School food environments in the Philippines

School food environments (SFE)- which include school cafeterias, fast-food restaurants, supermarkets, and other forms of food outlets and food vendors found in the vicinity of the school- offer a unique opportunity to address malnutrition among school children. SFE interventions can promote fruit and vegetables consumption, as well as set children on a life-long path of healthy and sustainable eating behaviors

Diversifying farms in Guinayangan, Philippines

In rural areas where malnutrition is higher and households poorer, growing diverse fruit trees-especially indigenous fruits-can provide multiple benefits. These fruit trees can be a valuable source of secondary income in rural areas such as Guinayangan, where coconut cultivation is the primary source of income. They are also a viable strategy to promote climate-smart agriculture which can strengthen the resilience of farmers; and to diversify agricultural systems for better nutrition within the community

Increasing traditional vegetable consumption in Cavite, Philippines: Understanding consumer and market vendor preferences

The study conducted in Cavite province sheds light on the factors that influence the availability and accessibility of indigenous vegetables in urban and peri-urban markets. The study specifically looked at the perspectives of both market vendors and consumers in the two primary urban areas of Dasmariñas and Bacoor. One of the key findings of the study is that adult women predominantly make household decisions when it comes to buying vegetables. This suggests that targeting women consumers with information and education about indigenous vegetables could be an effective strategy for promoting their consumption. Nutrition, freshness, and price are the primary considerations for consumers when purchasing vegetables, and they perceive indigenous vegetables as nutritious and affordable. Vendors prioritize shelf life in addition to price, freshness, and nutrition when selecting indigenous vegetables to sell. The results highlight the importance of the supply chain for indigenous vegetables. In Cavite, it extends from the north to the south of Luzon. Understanding the dynamics of this supply chain is crucial for improving the availability and accessibility of indigenous vegetables in urban and peri-urban markets. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for promoting the consumption of indigenous vegetables in urban areas. By addressing the gaps in awareness and knowledge about these food plants and their growth requirements, improving the supply chain to meet consumer and vendor requirements, and improving women consumers’ access to education and information, we can work towards a future where these nutritious, locally-adapted, and culturally significant crops are widely known and available

Indigenous vegetables: consumer and market vendor preferences in Cavite, Philippines

Indigenous vegetables (IVs) are locally-adapted, nutritious and culturally significant crops, yet consumption of IVs is low- with dwindling numbers of people with knowledge about their multiple uses and benefits. Additionally, in urban areas such as the Cavite province in the Philippines, IVs are not easily found in markets- the place where most households acquire their vegetables from. Improving IV consumption requires concerted efforts both on the supply and demand side of the IV value chain, based on a clear understanding of consumer and market vendor preferences

Conservation and prioritization of indigenous vegetables in the Philippines

Nutrition-related problems are a widespread challenge in the Philippines. Many factors contribute to these problems - the availability and affordability of vegetables, for example, which are jeopardized by challenges such as seasonality and inconsistent yields due to the impacts of climate change. Crop improvement and on-farm diversification, particularly using indigenous vegetables (IVs), can help address these challenges, while also improving rural livelihoods, nutrition, and food security; and even safeguarding local culture and tradition

Conserving and prioritizing indigenous fruits in the Philippines

Nutrition-related problems are a widespread challenge in the Philippines. Many factors contribute to these problems - the availability and affordability of fruits, for example, which are jeopardized by challenges such as seasonality and inconsistent yields due to the impacts of climate change. Crop improvement and on-farm diversification, particularly using indigenous fruits (IFs), can help address these challenges, while also improving rural livelihoods, nutrition, food security; and even safeguarding local culture and tradition