Perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in Brazilian Villages on Food Sovereignty and Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases: A Phenomenological Study

Brazilian Indigenous communities are experiencing a growing prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs), partly linked to dietary transitions and the weakening of traditional food sovereignty. This phenomenological study, grounded in Heideggerian thought, explored the perceptions of Indigenous people living in villages in Ceará, Brazil, regarding their daily diets, traditional knowledge, and the effects of these changes on health. Based on 11 semi-structured interviews conducted across three villages, the findings revealed tensions between traditional and urban food systems, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, and changes in decision-making related to food. Despite these pressures, expressions of cultural resilience, such as the use of medicinal plants and ancestral knowledge, persisted. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive health-promotion policies that incorporate Indigenous worldviews and support community-led food practices.