Food Security Challenges Research Articles

Harnessing Technology for Agricultural Sustainability: Case Studies and Future Directions

Agricultural sustainability has become a critical focus in addressing the challenges of food security, climate change, and resource management. This article explores the role of technology in promoting sustainable agricultural practices through detailed case studies and an analysis of future directions. By examining various technological innovations such as precision agriculture, automated irrigation systems, and biotechnology, the study highlights their impact on increasing crop yields, reducing resource use, and minimizing environmental footprints. The case studies from different regions demonstrate successful implementations and the benefits of integrating technology into farming practices. The research also identifies key barriers to adoption, including high initial costs, lack of technical expertise, and the need for supportive policy frameworks. The findings suggest that while technology has the potential to significantly enhance agricultural sustainability, its success largely depends on the collaboration between stakeholders, including farmers, governments, and tech companies. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and policy development to support the widespread adoption of sustainable technologies in agriculture. Emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and education, this article aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable agriculture and provide a roadmap for future efforts.

The Dolichos bean: a versatile legume with potential to address food security challenges and strategies for improvement

The Dolichos bean: a versatile legume with potential to address food security challenges and strategies for improvement

Nanofood insights: A survey of U.S. consumers’ attitudes toward the use of nanotechnology in food processing

Novel applications of nanotechnology in food processing hold tremendous potential to revolutionize the food industry and address challenges in food security and public health. Understanding and addressing consumers' evolving attitudes toward the use of nanotechnology in food processing is important to promote the technology's adoption and inform the development of regulatory frameworks that align with societal values. We used a survey research design to explore U.S. consumers' attitudes toward such uses of nanotechnology. Through the literature, we identified various cognitive and affective factors that have influenced, or have the potential to influence, consumers' attitudes, and we used those factors to develop a comprehensive regression model. We collected data from a national sample of U.S. consumers (N = 1071). The regression model accounted for 64.22% of the variance in attitudes toward nanotechnology (adjusted R2 = 62.94%). Perceived benefits, subjective norms, institutional trust, and subjective knowledge significantly and positively influenced participants' attitudes toward the use of nanotechnology in food processing while perceived risks and food technology neophobia significantly and negatively influenced participants' attitudes. These results suggest that communication strategies should emphasize consumer-centric benefits of nanotechnology, mitigate perceived risks, leverage social influences, and prioritize food safety-related messaging from institutional bodies.

Innovations in Aquaculture Technology and Market Access in Sub-Saharan Africa

Aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and plants in controlled environments, addressing global demands for seafood while supplementing natural fish stocks and supporting food security initiatives worldwide. Aquaculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is pivotal for addressing food security challenges and fostering economic growth amidst a rapidly growing population. This article reviews the transformative role of technological innovations, sustainable practices, and market access strategies in advancing aquaculture across the region. Technological advancements such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and improved breeding techniques are enhancing productivity and sustainability. Sustainable practices like integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) promote resource efficiency and environmental integrity. Market access initiatives, including infrastructure development and value chain innovations, are critical for connecting small-scale producers with markets and improving economic returns. The methodology employed in writing this review article involved synthesizing recent literature on aquaculture innovations, sustainability practices, and market dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa, drawing from peer-reviewed sources and recent publications to present a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. By embracing these innovations and practices, Sub-Saharan Africa can strengthen food security, support economic development, and promote sustainable aquaculture while conserving natural resources. Keywords: Aquaculture, Sub-Saharan Africa, Technological innovations, Sustainable practices, Market access.

Advances in Vertical Farming: Opportunities and Challenges

Vertical farming has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of food security, sustainability, and urbanization in the 21st century. This innovative approach to agriculture involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled environments, optimizing space, resources, and yields. Vertical farming represents a significant innovation in agriculture, designed to meet the challenges of urban food production with enhanced efficiency and sustainability. This study examines recent technological advancements in vertical farming, emphasizing methods such as automation. By growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled environments, vertical farming maximizes space utilization and minimizes resource consumption. The results indicate substantial improvements in crop yields and quality, along with reduced water and pesticide use. Additionally, the proximity of vertical farms to urban centers shortens supply chains, lowering transportation costs and carbon emissions. The discussion highlights the economic benefits, including year-round production and premium pricing for pesticide-free produce, alongside the challenges of high initial investments and energy demands. The environmental impacts are also considered, noting significant reductions in land use and water consumption compared to traditional farming. This review underscores the potential of vertical farming to contribute to global food security and sustainable urban development, while addressing the need for further research and collaboration to overcome existing barriers. The findings suggest that continued innovation and supportive policies are crucial for the widespread adoption and success of vertical farming practices.

