Nutritional Ecology of Marginalized Tribal Populations: Intersections of Food Environment, Social Determinants, and Planetary Health

The field of nutritional ecology focuses on the complex interactions between diet, environment, and health. Marginalized tribal populations present unique challenges and opportunities for understanding these interactions due to their distinct cultural contexts and evolving food environments. These populations often face significant social determinants that influence their nutritional status, ranging from economic disadvantages to historical marginalization. Current research highlights a gap in comprehensively understanding how these factors, combined with planetary health considerations, shape tribal nutritional practices. Despite progress in identifying the roles of traditional diets and modern transitions, more integrative approaches are needed to thoroughly address this multifaceted issue.

This Research Topic aims to explore the intersections of nutritional ecology within marginalized tribal populations by examining food environments and the socio-cultural and economic determinants influencing them. The goal is to produce a cohesive body of work that not only uncovers the scientific intricacies of tribal food ecosystems but also aligns with sustainable development goals. Key questions include how ecological changes impact traditional practices and what sustainable, culturally relevant strategies can be employed to improve health outcomes. The intention is to offer valuable insights that drive more equitable food policies while preserving cultural heritage.

To gather further insights into tribal nutritional ecology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Transitioning from traditional to modern food environments and its impact on diet.

o The influence of socio-political and historical factors on tribal nutritional status.

o Practices of sustainable food procurement and environmental ramifications.

o Community-centered nutrition programs and their role in disease prevention.

o Innovations in food system monitoring using participatory research and AI technology.

o Cultural and ethnic-specific dietary recommendations.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Nutritional Ecology, Tribal Food Environments, Social Determinants of Nutrition, Sustainable and Culturally Relevant Diets, Planetary Health and Ecological Change

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.