Food Security Assessment Research Articles

Comparison of UAV and SAR performance for Crop type classification using machine learning algorithms: a case study of humid forest ecology experimental research site of West Africa

ABSTRACT Food insecurity is one of the major challenges facing African countries; therefore, timely and accurate information on agricultural production is essential to feed the growing population on the continent. A synergistic approach comprising a high-resolution multispectral UAV optical dataset and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can help understand spectral features of target objects, especially with crop type identification. We conducted this work on the experimental plots using high spatial resolution multispectral UAV data (12 cm, re-sampled to 50 cm) in combination with the Sentinel 1C Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) dataset. We generated 11 agronomically relevent vegetation indices from the UAV multispectral image. Multiple combinations of the UAV datasets were analysed to assess the impact of canopy height model (CHM) on classification accuracy and to determine the optimum dataset (including spatial resolution) for the land cover classification. We also appraise the impact of variable spatial resolution on classification accuracy. A combination of VH and VV polarizations of Sentinel-1 SAR data was also analysed to classify the crop types while comparing its accuracy with the UAV-derived models. Our results show that model accuracy is improved- for all the data combination pairs, when CHM is added to the modelling. We also observed a decreasing trend in classification accuracy with respect to increasing spatial resolution. Generally, the support vector machine (SVM) classifier produced an overall accuracy of 94.78% and 81.72% for UAV and SAR datasets, respectively. In comparison, the random forest (RF) achieved an accuracy of 93.84% and 92.58%, for UAV and SAR datasets, respectively. The outputs from ground-based validation corroborate the results from model-based classification coupled with acceptable simple models’ agreement ratio (SMAR), exceeding 90% in some cases. The combined techniques can be useful in precision agriculture over small and large agricultural fields to support food security assessment and planning.

Food Security, Food Inventory, Consumption, and Diversity of the Diet in Households From Localities of Morelos, Mexico

Abstract Objectives General. Apply a survey in the population of Morelos, to identify habits, customs, and attitudes about the consumption of vegetables and that allow the recommendation of hydroponic crops. Particularly, to assess household food insecurity; to determine the type and quantity of vegetables available for human consumption in the home; and to calculate a variety index of the diet. Methods The study design is a cross-sectional descriptive, which will be carried out during the months of March to June 2022. The towns of San Isidro and La Nopalera were selected, both located on the outskirts of the municipality of Yautepec, Morelos. They were previously chosen for being rural localities, historically marginalized. The town of San has 1,153 inhabitants and 267 households. About 600 inhabitants live in the locality of La nopalera, with 217 households, most of them dedicated to the cultivation of sorghum, corn and agave, and the exploitation of palm and wood. A survey in a convenience sample of households will be applied, including the assessment of food security, food consumption, census of food available at home, cultivation of backyard vegetables and knowledge, attitudes, and practices about hydroponics. As a requirement, it will be necessary for the interviewers to be previously trained. An informed consent will be applied. Results Expected results: Sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents; Housing conditions; Food safety; Food Consumption; Diet diversity index; Census of food available in the household; and Knowledge, attitudes and practices about vegetables and hydroponics. Conclusions To determinate food security and household food consumption patterns are relevant to promote hydroponics and better eating habits in an effort to improve the nutritional status of the population. Funding Sources This work was supported by National Council of Science and Technology (grant number 317,577) and the National Polytechnic Institute.

Factors Associated With Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults in Peri-Urban Communities in Nairobi, Kenya

