Preserving Food Heritage through intergenerational dialogue

PACEP is committed to supporting Indigenous communities in preserving their food heritage and advancing agroecological and culturally grounded food systems . From 3rd–5th February 2026, PACEP organized an intergenerational learning and assessment meeting in Chepareria, bringing together youth and elders from Pokot Acheytanyo CBO and Sengwer Berur CBO, alongside other Indigenous community members. The gathering aimed to assess and document the traditional food systems of the two communities and strengthen the transmission of Indigenous knowledge across generations.
During the three-day engagement, elders and young people worked closely to evaluate and record Indigenous traditional food practices. Elders shared their deep knowledge of traditional foods through storytelling, group discussions, participatory exercises, and practical demonstrations, while youth played a key role in documentation, analysis, and knowledge recording.
Participants identified key traditional food types, mapped their seasonal availability, and explained preparation and preservation methods. They also highlighted the nutritional, cultural, and spiritual significance of traditional foods within Pokot and Sengwer communities. The process reinforced the recognition of Indigenous knowledge as a foundation for resilient, sustainable, and culturally rooted food systems.
The activity resulted in a structured assessment report that contributes to advocacy for Indigenous food systems, agroecological transformation, and community knowledge preservation. It also strengthened intergenerational learning and empowered both elders and youth to safeguard and promote traditional culinary knowledge within their communities.#PACEP # AEF