Harvesting Heritage: Cross-Continental Dialogues on Agrobiodiversity and Culinary Culture Between Southeast Asia and Africa

Panel Convenor(s)

• KS

  Kornsorn Srikulnath, N/A

  Kasetsart University, Thailand

Panel Chair(s)

• KS

  Kornsorn Srikulnath, N/A

  Kasetsart University, Thailand

Presenter(s)

• WS

  Worapong Singchat

  Kasetsart University, Thailand
• AC

  Aingorn Chaiyes

  Kasetsart University, Thailand
• TP

  Thitipong Panthum

  Kasetsart University, Thailand
• JP

  Jiraboon Prasanpan

Southeast Asia's rich agrobiodiversity and vibrant culinary culture provide a platform to explore cultivation, livelihood, gastronomy, and agrico-cultural exchanges, creating opportunities for comparative analysis with Africa. This panel discussion proposal examines Southeast Asia's foodscapes, focusing on agricultural practices, biodiversity, and socio-cultural influences that shape its culinary heritage while drawing parallels with Africa's diverse agrarian landscapes. The aim is to highlight the interconnectedness of food production, cultural identity, and sustainability. In Southeast Asia, crop diversity and traditional farming methods, including indigenous species and heirloom varieties, are integral to maintaining biodiversity and preserving cultural traditions. Similarly, Africa hosts a vast array of crops and traditional agricultural practices, posing both unique opportunities and challenges in biodiversity conservation. This comparison can shed light on how both regions navigate the balance between sustainable practices and modern agricultural demands. The culinary heritage and gastronomy of Southeast Asia demonstrate the influence of local ingredients and traditional recipes, reflecting regional agricultural practices and illustrating cultural exchanges within the region. Africa, with its own rich culinary tapestry, offers numerous examples of how cross-regional interactions have shaped food traditions. Examining these parallels can enhance understanding of food as a medium for cultural exchange and identity formation. In addition, agrico-cultural exchanges and appropriations in Southeast Asia highlight cross-cultural influences and the global spread of its culinary traditions, pertinent to discussions on globalization and cultural fusion. Africa faces similar dynamics, offering a fertile ground for comparative discussions on the impacts of global market forces and cultural exchanges on local food systems. Moreover, assessing the livelihood and community impact of agriculture in Southeast Asia, especially on small-scale farmers, provides insights into sustainable agriculture and the socio-economic benefits of preserving culinary heritage. Africa's rural economies, heavily reliant on smallholder agriculture, present parallel scenarios to examine community-driven initiatives that promote sustainability and protect heritage. By discussing these themes, the panel can foster trans-regional dialogues and collaborative initiatives, promoting a broad understanding of foodscapes in a global context. The comparative approach positions Southeast Asia and Africa as complementary models for examining agrobiodiversity and culinary cultures, contributing to the discourse on food and cultural identity in international forums.

Presentations:

• 11:15 - 13:00 GMT

  Genetic Advancements in Clariid Catfish Aquaculture: A One Health Approach for Sustainable Food Security
  

  Presenter: Worapong Singchat – Kasetsart University
• 11:15 - 13:00 GMT

  An Integrative Approach to Landscape Demography in Wildlife Species: Deciphering Genetic and Environmental Factors for Conservation Efforts
  

  Presenter: Aingorn Chaiyes – Kasetsart University
• 11:15 - 13:00 GMT

  Genome Analysis Approach Detects Meiotic Failure in Hybrid Male Catfish Between Bighead and North African Species
  

  Presenter: Thitipong Panthum – Kasetsart University