I don’t know whether Lois Englberger actually saw the interview that has just been published in Farming Matters, the renamed LEISA magazine. In a way, it doesn’t matter. The result is both a very personal history of Lois’ involvement with the Island Food Community of Pohnpei and a useful and informative guide not only to what works and what doesn’t but also to the kind of thinking needed. Here’s a tiny extract:
What didn’t work?
Because the FSM is traditionally an oral society we found that written documents, like newsletters, worked for some groups – leaders especially – but not for the community. Furthermore, we found that people were reticent when simply advised to plant more local foods. Cooking classes and recipes thus proved to be a very effective means of motivating people, and inspiring them to want to grow local food. In general, however, perceptions are very difficult to change. Although community members were told on a number of occasions that their unhealthy lifestyles were to blame for their failing health it seemed like the message didn’t really sink in. People close their ears to messages, so we learnt that repetition is important.
You can read the whole thing here and download the entire special issue on Regional Food Systems. And a special tip of the hat to our friends Jess Fanzo and Danny Hunter, who helped compile the special issue, and Teresa Borelli, who wrote up the interview with Lois.