exploring the world food system through story
Almost exactly one year ago Elena had the idea to organize a public lecture series together. The plan was to organize lectures that cover different aspects of the impact of our food choices on the climate and biodiversity loss crisis we are facing today.
Read MoreCebu, Philippines –The Philippines has a rich biodiversity and many native plant species are consumed as staple foods. An example of an ancient Philippine crop is the kabog millet, which is cultivated in Cebu. Kabog millet was a native cereal staple food of the Cebuanos long before the Spanish colonizers came to the Philippines. It is used to make budbud kabog, a yellow-colored tube-cake wrapped in banana leaves. Kabog gets its name from folklore: a farmer once discovered millet grains scattered on a cave floor. The cave bats (kabog, in the local language) used the millet as food. Thinking that the seeds were edible, he experimented cooking with it by pounding the millet seeds and added sugar, creating a delicious dish. It became the prototype for budbud kabog, a popular delicacy that Cebuanos are excited to bring home for their families to enjoy. We interviewed two kabog millet farmers in Cebu, Mr. Nolito Ares (or Tatay Noli as he is fondly called – “Tatay” translates to “Father” in some Philippine languages) and Mr. Simeon Aringay, about kabog millet cultivation and what they envision for kabog millet after COVID-19.
Read MoreThis summer, I had the opportunity to present the first results of my research project DIVERSGRASS at the 30th International Conference of Agricultural Economists in Vancouver, Canada. I used the opportunity to gather knowledge within my research area but also to get insights into new topics and methods.
Read More