Food Security Challenges Research Articles

Integrated safety for sea and air transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Climate change and COVID-19 have disrupted food supply chains and exacerbated food security challenges (Rasul, 2021). The safety of sea and air transportation in food delivery is also a disruption that impacts logistics in the food value chain (Singh et al., 2021). Integration of sea and air transportation safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the impact of climate change on food supplies and the rapid spread of viruses through air travel, is essential to ensure that food distribution is not disrupted. The research investigates the response of countries and major international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The methodology used in the study was a systematic literature review (SLR) by identifying 875 journals in the first stage. Then, through strict screening, 50 articles were selected and further analyzed. Covering continents, specific countries, and important ports, the research uses quantitative databases such as the Scopus journal index. The study results reveal the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation and maritime sectors and its influence on global passenger and goods transportation. SLR’s findings also bring together insights from diverse research on safety integration across different modes of transportation during the pandemic. Research provides recommendations — climate-related changes for safe transportation, applicable in normal and pandemic circumstances. In conclusion, this article comprehensively explains maintaining a safe and efficient transportation network amidst complex challenges.

Economic Viability and Marketing Networks of Finger Millet in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is vital in global agriculture for its nutritional value, adaptability, & capacity to tackle food security challenges. Data was gathered during 2024 from farmers, local traders, wholesalers and retailers in three districts of the North coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, i.e., Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, & Visakhapatnam, to know the major marketing channels of finger millet. This study analyzes the cost structure and marketing margins in finger millet production across three channels, detailing each stage from farmers (net price Rs. 3300-3320 per quintal) to retailers. Channel 1 had a final retail price of Rs. 5000 with a margin of Rs. 1681, Channel 2 reached Rs. 5500 with a margin of Rs. 2000, and Channel 3 peak at Rs. 6500 with a margin of Rs. 3170. Additionally, it details the costs per acre, with a gross return of Rs. 37950 and a net return of Rs. 1471, revealing a return per rupee of 1.04. The findings highlight the impact of each marketing stage on consumer prices.

Challenges of Implementing Anchor Borrower Programme for Food Security in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

In recent years, the Nigerian government has intensified efforts to address food security challenges by implementing various initiatives aimed at encouraging local food production and restricting the importation of certain agricultural products, such as rice produced abroad. However, the implementation of these policies faces significant challenges. This study examines the obstacles to implementing the ‘Anchor Borrowers Rice Programme’ for small holder rice farmers in Nasarawa State, using the Diffusion of Innovation Theory as a theoretical framework. Employing a survey research design, the study gathered primary and secondary data through questionnaires, interviews, and a literature review. The analysis revealed that while the programme has effectively increased rice accessibility, several barriers persist. Environmental challenges, including climate variability and pest infestations, pose substantial risks to crop yields. Inadequate funding limits the resources available to farmers, leading to disruptions in agricultural cycles and reduced yields. Additionally, infrastructure and logistics issues, along with administrative and bureaucratic problems, further complicate program execution. To address these challenges, it is recommended to allocate sufficient funding and resources to the programme, including increasing initial capital for farmers and ensuring the timely disbursement of funds. Investing in sustainable agricultural practices and financial support mechanisms, such as promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing water management strategies, and providing access to weather forecasting services, may help mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability and pest infestations. Furthermore, enhancing coordination between government agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders can streamline administrative processes and improve programme delivery efficiency.

Determination of Organizational and Economic Determinants of the Current State and Development Trends of Agricultural Producers in Poland and Ukraine

The experience of highly developed countries proves that agricultural producers are one of the stabilizing factors of the socio-economic relations of states as a whole. In the context of effective management of agricultural producers in Ukraine and Poland, it is important to find out the features and trends of their modern development. A number of tools have been involved to stimulate the development of agriculture, which include: improvement of institutional support; infrastructure development of rural areas; implementation of financial instruments for the development of agriculture; provision of personnel at agricultural producers. The subject of our economic research interests is the characterization of organizational and economic determinants and a comparison of the development trends of agricultural production in Poland and Ukraine in the context of modern food security challenges. The results of the calculations can be taken into account for operational and strategic planning of the behaviour of agricultural producers. The aim of the investigation is to outline the development trends of agricultural producers in Ukraine and Poland and to develop approaches to ensure their effective functioning. A systematic approach to the study of conditions and factors that comprehensively affect the development of agricultural producers has been applied. The research uses a comparative analysis of the main economic indicators of the activity of agricultural producers in Ukraine and Poland. A comprehensive approach allowed us to conduct a study of the main indicators of the activity of agricultural producers with the inclusion in their production activity of the entire set of social and production components. The study confirms the better performance of the Polish agricultural sector than the Ukrainian one in 2010-2020. It suggests potential benefits from the use of Polish experiences by Ukrainian producers. Integration processes are characteristic of all sectors of the economy, but in agriculture, based on the specifics of the sector, and as the experience of enterprises in Poland and the Lublin Voivodeship shows, provide positive results, both for agricultural producers themselves and for society as a whole.

