Matkilder

Matkilder is a term used in Norwegian and other Scandinavian languages to denote the sources of edible nourishment. The word combines mat, "food," with kilder, the plural of kilde "source," and appears in nutrition, ecology, and food policy discussions to describe the full range of resources from which people obtain sustenance.

Matkilder encompass agricultural crops and livestock, seafood and other aquatic foods, as well as foraged wild foods such as berries and mushrooms, and forest products like edible nuts and fungi. They also include processed ingredients derived from these sources and, in some contexts, the broader supply chain that delivers food to consumers.

Understanding matkilder is central to food security and resilience, because reliance on a narrow set of sources can raise vulnerability to climate events, disease, price shocks, and trade disruptions. Sustainable management of soil, water, biodiversity, and ecosystems supports a diverse set of matkilder and reduces systemic risk.

Regionally, Nordic policymakers and researchers often stress the importance of a diversified food base, local and regional food networks, and traditional practices alongside modern production. Matkilder thus serves as a useful organizing concept for discussing nutrition, sustainability, and economic resilience.