ObjectivesTo assess diabetes knowledge, health beliefs, and lifestyle behaviors and to identify associations between demographic information, knowledge, health beliefs and lifestyle behavior among adults 18 years and above, in Kenya. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in peri-urban communities in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants were randomly selected to participate in the survey (N = 226). Diabetes knowledge was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire, while health beliefs were assessed using a validated health belief model scale. Dietary intake was assessed using a culturally modified food frequency questionnaire, while physical activity was measured using the international physical activity questionnaire. Household food insecurity questionnaire (HFIAS) was used to assess food security. Multivariate logistic regressions were used in analysis of the associations between variable. ResultsMajority had a college education (61.5%), were female (71.7%), overweight/obese (54%) and the mean age was 37.5 years. About 31% reported being severely food insecure. Majority (69.5%) of the participants had poor knowledge on diabetes and their health beliefs mean score for was low. On average, participants consumed 2022.47 ± 781.49 calories per day with mean intake of approximately 299.81g/day carbohydrates, protein (56.49g), and fat consumption was 55.88% of the diet. The participants carbohydrates consumption contributed the highest (r = 0.742) to energy intake, followed closely by fat (r = 0.732) and least was protein (r = 0.538). The participants consumption of refined grains (p < 0.037), oils (0.029) and beans/peas/lentils (p < 0.0038) were associated with an increase in BMI. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that income, education level, were significantly associated with diabetes knowledge and intake of a variety of food groups. ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that diabetes knowledge and health beliefs are low among the participants and their dietary intake was poor with a high intake of carbohydrates and fats. The combination of these factors increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. Funding SourcesThis study was partially funded by the Nutritional Sciences department at Texas Tech University.

Exploring the Characteristics Associated With Food Insecurity Experienced by Graduate Students in a School of Health Professions

ObjectivesFood insecurity (FI) affects between 11% and 51% of health sciences graduate students attending universities across the United States. This study aimed to describe the food security status of health sciences graduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the educational, social, and economic characteristics associated with having food insecurity. MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of 579 health sciences graduate students attending a northeastern university who responded to a survey between January and March 2021. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 6-item Short Form Food Security Survey was used to assess food security status. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests were used to identify factors associated with FI. ResultsThe majority of the sample was female (69.9%), non-white (57.4%), in a doctoral program (73.2%), and had a median age of 26.0 years. Sixty-seven % reported an annual personal income below $25,000, primarily sourced from student loans, grants, and family support; 20% reported supporting someone else with their annual personal income. Nineteen and three-tenths % (19.3%) of the health sciences graduate students had low or very low food security status. Those who financially supported someone else were significantly more likely to have FI (p = 0.04) than who did not financially support someone else. Those who lost employment income during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to experience FI. (p < 0.001) than those who did not have lost or reduced income. ConclusionsFactors significantly associated with FI were income loss and financially supporting someone other than themselves. Qualitative research on student finances may further define the characteristics of health sciences graduate students who are at risk for FI. University-sponsored student health screenings for FI and targeted outreach to address it are needed. Funding SourcesDepartment of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences at Rutgers University funded the gift cards for the raffle.

Food Security, Technology Use and Access, and Wellbeing in Community-Dwelling Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic disproportionally affected older adults worsening issues like food insecurity and social isolation. Technology use could play key roles in accessing resources and maintaining well-being for this vulnerable population. The purpose of this study was to assess food security and its relationship to technology use and access and well-being in at-risk community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsOlder adults who attended congregate meal sites in November 2020 completed 606 paper and online surveys; 557 were included in the analysis. Food security was measured by the USDA Food Security Module 6-item short form. Technology use and access was measured using the National Health and Aging Trend Study survey. Well-being and social isolation questions were adapted from the Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 Survey. Chi squared analyses assessed the relationships among food security, technology, and well-being. ResultsForty-two percent (n = 234) of survey respondents indicated they were food insecure during the survey period. Age 60–70 (X2 = 16.736, p < 0.001), Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (X2 = 28.727, p < 0.001), and annual household income less than $20,000 (X2 = 38.030, p < 0.001) were associated with food insecurity. Individuals who were food insecure were more likely to not have access to the internet (X2 = 22.001, n = 123, 53.9%, p < 0.001), to be extremely worried about their physical (X2 = 14.488, n = 132, 56.7%, p < 0.001) and mental health (X2 = 34,390, n = 106, 45.9%, p < 0.001), and report extreme distress (X2 = 43.167, n = 111, 48.3%, P < 0.001) as compared to those who were food secure. Additionally, those who reported food insecurity were more likely to feel socially isolated from others often (X2 = 17.458, n = 99, 43.0%, p < 0.001). ConclusionsFood security in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with indicators of poor social and mental well-being and less access to the internet. Intervention addressing food security should consider addressing these factors. Funding SourcesNone.

