Nutritional success in a semi-arid land: examination of Tswana agro-pastoralists of the eastern Kalahari, Botswana.

摘要: The cultural and environmental factors affecting the food quest nutritional status of Moshaweng Tlokwa, a Tswana agro-pastoral society occupying semi-arid eastern Kalahari Desert Botswana, are examined. Data presented on methods procurement, storage, preparation, preservation. Tlokwa diet is based agriculture horticulture animal husbandry but surprising number wild species regularly used as food. This pattern nutritionally protective viewed by author principal reason for dietary success in their environment. habits, prohibitions, characteristic diets infants, children, adolescents, adults. Many foods encouraged or prohibited basis consumers age, sex, social development. Such patterns reduce competition resources, assure more equitable distribution food, sustain quality diet. During 1973 to 1975 appeared healthy well fed; heavy rain-fall had just broken 7-year drought. Kwashiorkormarasmus, avitaminosis, other classical signs malnutrition were not observed. A trend towards bottle feeding was noted. Children adolescents rapidly losing ability identify edible resources. concludes that heretofore have coped satisfactorily with drought territory recommends continued diversification quest. Diversity essential if maintain well-being coming decades.