Ozone Treatment as a Sustainable Alternative for Suppressing Blue Mold in Mandarins and Extending Shelf Life

Citrus fruits, particularly mandarins, are highly valued globally for their nutritional benefits and versatile culinary uses. However, the challenge of post-harvest decay, primarily due to blue mold (Penicillium italicum) infections, results in significant food losses and necessitates effective preservation strategies. Traditional methods often rely on fungicides, raising concerns about chemical residues and environmental impact. This study investigates the efficacy of ozone as an alternative approach to controlling blue mold in mandarins. Various gaseous ozone treatments were tested, including single, double, and triple treatments, with durations ranging from 10 to 60 min and concentrations from 3.3 to 20 ppm. Additionally, ozonated water treatments were evaluated with concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 ppm. To simulate a realistic infestation scenario, mandarins were artificially infected with P. italicum spores before undergoing both gaseous ozone and ozonated water treatments. The storage conditions for the mandarins were meticulously controlled, maintaining a humidity level of 50–60% and a temperature range of 10–12 °C. Each fruit was analyzed, and the presence of P. italicum infection was determined two and three weeks after the ozonation. Results indicated that ozone treatments significantly reduced mold growth, with gaseous ozone demonstrating efficacy rates up to 97.5% and ozonated water treatments achieving preservation rates between 95% and 97%. These results underscore ozone’s potential as a safe, efficient, and sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides, offering promising solutions for extending the shelf life of mandarins. Further research is recommended to optimize ozone treatment parameters, assess long-term effects on fruit quality and nutritional content, and refine application techniques to harness ozone’s potential in citrus fruit preservation fully. This approach not only addresses food security challenges but also aligns with global efforts to reduce chemical inputs in agriculture and promote environmentally sustainable practices.

Urban farming and food supply: A comparative review of USA and African cities

Urban farming plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges in both developed and developing regions. This comparative review explores the dynamics of urban farming and its impact on food supply in two diverse contexts: the United States (USA) and African cities. The study investigates the unique challenges and opportunities faced by urban farming initiatives in these regions, considering factors such as infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, and agricultural practices. In the USA, urban farming has gained momentum as a sustainable solution to enhance local food production and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. The analysis delves into the policies, technological advancements, and community engagement strategies that have contributed to the success of urban farming in American cities. Additionally, the study examines the integration of rooftop gardens, vertical farming, and community-supported agriculture in the USA's urban landscape. Conversely, African cities grapple with distinct challenges in implementing and sustaining urban farming practices. The review explores the impact of rapid urbanization, limited resources, and diverse climatic conditions on the feasibility of urban agriculture in African contexts. Strategies such as community empowerment, micro-financing, and knowledge sharing are examined to understand their role in overcoming obstacles and fostering resilient urban farming systems. Keywords: Urban Farming, Food Supply, Sustainable Agriculture, USA, African Cities, Urbanization, Community Engagement, Agricultural Practices, Food Security, Comparative Analysis.

Research on the Temporal and Spatial Changes and Driving Forces of Rice Fields Based on the NDVI Difference Method