A Review of Basic Needs (Food Security, Housing Security, and Homelessness) of US College Students’ During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesTo assess the basic needs (food security, housing security, and homelessness) status of U.S. college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsPubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, and OVID were searched for articles published in 2020–2021 that assessed housing/food security and/or homelessness in US college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 10,771 hits, 4 articles met the criteria, and data was extracted and summarized. ResultsAll four studies utilized cross-sectional online surveys and reported response rates between 4–23%. Three of the studies offered incentives to participants. All studies assessed food security (using 2, 6, or 10 item USDA tools); two assessed housing security, and no studies assessed homelessness. Thirty-one to 65.5% of college students were found to have some form of food insecurity. Three studies showed an increase in food insecurity in college students during the pandemic. While the fourth did not evaluate food insecurity before the pandemic, 84.7% of students reported that the pandemic reduced their ability to buy food. Additionally, one study reported a decrease in housing security during the pandemic while a second study reported 49.8% of students being very or somewhat worried about losing housing as a result of the pandemic. No studies were found that assessed the incidence of homelessness in college students during the pandemic. Changes in living arrangements, loss of employment, being an international student, disability status, gender, ethnicity, and race were associated with food insecurity. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that among US college students, food and housing insecurity worsened during the pandemic. Colleges and universities should enhance their student screening methods and provide resources to those who need assistance with food or housing. Future studies should assess homelessness in college students to add to the literature available. Funding SourcesNo funding.

Assessing the impact of the country’s economic security on export development in the agro-industrial sector

While the conditions of the world markets functioning factors change, it is required the development of a new effective strategy for food security in the Russian Federation. The global economic shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the structure and volume of world trade, and political crises in a number of EAEU member states also force us to pay special attention to food security. The relevance of this research is due to: 1) the processes of globalisation and integration of national markets, which is why new foreign economic and foreign trade relations are increasingly being formed; 2) the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic, which is why many foreign trade processes in Russia and a number of other countries are disrupted; 3) the commodity groups under consideration, the uncontrolled volume of exports of which can cause a food threat to the country. The purpose of the study is to analyse the problems of assessing food security within the country in the implementation of foreign economic activity and the supply of agro-industrial complex goods to foreign markets. The objectives of the study are to identify ways to assess food security. Measurement tools are proposed that help to assess food security at the national level, assess household access to food and its purchase, and also allow measuring food consumption and use. To date, the solution of this problem is one of the main tasks, both within individual regions and the country as a whole.

Rural households' food security and its determinants in coastal regions of Bangladesh

AbstractThe coastal zone of Bangladesh is suffering from a wide range of climate change‐driven hazards. Limited attention has been given to these zones' food security assessment. Therefore, this study aims to assess the status of food security and its determinants among different groups of Bangladeshi coastal households. It also identifies their livelihood risks and coping strategies during stressed situations. Data were collected from 1350 households from coastal districts through a questionnaire survey. Food security was calculated and compared with the recommended average (2400 kcal/capita/day). A binary logit model was used to identify the determinants of food security among rural coastal households. Livelihood risks and coping mechanisms were recorded through open‐ended questions. The findings of this study revealed that although on average, sampled households were food secure (2753 kcal/capita/day), 81% of landless households and 72% of marginal landholders within the sample appeared food insecure. Among various food items, rice supplied the greatest total daily calorie intake (1841.47 kcal), second was the edible oil (172.27 kcal). The regression model revealed that farm size, farm income, off‐farm income, and crop production had positive impacts on households' food security. Floods, salinity, heavy rainfall, and reduction of land productivity were high risks to the large farm households, while heavy rainfall, floods, and salinity were high risks to the landless farm households. To cope with these risks, the majority of large farm households used their savings and sold livestock and poultry as coping strategies. The landless and marginal farmers were mostly helped by nongovernmental and government‐run organizations, moved elsewhere to find work, sold their labor, and were involved in fishing. It was concluded that different groups of farmers face different challenges. Our findings indicate that in order to protect landless and marginal farmers, government should implement policies aimed at increasing crop production by means of prioritizing saline‐tolerant crop varieties and the creation of more job opportunities.

