The role of unconventional food plants in ensuring food and nutrition security

Abstract

Food insecurity has increased over time, combined with contamination, environmental degradation, and declining human health. This shows that conventional forms of agriculture are neither sustainable nor viable, whether from an ecological or social perspective. The objective of the study was to present the state of the art on the use of Non-Conventional Food Plants - Panc, in agroecological systems and their relationship with the strengthening of food and nutrition sovereignty and security. For this, a narrative bibliographic review was carried out, with data collected on SciELO platforms, CAPES and Web of Science journals. In addition to the Google Scholar® website, academic works (dissertations and theses) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) reports. It was found that agroecology, seen as a science, and able to support a transition to sustainable agriculture models, has contributed to sustainable rural development. One of the objectives of agroecology is the search for the increasing use of a greater diversity of plants that, in addition to the food purpose, represent a subsistence alternative for rural communities and that also can contribute to the region's economy, such as Non-Food Plants. Conventional – Panc. The study also reinforces that the production of Panc in agroecological-based systems contributes to food security. They are sustainable systems concerned with the environment and nutrition, ensuring the distribution of affordable and nutritious food, and managing natural resources to preserve ecosystems.