Les denrées marginalisées de la diète réunionnaise : entre enjeux symboliques et défis technico-agronomiques

This paper examines the role of underutilized species in food systems, using Reunion island, a French overseas territory, as a case study. In this context, certain food sources have been neglected, both in the structuring of the island’s agricultural model and in the local dietary trends.First, this contribution identifies and discusses foodstuffs that can be considered marginalized in this territory. It presents species historically underrepresented in Réunion's agri-food system during the second half of the 20th century: tuber crops, pulses and leafy vegetables.Next, two factors contributing to the marginalization of these foodstuffs are analyzed. The first factor concerns their symbolic dimension, as the social value attributed to consuming certain products varies. The second factor concerns their techno-agronomic dimension, given the varying availability of knowledge regarding their cultivation and processing.Finally, the paper highlights two levers for increasing their role in the diet. Arguing that, in the Réunionese context, these foodstuffs can contribute to the sustainability of the food system, it concludes by emphasizing the need to develop diverse forms of knowledge to achieve this goal.