Does food security exist among farm households? Evidence from Ghana

BackgroundFood security exists when households have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at all times that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food security remains a serious challenge for many households in Ghana and the situation is even more prevalent among smallholder farmers. Therefore, this study had its objectives to assess food security status and also estimate their determinants for policy recommendations.MethodologyUsing data collected from 2,603 farm households across Ghana and employing an ordered probit model the determinants of food security among farm households were assessed. The food security indicator, Food Consumption Score (FCS) which combines diet diversity, frequency of consumption and relative nutritional importance of different food groups was used to determine food security status of farm households.ResultsResults showed that farm households (76%) across Ghana were within the acceptable household food consumption groups. Nonetheless, 19% and 6% of farm households, respectively, were within the borderline and poor food consumption groups, respectively. Determinants of food security included experience, gender, improved variety adoption, access to credit and location.ConclusionFood security risk is prevalent among farm households in Ghana. Based on the results on determinants of food security, the suggestions are that government and private institutions should create an enabling environment to enhancing credit access and encouraging adoptions of improved crops varieties for increased production.

Assessment of Food Security and Its Implication on Urban Poor People in District Peshawar

Purpose: This study was carried out to address the issue of food security and the factors affecting it in the semi-urban area of district Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. More specifically the study reviewed the food security situation among urban poor households using their food expenditures patterns and further investigated its various dynamics.&#x0D; Methodology: Data were collected with the help of interviewing techniques from randomly sampled 100 households in the Peshawar suburb. Household food security was assessed using the food security index adopted from Omonona (2007). Using the Omonona index, the threshold which differentiated the food secure from the food-insecure households in the study area was Rs. 1500 per month (i.e., 2/3 of mean food expenditure).&#x0D; Findings: The result legitimized using the Omonona food security index as a smart indicator in determining food security status at the household level.&#x0D; Implications: To help the urban poor in improving the situation of food security efforts are needed to enhance awareness of food security by promoting education regarding livelihood strategies, self-sustainability programs, and the importance of a proper diet.

The Evolution of Food Security: Where Are We Now, Where Should We Go Next?

Food security is one of the most challenging topics globally; however, the concept of food security has taken on additional dimensions that are general and are less detailed. This study aims to identify the intellectual structure of food security research and the changes in this structure. This paper analyzed 3169 documents from the Web of Science database through a bibliometric review. A review of the published documents shows an increasing trend over the past 46 years. In accordance with co-occurrence analysis, 125 keywords were grouped into five clusters: food security and sustainable development; food security and socioeconomic factors; food security policy and governance; coping strategies for poverty, inequality, and hunger; and modern food security management. This study identifies four streams within food security research: sustainability and environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors. The paper concludes that even though food security might investigate many significant areas, other new dimensions should still be considered. Further gaps in the literature emerge that present avenues for future research directions. Reviewing indicators and techniques of food security assessment and identifying high-risk groups should be a priority.

Aging into Medicare among a senior food pantry population: An assessment of food pantry visit patterns and food security over time

AbstractWe examined the association of Medicare eligibility with seeking charitable food assistance and food security status among low‐income senior clients (≥60 years) of a food pantry in Dallas, Texas. We used sharp regression discontinuity to examine the impact of aging into Medicare on food pantry visit patterns among nondisabled senior households, and log‐binomial regression to assess the association between Medicare‐eligible visits and food security status. Medicare eligibility was associated with more food pantry visits and improved food security. Medicare eligibility may improve food security among seniors, potentially attributable to increased food pantry use after aging into Medicare.