Rice is a globally important food crop, and it is crucial to accurately and conveniently obtain information on rice fields, understand their spatial patterns, and grasp their dynamic changes to address food security challenges. In this study, Chongqing’s Yongchuan District was selected as the research area. By utilizing UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to collect multi-spectral remote sensing data during three seasons, the phenological characteristics of rice fields were analyzed using the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). Based on Sentinel data with a resolution of 10 m, the NDVI difference method was used to extract rice fields between 2019 and 2023. Furthermore, the reasons for changes in rice fields over the five years were also analyzed. First, a simulation model of the rice harvesting period was constructed using data from 32 sampling points through multiple regression analysis. Based on the model, the study area was classified into six categories, and the necessary data for each region were identified. Next, the NDVI values for the pre-harvest and post-harvest periods of rice fields, as well as the differences between them, were calculated for various regions. Additionally, every year, 35 samples of rice fields were chosen from high-resolution images provided by Google. The thresholds for extracting rice fields were determined by statistically analyzing the difference in NDVI values within the sample area. By utilizing these thresholds, rice fields corresponding to six harvesting regions were extracted separately. The rice fields extracted from different regions were merged to obtain the rice fields for the study area from 2019 to 2023, and the accuracy of the extraction results was verified. Then, based on five years of rice fields in the study area, we analyzed them from both temporal and spatial perspectives. In the temporal analysis, a transition matrix of rice field changes and the calculation of the rice fields’ dynamic degree were utilized to examine the temporal changes. The spatial changes were analyzed by incorporating DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data. Finally, a logistic regression model was employed to investigate the causes of both temporal and spatial changes in the rice fields. The study results indicated the following: (1) The simulation model of the rice harvesting period can quickly and accurately determine the best period of remote sensing images needed to extract rice fields. (2) The confusion matrix shows the effectiveness of the NDVI difference method in extracting rice fields. (3) The total area of rice fields in the study area did not change much each year, but there were still significant spatial adjustments. Over the five years, the spatial distribution of gained rice fields was relatively uniform, while the lost rice fields showed obvious regional differences. In combination with the analysis of altitude, it tended to grow in lower areas. (4) The logistic regression analysis revealed that gained rice fields tended to be found in regions with convenient irrigation, flat terrain, lower altitude, and proximity to residential areas. Conversely, lost rice fields were typically located in areas with inconvenient irrigation, long distance from residential areas, low population, and negative topography.

Reviewing the impact of climate change on global food security: Challenges and solutions

This review examines the intricate relationship between climate change and global food security, elucidating the challenges posed by climate variability and exploring potential solutions to mitigate its adverse effects. Climate change presents formidable obstacles to food security worldwide, disrupting agricultural productivity, exacerbating food shortages, and deepening malnutrition. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, coupled with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, threaten crop yields, livestock health, and food distribution networks, particularly in vulnerable regions. The review identifies key challenges confronting global food security in the context of climate change, including diminished agricultural productivity, heightened food price volatility, and heightened risks of food insecurity and malnutrition. It underscores the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, smallholder farmers, and low-income populations, who bear the brunt of environmental degradation and lack the resources to adapt. In response to these challenges, the review explores a range of solutions and strategies aimed at enhancing food security resilience in a changing climate. It discusses the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as agroforestry, crop diversification, and soil conservation, in bolstering the resilience of agricultural systems and improving resource efficiency. Additionally, the review highlights the significance of enhancing access to climate information, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and promoting gender equity in agriculture to foster inclusive and adaptive food systems. Furthermore, the review underscores the critical role of policy interventions, international collaboration, and community engagement in addressing climate-related food security challenges and advancing sustainable development goals. By integrating climate adaptation and mitigation measures into agricultural policies, promoting research and innovation, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, it is possible to build more resilient and equitable food systems that can withstand the impacts of climate change and ensure food security for all. In conclusion, the review emphasizes the urgency of concerted action to address the complex interplay between climate change and global food security. Through collective efforts and targeted interventions, it is feasible to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on food systems and pave the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future. Keywords: Impact, Climate Change, Global, Food Security, Challenges.

DWARF AND LESS TILLERS ON CHROMOSOME 3 promotes tillering in rice by sustaining FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER 1 expression.

