspond to healthier diets; as elevated HDDS values were associated with greater consumption of industrialized foods and ultraprocessed products.DiscussionThe socioecological analysis suggests that food consumption in more remote communities may be associated with the availability and diversity of natural and cultivated foods; shaped by seasonality; whereas food acquisition appears to be influenced by local availability to processed foods and accessibility to urban centers. Overall; dietary outcomes among Amazonian IPLCs emerge from the interplay between environmental constraints; economic opportunities; and subsistence strategies. These findings highlight the need for context-sensitive and locally tailored policies that strengthen traditional food systems; support diversified local production; and mitigate the growing influence of ultraprocessed products on IPLCs.
Keywords:
food systems
dietary diversity
NOVA classification
biocultural diversity
food transition
IPLCs
riverine communities
socioecological systems
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