In times of plenty and times of scarcity: nondomesticated food in northeastern Thailand
2000
Moreno-Black, G. | Somnasang, P.
In subsistence-based societies, daily activities are directed by food procurement, but food is not usually regarded as a given; food shortages can be a threat or a reality. Seasonal variations are the most common type of shortage; however, other factors may also affect food availability. Using focus-group discussions in conjunction with semi-structured interviews and participant observations, how villagers in northeastern Thailand cope with seasonal stress and famine conditions was investigated. This paper presents the use of nondomesticated food and variation in coping strategies used during periods of food scarcity in this region. Seasonal scarcity and threat of famine were both identified with specific diet-related indicators, and nondomesticated food resources continued to be important sources of food during normal times as well as in periods of food stress. However, variation existed among age and gender groups in terms of specific practices, life experiences, and knowledge. Decreasing availability of nondomesticated food resources and significant social changes are leading to increased reliance on wage labor and other cash-producing strategies for food acquisition.
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