Three key factors determine yield in rice (Oryza sativa): panicle number, grain number, and grain weight. Panicle number is strongly associated with tiller number. Although many genes regulating tillering have been identified, whether Dof proteins are involved in controlling plant architecture remains unknown. The dwarf and less tillers on chromosome 3 (dlt3) rice mutant produces fewer tillers than the wild type. We cloned DLT3, which encodes a Dof protein that interacts with MONOCULM 3 (MOC3) in vivo and in vitro and recruits MOC1, forming a DLT3-MOC3-MOC1 complex. DLT3 binds to the promoter of FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER 1 (FON1) to activate its transcription and positively regulate tiller number. The overexpression of MOC1, MOC3, or FON1 in the dlt3 mutant increased tiller number. Collectively, these results suggest a model in which DLT3 regulates tiller number by maintaining the expression of MOC1, MOC3, and FON1. We discovered that DLT3 underwent directional selection in the Xian/indica and Geng/japonica populations during rice domestication. To provide genetic resources for breeding varieties with optimal panicle numbers, we performed large-scale diversity sequencing of the 1,080-bp DLT3 coding region of 531 accessions from different countries and regions. Haplotype analysis showed that the superior haplotype, DLT3H1, produced the most tillers, while haplotype DLT3H6 produced the fewest tillers. Our study provides important germplasm resources for breeding super high-yielding rice varieties with combinations of superior haplotypes in different target genes, which will help overcome the challenge of food and nutritional security in the future.

Impact of technological advancement and greener energy on sustainable agriculture in Asia: Evidence from selected Asian countries

AbstractRegardless of major advancements in food production, Asia continues to confront severe food security challenges. Sustainable agriculture presents entirely new prospects by prioritizing the productive worth of human, social, and natural capital—all of which are abundant in Asian nations or can be replenished at a relatively low financial expense. This paper sets out to explore the role of technological innovation, renewable energy use, financial development, globalization, and institutional quality on the environmental sustainability of agriculture, measured by the greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector for top 10 agricultural economies of Asia from 1990 to 2019. To attain the above objective, we employ a variety of econometric models capable of accounting for cross‐sectional dependence, including the CS‐ARDL model and the Dumitrescu‐Hurlin Panel Granger Causality tests. The result indicates that technological innovation as well as the use of renewable energy can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector and thus contribute towards enhancing environmental performance of this sector in short and long run. Although globalization result is revealed to be positive, it turns out to be insignificant in both short and long run. Financial development exerts positive and significant effects on agricultural emissions while the institutional quality is found to be increasing the agricultural environmental performance. Finally, we provide policy recommendations based on the results of the study.

Implementation of Sustainable Agricultural Land Transfer Policy in Sidrap Regency

Agricultural land conversion is a crucial issue in facing the challenges of food security and natural resource conservation. Sidrap District, as one of the agricultural regions in Indonesia, faces significant pressure related to agricultural land conversion. Therefore, the implementation of local government supervision policies is very important. This research aims to analyse the implementation of local government supervision policies on agricultural land conversion in Sidrap Regency. This research uses a qualitative method with data sources from interviews, documentation, and observation. The data of this study used Nvivo 12 Plus to obtain relevant analyses. The findings of this study show that in the implementation of the policy to monitor the conversion of agricultural land in Sidrap District, there are two main approaches, namely preventive and repressive approaches, which work together to maintain the integrity of agricultural land. The preventive approach focuses on prevention efforts, while the repressive approach aims to enforce regulations with appropriate sanctions. In addition, determinant factors such as communication, resources, disposition and bureaucratic structure also play a crucial role in this overall process. With a holistic effort involving effective coordination between relevant agencies and improvements to these determinant factors, Sidrap district has the potential to maintain agricultural sustainability and food security in the future.

Spatial Differentiation and Environmental Controls of Land Consolidation Effectiveness: A Remote Sensing-Based Study in Sichuan, China

The increasing global population is leading to a decline in cropland per person, aggravating food security challenges. The global implementation of land consolidation (LC) has created new farmland and increased productivity. LC is a critical strategy in China for ensuring food security and gaining significant government support. This article investigates the impact of LC on farmland productivity in Sichuan Province in 2020. We utilize time series remote sensing data to analyze LC’s impact on farmland capacity. This study uses Sentinel and Landsat satellite data to calculate CumVI and assesses the LC project’s spatiotemporal evolution. To evaluate LC’s effectiveness, we create indexes for yield level and stability and employ Getis-Ord Gi* to identify spatial differentiation in LC’s impact. GeoDetector and GWR examine the impact of natural factors like elevation, slope, soil organic carbon, and rainfall on the effectiveness of LC. The research results show that: (1) After the implementation of LC, 55.51% of the project areas experienced significant improvements in agricultural productivity; the average increase rate of yield level is 7.74%; and the average increase rate of yield stability is 12.40%. Overall, LC is significant for improving farmland capacity. (2) The effectiveness of LC exhibits spatial differences and correlations in different areas. The main location for high-value agglomeration of yield levels is Nanchong City, while the northern part of Guangyuan City primarily hosts low-value agglomeration areas. (3) Natural conditions influence LC’s effectiveness. In terms of affecting the yield level of LC, the driving factors from high to low are SOC, elevation, slope, and rainfall. In terms of affecting the yield stability of LC, the driving factors, from high to low, are elevation, SOC, slope, and rainfall. LC’s effectiveness is influenced by different natural conditions that have different effects.

