La buena nutrición, saberes hegemónicos versus saberes locales, caso Caño Muchuelo

Abstract

Since 1986, the indigenous population of El Resguardo Caño Mochuelo, a reservation located in the Departamento (state) of Casanare, in Colombia, has suffered periodical famines and conflicts related to the necessary adaptation to a new territory mainly to the natural resources. In this paper, we analyze through detailed interviews to specific members of the community, some personal experiences related to some nutritional and agricultural programs implemented in this reservation. We have studied among other aspects, their feeding habits and the access to natural resources. Of particular interest is the degree of participation of the members of the community in the design and implementation of some nutritional programs.  We interviewed members of the community in detail and produced Tables that summarize our work with the five groups that share the reservation as in May 2014 when we performed our work. Our results show how much the plans implemented by the government do not take into account the real situation of this community. The government ignored all the studies (universities and ONGs) on this community and the point of view of their members. The solutions proposed from outside did not take into account the previous characterizations of the zone and the traditional knowledge.  The improper handling of the natural resources resulted in malpractices in their diets. The community had to acquire food outside their territory at prices that are not economically possible for most of the community. It is clear that such practices do not guaranty the right to their proper feeding. Nutritional programs, educational institutions and the members of the community are fundamental to promote a serious and a long compromise that faces seriously the feeding problem in this community.