Crop Intensification through Short Duration Stress-Tolerant Rice Varieties with Green Gram for Fostering Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability

Rice stands as a critical cornerstone in the pursuit of food security due to its unparalleled significance as a staple crop for billions of people worldwide. Rice in India, is cultivated within diverse cropping systems that harness the nation's rich agro-climatic variations. Eastern India has emerged as a significant contributor to the country's overall rice production. Nevertheless, most of the existing cropping systems of rice in this region suffer from some drawbacks, primarily due to monoculture practices and limited crop diversity. An experiment was conducted in the Eastern Indian State of Odisha to evaluate the efficiency and profitability of promoting a rice-green gram-rice cropping system. The experiment consists of two major interrelated interventions viz., awareness regarding short-duration stress-tolerant rice varieties (STRV) and the introduction of the new crop for higher economic returns. Varietal awareness programs were organized before the onset of the wet season of 2020 and the potential benefits of cultivating STRV over the popular traditional cultivars were communicated to the target farmers, besides advocating the rice-green gram-rice cropping system. The study employed a field experiment design to compare the performance of existing and new cropping systems. The impact evaluation was carried out after recording the comments of the farmers followed by a thorough comparison between the new and existing cropping systems. The available evidence suggests that the introduced short-duration STRVs are better than the already existing varieties and have the potential to change the cropping system of the region. The most desirable trait of these varieties as reported by the farmers is their short maturity duration. The results do unequivocally demonstrate the superior performance of the new cropping system over the existing system in terms of crop yield, diversification, and profitability. This remarkably underscores the potential of the new system to address food security challenges and enhance agricultural productivity.

Optimizing Bio-fertilizers to Address Food Security and Advance Nutritional Sustainability

This chapter delves into the pivotal role of biofertilizers as a sustainable solution in addressing the intertwined challenges of food security and nutrition. Biofertilizers, derived from beneficial microorganisms, offer a promising alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers, enhancing soil fertility, crop productivity, and overall ecosystem health. The abstract explores the multifaceted benefits of biofertilizers in bolstering agricultural yields, improving soil health, and fostering nutrient-rich crops, consequently contributing to a more resilient and nourishing global food system. Additionally, it examines the hurdles and opportunities in widespread adoption, emphasizing the necessity for continued research, technological innovation, and comprehensive educational initiatives to maximize their potential impact on sustainable agriculture and human nutrition.

Nanotechnology Applications in the Production of Sustainable Agricultural Products: A Comprehensive Review

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field with immense potential for various scientific disciplines, including plant sciences. In recent years, nanotechnology has revolutionized the way we study and manipulate plants, providing new tools and strategies to enhance crop productivity, improve disease resistance, and address environmental challenges. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the applications of nanotechnology in plant sciences, highlighting its impact on plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. Furthermore, the article explores various nanomaterials and nanotechniques employed in plant science research, along with their advantages and limitations. Additionally, the potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials in plants are discussed, emphasizing the need for responsible and sustainable nanotechnology practices. Overall, this review underscores the transformative potential of nanotechnology in addressing the global challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture.

- Invited Review - Translational gut microbiome research for strategies to improve beef cattle production sustainability and meat quality.

Advanced and innovative breeding and management of meat-producing animals are needed to address the global food security and sustainability challenges. Beef production is an important industry for securing animal protein resources in the world and meat quality significantly contributes to the economic values and human needs. Improvement of cattle feed efficiency has become an urgent task as it can lower the environmental burden of methane gas emissions and the reduce the consumption of human edible cereal grains. Cattle depend on their symbiotic microbiome and its activity in the rumen and gut to maintain growth and health. Recent developments in high-throughput omics analysis (metagenome, metatranscriptome, metabolome, metaproteome and so on) have made it possible to comprehensively analyze microbiome, hosts and their interactions and to define their roles in affecting cattle biology. In this review, we focus on the relationships among gut microbiome and beef meat quality, feed efficiency, methane emission as well as host genetics in beef cattle, aiming to determine the current knowledge gaps for the development of the strategies to improve the sustainability of beef production.