The Sweet Gains of Diversification: A Review of Intercropping Benefits in Sugarcane Farming

Sugarcane farming, a cornerstone of the global sugar and bioenergy industries, has seen a surge in interest in recent years due to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. One such practice, intercropping, is becoming increasingly recognized for its potential to transform the dynamics of sugarcane cultivation. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable agriculture and food security, the adoption of intercropping in sugarcane farming stands as a promising strategy. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of diversification in enhancing the resilience and prosperity of sugarcane farming while contributing to global agricultural sustainability. It underscores the pivotal role of intercropping in sugarcane cultivation, not only in augmenting crop yields and farmer livelihoods but also in fostering soil resilience and health.

Enhancing women's empowerment as an effective strategy to improve food security in rural Bangladesh: a pathway to achieving SDG-2

IntroductionWomen play an important role in maintaining household food security; unfortunately, their food security is frequently neglected. This type of phenomenon has become common in developing nations such as Bangladesh, particularly in its rural areas. The objective of this study is to investigate the variables that lead to the empowerment of rural women and its impact on their food security. In acknowledging women's significant contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG-2)- Zero Hunger, this study investigates how access to resources, social support, and policy perceptions impact women's empowerment and food security.MethodsA total of 480 rural women from the southern part of Bangladesh were questioned, and their responses were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.ResultsWe found that access to resources, social support, and policy perceptions explain 74% of women's empowerment variance and women's empowerment explains 70% variance of women's food security. Access to resources and social support has significant positive impacts on women's empowerment. However, policy perceptions have a positive but not significant impact on women's empowerment. We also observed that women's empowerment significantly improved their food security.Practical implicationsTo empower women and improve their food security, the accessibility of resources and support from social networks must be improved. The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening the government's policies, which aim to improve the livelihood conditions of vulnerable people through regular monitoring to overcome underlying obstacles. Our study offers empirical data that policymakers can use to address complex food affordability and security challenges during global crises, enabling the achievement of SDG-2 in rural areas of Bangladesh and similar societies.

Sensing Technologies and Automation: Revolutionizing Aquaculture toward Sustainability and Resilience

Given the aquaculture industry’s role at the forefront of addressing food security challenges facing the growing global population, the aquaculture sector also encounters various constraints that can impact its productivity, sustainability and resilience. These constraints including environmental issues, diseases, high reliance on the workforce and competition for water resources. This review provides an overview of the roles of sensing and automation technologies in revolutionizing aquaculture toward sustainability and resilience. Innovations in sensing and automation stand out as among the critical game-changing advancements that are transforming the way aquaculture industry operates. Intelligent sensing technologies offer major advantages in monitoring the environment, animal behavior and growth, as well as early detection of diseases. By integrating advanced smart sensing devices, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and automated response devices, aquaculture operations can be observed and managed remotely in real-time, leading to enhanced productivity, efficiency, resource utilization, environmental friendliness, reduced workforce dependency and competition over water. Through these revolutionary innovations, the aquaculture industry fosters a more sustainable and resilient future while contributing toward food security. Collaborative engagement of all stakeholders is crucial in realizing the full potential of sensing and automation innovations in aquaculture.

