International Workshop on Food System Innovation & Ecologies of Subsistence in Africa and Asia
Summary
International Workshop on Food System Innovation & Ecologies of Subsistence in Africa and Asia
The workshop “Food System Innovations and Ecologies of Subsistence in Africa and Asia” explores the dynamic interactions between newly adopted foods and plants, evolving food systems, and the ways in which communities respond to shifting environmental and social contexts. Drawing on anthropological, ecological, and agricultural perspectives, the workshop examines how humans negotiate changes in their diets, food practices, and cultural routines while adapting to ecological and socioeconomic transformations.
Through presentations and poster sessions, participants will explore how communities integrate new foods into daily life, negotiate the links between subsistence and culture, and develop strategies to sustain their livelihoods amid ecological and socio-economic change. This workshop provides an interdisciplinary space for collaborative dialogue and advances research on sustainable subsistence in Africa and Asia.
Date & Venue
February 20. 2026（Friday）
14:00-17:10
Large-sized meeting room, 3F Inamori Foundation Memorial Fall, Kyoto University
Language
EnglishProgram
Program
14:00-14:05 Introduction
Session1: Human Adaptation to Adopted Food Practices
14:05-14:35
Evrim Tekeli, JSPS/Department of Anthropology-Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, /Kyoto University
Adapting without Change? Seasonal Food Strategies among the Hamar of Ethiopia
14:35-15:05
Xiaogang Sun, Graduate School of International Relations, University of Shizuoka
Flexibility as an Adaptive Strategy in Changing Food Systems: A Case Study of the Rendille Pastoralists of Northern Kenya
15:05-16:05
Poster session: Technology/techniques, innovation and creativities for Livelihoods activities in Africa and Asia
Session 2: Food preferences for Taste and Texture in Africa and Asia
16:05-16:35
Mihoko Kibe, Department of Human Ecology, University of Tokyo
Bitter Food Liking and Wild Plant Consumption Under Rural Development in Northern Laos
16:35-17:05
Hana Shimoyama, The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University
Local Practices Affecting the Texture Quality of Pounded Yam (fufu)
17:05-17:10
Closing remarks
Poster session: Technology/Techniques, Innovation and Creativities for Livelihoods Activities in Africa and Asia
1) Yuzuha Osaki, Southeast Asia Division-ASAFAS
Characteristics of Sour Taste Preferences Based on Market Surveys in 12 Provinces of Laos
2) Yuka Tanaka, Africa Division-ASAFAS
Flexibility of Traditional Hand Looms in Ghana and the Ingenuity of Weavers in Their Utilization: The Case of the Loom Used for Hand-Woven Cloth “Kete” in the Volta Region
3) Ayaka Tanaka, Africa Division-ASAFAS
The Features of Local Music Performances in Southwestern Ethiopia
4) One Sasaki, Southeast Asia Division-ASAFAS
Adaptation to Seasonality and Socio-technical Changes: Shifts in Food Preservation and Uses of Migratory Birds
5) Marina Shinomura, Africa Division-ASAFAS
Local Classification and Morphological Diversity of Mango Landraces in Northwestern Madagascar
6) Ko Motoki, Graduate School of Environmental, Life and Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
A New Grafting Technique to Induce Flowering in Crucifer Crops: Future Possibilities for Breeding and Germplasm Conservation in Tropical Regions
7) Narionja Ralambozatovo, Seika University
Craft Production and the Livelihoods of craftsmen in Madagascar
8) Takahiro Noma, School of Medical Science, Kyoto University
A Research Proposal for Integrating Field Observations with Structural Biology: Insights from Fieldwork in Jinka, Ethiopia
9) Momoka Masuda, Department of Human Ecology, University of Tokyo
Agriculture Centered on Yams Cultivation Aimed for Ceremonial Gifting among New Caledonian Kanaks
10) Du Anh Tho, Graduate School of Environmental, Life and Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
Understanding Rice Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Drone Pesticide Services: Integrating Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Perceived Risk, and Institutional Trust in Central Vietnam
11) Ryoko Ogata, Kitakyushu- University
Survival Strategies from Barkcloth-Making: Tapa as a Local Currency on Vatulele Island, Fiji
*ASAFAS=Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies
All presentation titles are tentative.
Eligibility
Everyone is welcomed to attend.
Co-hosted by
AY2025 JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan [Long-term, L25550], Center for African Area Studies-Kyoto University, ISHIZUE2025-kyoto University
Contact
The Center for African Area Studies, Kyoto UniversityTel：075-753-7803
WS organizing committee（es@jambo.africa.kyoto-u.ac.jp）
Notes
There are no parking lots available. Please use public transport.
