Analog forestry as an opportunity for a healthier nutrition of the inhabitants of a rural village in Costa Rica (2014)

Author: Jana Brauer
Location: Londres de Quepos, Costa Rica

Globalization and increased dependence on imported trade goods (cereals, fats, sugar) negatively influence the dietary habits of people in Costa Rica and threatens traditional farming practices. In her thesis, Jana Brauer aims to answer the following question:

“ How could the use of Analog Forestry design diversify the diets of the inhabitants of the rural village Londres, Costa Rica, and thus improve their nutrition towards an affordable healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals?”

The study contains:

(a)   Detailed literature review on dietary habits, food consumption rates, diet-related diseases, medicinal plants, and existing policies and management strategies for diet diversification in Costa Rica 

(b)  Results of the survey which investigated consumption behavior, plant cultivation and agricultural practices, garden structure, knowledge about medicinal plants and nutrition-related diseases in 50 households in Londres de Quepos,

(c)   Proposal of management tools which would promote sustainable lifestyles and a healthy nutrition through the analog forestry                       

  • The results showed that people’s diet consisted mostly of processed food with very minimal amounts of raw fruits and vegetables, and that their participation in the community gardens was very weak (households preferred shopping in supermarkets)
  • Inhabitants lacked sufficient knowledge about food-related diseases, sustainable farming practices and medicinal plant use
  • The author proposed the following strategies to promote and implement analog forestry in Londres de Quepos :
  1. Increase education about food-related diseases and diet
  2. Generate interest in planting, harvesting, and maintaining natural forest, and build up the relationship with local nature
  3. Explain the economical benefits of forest gardens
  4. Establish eco-tourism
  5. Initiate collaborations between local organizations and community members

6. Organize communal events or school workshops

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