The Impact of Mulches and Biofertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea L. Var. Italica): A Comprehensive Review

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a widely cultivated vegetable known for its nutritional benefits and economic importance. In present years there has been a growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices which enhances the productivity while minimizing the environmental impacts. Mulching and biofertilization has become a promising and an impactful agro-technique to improve the soil health, nutrient availability and water retention. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the mulches and biofertilizer on the growth and yield of broccoli. Various types of mulches including the organic (e.g. Straw, rice husk, saw dust etc.) and inorganic mulches (e.g. Plastic film) have been studied for their impact on soil temperature moderation, moisture conservation, suppression of weed and nutrient retention. Similarly, biofertilizers as Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria, VAM, Azotobacter chroococcum, A. vinelandi, Derxia sp., B. megaterium, B. lichenformis, and Bacillus subtilis bacteria etc. have been investigated for their ability to enhance plant growth and yield. This review underscores the importance of integrated approaches that harness the synergistic benefits of mulches and biofertilizers to maximize the growth and yield of broccoli while minimizing environmental footprints in agriculture. Such strategies hold promises for advancing sustainable food production systems and meeting the challenges of global food security and climate changes.

Enhancing Food Security through Improved Regional Transportation Infrastructure in ECOWAS

Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for developing nations, prompting initiatives like the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and Agenda 2030 to prioritise food security. In this context, regional transportation infrastructure is crucial for West Africa's economic development and growth. Notable advancements have reduced transportation times for goods, yet there is an urgent need to establish reliable transport infrastructure to ensure food security. This paper uses qualitative methods and secondary sources to investigate contemporary trends in regional transport infrastructure and its impact on food security in ECOWAS. It analyses challenges, opportunities, and potential strategies for improvement. The paper concludes that a multifaceted approach, including strengthened transportation infrastructure and effective monitoring and evaluation, is essential for addressing food security challenges in West Africa.

Textural features for BLB disease damage assessment in paddy fields using drone data and machine learning: Enhancing disease detection accuracy

Detecting Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) in paddy fields is a critical challenge in Indonesia, where the disease poses a significant threat to rice production by reducing the photosynthetic ability and ultimately compromising plant productivity. This study explored the effectiveness of using drone-acquired data for textural analysis in paddy fields in West Java, with the aim of improving BLB detection by integrating textural and thermal characteristics. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, we combined drone data to assess different levels of damage caused by BLB. The normalized difference texture index, derived from the Haralick textural features, was employed as a key predictor. Our findings demonstrate that the inclusion of textural features markedly enhances disease detection accuracy compared with traditional methods based solely on spectral indices. Specifically, the random forest algorithm, which integrates texture and vegetation indices, achieved an impressive classification accuracy of 0.984. This innovative approach offers a robust, non-invasive solution for detecting BLB, significantly contributing to the protection of crop yields and addressing global food security challenges. This study underscores the potential of advanced remote sensing technologies and machine learning to revolutionize agricultural disease management.

Animal Behaviour Packs a Punch: From Parasitism to Production, Pollution and Prevention in Grazing Livestock.

Behaviour is often the fundamental driver of disease transmission, where behaviours of individuals can be seen to scale up to epidemiological patterns seen at the population level. Here we focus on animal behaviour, and its role in parasite transmission to track its knock-on consequences for parasitism, production and pollution. Livestock face a nutrition versus parasitism trade-off in grazing environments where faeces creates both a nutritional benefit, fertilizing the surrounding sward, but also a parasite risk from infective nematode larvae contaminating the sward. The grazing decisions of ruminants depend on the perceived costs and benefits of the trade-off, which depend on the variations in both environmental (e.g., amounts of faeces) and animal factors (e.g., physiological state). Such grazing decisions determine the intake of both nutrients and parasites, affecting livestock growth rates and production efficiency. This impacts on the greenhouse gas costs of ruminant livestock production via two main mechanisms: (1) slower growth results in longer durations on-farm and (2) parasitised animals produce more methane per unit food intake. However, the sensitivity of behaviour to host parasite state offers opportunities for early detection of parasitism and control. Remote monitoring technology such as accelerometers can detect parasite-induced sickness behaviours soon after exposure, before impacts on growth, and thus may be used for targeting individuals for early treatment. We conclude that livestock host x parasite interactions are at the centre of the global challenges of food security and climate change, and that understanding livestock behaviour can contribute to solving both.