The realization of the human right to food: preliminary remarks on assessing food security

Prawa człowieka w ostatnich latach przeżywają pewien renesans. Są one przedmiotem ochrony na poziomie międzynarodowym, regionalnym i krajowym. Prawa człowieka są to powszechne prawa moralne o podstawowym charakterze, przysługujące każdej jednostce w kontaktach z państwem. Realizacja prawa człowieka do żywności różni się w poszczególnych regionach świata, gdzie funkcjonują odmienne systemy prawa, systemy polityczne czy systemy społeczno-gospodarcze. Istotna jest rola państwa w realizacji prawa człowieka do żywności oraz zapewnieniu bezpieczeństwa żywnościowego i żywieniowego. Celem pracy jest analiza realizacji prawa do żywności w różnych krajach oraz określenie wyzwań związanych z interpretacją wartości globalnego wskaźnika bezpieczeństwa żywnościowego (Global Food Security Index, GFSI). Liczba osób niedożywionych zwiększa się w Afryce Subsaharyjskiej i Południowej Azji, a jednocześnie rośnie udział osób z nadwagą w Ameryce Północnej i Europie. Podczas pandemii COVID-19, na skutek lockdownu, problemy te nasiliły się. COVID-19 zagraża globalnemu bezpieczeństwu żywnościowemu głównie z powodu wzrostu cen i utraty dochodów skutkujących pogorszeniem się stanu odżywienia ludzi. Na świecie jest cztery razy więcej osób z nadwagą niż tych z niedowagą. Problem w tym, że wiele wskaźników pomiaru bezpieczeństwa żywnościowego i żywieniowego odzwierciedla kwestię niewystarczającego spożywania kalorii, a nie pokazuje problemu otyłości. Metodyka, na podstawie której liczony jest wskaźnik GFSI, powinna być zrewidowana. Należy ponownie przemyśleć wagi elementów wskaźnika związanych z żywieniem.

Movement Is Life-Optimizing Patient Access to Total Joint Arthroplasty: Obesity Disparities.

Thirty five percent of the American population is considered obese (body mass index [BMI] > 30). Obesity disproportionately affects African Americans, Hispanics, and women. Obesity is associated with postoperative complications, including wound complications, infections, and revision total joint arthroplasty (including total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty). Current BMI benchmarks (many institutions rely on a BMI of 40) selectively preclude patients from having surgery. Patients in these underserved populations can be optimized through the lens of shared decision making through the assessment of food security (eg, food deserts and food swamps), ability to afford healthy food, knowledge of social safety net and community resources to access healthy food, nutrition and weight loss referrals to programs that accept all forms of insurance, weight loss measurements as a percentage of body weight lost instead of BMI cutoffs, pharmacologic modalities, and bariatric surgery.

Climate change and food security: Assessing the prospect for Kuwait using an economywide model

This study is concerned with food security effects of global warming in Kuwait. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) approach to monitor impacts of human activities on climate change has essentially remained top-down. Hence, it fallen out of favour among end user communities. In this procedure, the needs of policymakers at national scale have been peripheral. Kuwait’s food security is a good illustration of this. The study is implemented by applying a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model for Kuwait. The model was calibrated on Kuwaiti data to examine food security impacts of the five Shared Socio-economic Pathways. The simulation results indicate asymmetrical impacts on Kuwait’s agriculture and food processing industries. Arid countries would benefit by enhancing national capacities to assess food security implications of global warming scenarios.

