Sostenibilidad alimentaria, memoria e identidad para la salud intercultural en comunidad de Taday, cantón Azogues, 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the experiences and meanings related to food sustainability, memory, and cultural identity as foundations of intercultural health in the community of Taday, Azogues canton. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological perspective was used, involving twelve community actors (parents and community elders) selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through unstructured interviews. The results showed that food practices maintain a strong traditional foundation, based on family production and the consumption of local foods such as native potatoes, mote, maize, and legumes. Although an increase in the consumption of industrialized and processed products was observed, especially among younger generations, foods grown within the community continue to be highly valued due to their association with health, strength, and well-being. Participants also emphasized the deep cultural and emotional significance of traditional foods, linking them to identity, collective memory, and spirituality. Regarding knowledge transmission, this occurs mainly within the family through daily practice; however, factors such as migration and generational changes have partially weakened this continuity. In conclusion, traditional food is a key element in the construction of cultural identity and in the promotion of community health, highlighting the importance of preserving local knowledge and food practices to strengthen intercultural health and food sustainability in rural Andean contexts.