Indicator based assessment of food security in SAARC nations under the influence of climate change scenarios

The availability of food is the basic entity for the survival of human. The resources that make a nation food secured is guided by multiple factors and can be evaluated using a set of indicators. We present an assessment for ranking food security of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations represented by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka using a set of indicators under the prevailing scenarios of climate change. The food security indicators can primarily be grouped into four dimensions represented by the availability of food, access to food, potential utilization and stability of food production. Each of the identified indicators that are independent of each other can be utilised to assign individual values based upon actual statistics and observations available for each country. The projection of these statistical values for evaluating future food security can also be done once the appropriate methodology is available for making projections. We assessed food security under the future scenarios of climate change for the year 2050 by synthesising a food security index using a set of indicators. The climate change scenarios were adopted from the IPCC (2014) assessment represented by RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5. The score of individual indicators were obtained from country specific statistics provided by Food and Agriculture Organisation, World Bank while the values of few indicators such as the projected availability of agriculture and forest land, estimates of future productivity under climate change scenarios and vulnerability of food production were synthesised by the authors for this study. The assessment shows that under all RCPs, Bangladesh is the most food secured nation followed by Sri Lanka. Whereas, Maldives and Afghanistan were found to fall under least food secured SAARC nation under all four scenarios of climate change. While rest of the nations had varying ranks and represented the middle-ranking of food security under all RCPs. India was consistently at the sixth position under all four scenarios of climate change followed by Afghanistan and Maldives in a consistent manner while Afghanistan maintained the rank of seventh and Maldives was found to fall at last position of eighth rank. The framework of assessment demonstrated by us can be used for ranking individual region while it provides an opportunity to the planners for allocating adequate resources and implement other adequate measures in regions that fall short in terms of food security.

Assessment of the efficiency of the food system in the context of measures aimed at the development of the regional agroindustrial complex

The formation and functioning of the food system of the region depends on the effectiveness of the development of its agro-industrial complex. The article reveals a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of the functioning of the food system of the region on the basis of international practice of assessing food security, taking into account the peculiarities of regional differentiation, including the assessment of indicators in three areas: physical accessibility, quality and safety, natural resources and sustainability.

Determinants of Food Consumption Water Footprint in the MENA Region: The Case of Tunisia

Tunisia, like most countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has limited renewable water resources and is classified as a water stress country. The effects of climate change are exacerbating the situation. The agricultural sector is the main consumer (80%) of blue water reserves. In this study, to better understand the factors that influence the food water footprint of Tunisian consumers, we used a multiple linear regression model (MLR) to analyze data from 4853 households. The innovation in this paper consists of integrating effects of socio-economic, demographic, and geographic trends on the food consumption water footprint into the assessment of water and food security. The model results showed that regional variations in food choices meant large differences in water footprints, as hypothesized. Residents of big cities are more likely to have a large water footprint. Significant variability in water footprints, due to different food consumption patterns and socio-demographic characteristics, was also noted. Food waste is also one of the determining factors of households with a high water footprint. This study provides a new perspective on the water footprint of food consumption using “household” level data. These dietary water footprint estimates can be used to assess potential water demand scenarios as food consumption patterns change. Analysis at the geographic and socio-demographic levels helps to inform policy makers by identifying realistic dietary changes.

A New Indicator for Global Food Security Assessment: Harvested Area Rather Than Cropland Area

A New Indicator for Global Food Security Assessment: Harvested Area Rather Than Cropland Area

The model of food security of the Volga federal district regions

The global economic crisis dictates new conditions for the existence of the country’s economy and its regions. The existence and independence of countries and regions is ensured by the interaction of various kinds of indicators that make up the food security system. Food security of both the country and the individual region is a fundamental strategy for the country’s economy development. Ensuring food security is the development strategy of any country. The assessment of the food security of the regions makes it possible to determine their independence and strategic role in the economy development. Currently, ensuring food security is one of the options for the stable development of the country and regions. The implementation of food security in the Russian Federation is carried out in accordance with the Food Security Doctrine. The article offers the author’s assessment of food security (independence) of the Volga Federal District based on the indicators listed in the Food Security Doctrine. The article forms a model of food security of both the country and its regions. Its use makes it possible to compare regions with each other most effectively. The model formation is based on the application of cluster analysis, which most fully describes the relationship of the indicators defined in the food security doctrine According to the results of the study, clusters of regions were formed, by the level of food independence, as a fundamental factor of food security. Clusters also allow to assess the level of food security in the regions of the Volga Federal District. On the basis of clustering, an effective model of food security of the region is built.