- Invited Review - Chemical signalling within the rumen microbiome.

Ruminants possess a specialized four-compartment forestomach, consisting of the reticulum, rumen, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen, the primary fermentative chamber, harbours a dynamic ecosystem comprising bacteria, protozoa, fungi, archaea, and bacteriophages. These microorganisms engage in diverse ecological interactions within the rumen microbiome, primarily benefiting the host animal by deriving energy from plant material breakdown. These interactions encompass symbiosis, such as mutualism and commensalism, as well as parasitism, predation, and competition. These ecological interactions are dependent on many factors, including the production of diverse molecules, such as those involved in quorum sensing (QS). QS is a density-dependent signalling mechanism involving the release of autoinducer (AIs) compounds, when cell density increases AIs bind to receptors causing the altered expression of certain genes. These AIs are classified as mainly being N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL; commonly used by Gram-negative bacteria) or autoinducer-2 based systems (AI-2; used by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria); although other less common AI systems exist. Most of our understanding of QS at a gene-level comes from pure culture in vitro studies using bacterial pathogens, with much being unknown on a commensal bacterial and ecosystem level, especially in the context of the rumen microbiome. A small number of studies have explored QS in the rumen using 'omic' technologies, revealing a prevalence of AI-2 QS systems among rumen bacteria. Nevertheless, the implications of these signalling systems on gene regulation, rumen ecology, and ruminant characteristics are largely uncharted territory. Metatranscriptome data tracking the colonization of perennial ryegrass by rumen microbes suggest that these chemicals may influence transitions in bacterial diversity during colonization. The likelihood of undiscovered chemicals within the rumen microbial arsenal is high, with the identified chemicals representing only the tip of the iceberg. A comprehensive grasp of rumen microbial chemical signalling is crucial for addressing the challenges of food security and climate targets.

Land cover change analysis of buffer areas in New Capital City of Nusantara, Indonesia: A cellular automata approach on satellite imageries data

The proposed plan to move Indonesia's capital city to the New Capital City of Nusantara in East Kalimantan Province undoubtedly requires careful efforts to ensure food supply for the population. Population migration to the new capital may pose a food security challenge. To address this fundamental issue, one of the most crucial approaches is to establish buffer areas that can support the food needs of the new capital. The currently existing official Area Sampling Frame survey conducted by the government to assess food vulnerability faced several limitations, including weather conditions, field terrain variations, and high cost. In this study, we propose the utilization of remote sensing satellite imagery data in buffer areas to analyze changes and predict future land cover, which can provide valuable data for assessing food availability. We investigate the integration of a Cellular Automata method with the two most popular analytical methods of classical Logistic Regression and data-driven Artificial Neural Networks, known as CA-LR and CA-ANN, to identify and map land cover changes in the new capital buffer zones. Our findings reveal that both combined methods, CA-LR and CA-ANN, yield fairly promising results, with correctness and kappa statistic values exceeding 80%. Prediction results indicate that buffer areas are predominantly covered by trees, while built-up areas are still limited. The flooded vegetation cover, including rice fields, is predicted to decrease by 2024. This should be a matter of concern for stakeholders, considering the construction of the new capital city is still ongoing and the number of migrants is expected to keep rising.

Towards the New National Capital (IKN) in Indonesia: Premises and Challenges of Food Security

One of the successes of regional independence is food security. The essence of this paper dedicates the linkage between small and medium industry (SMI), population (Pop), food consumption (FC), and economic growth of agriculture, forestry and fisheries (EG_AFF) on food security (FS) towards a holistic New National Capital (IKN) in Indonesia. The comparative linear regression technique frames the data set starting from 2015 to 2021. Cross-regions that are qualified in “geospatial IKN” are focused into four clusters. From this analysis approach, it resulted in two important factors: (1) when SMI, Pop, FC, and EG_AFF increased, the simultaneous effect on FS increased; and (2) SMI has partial effect on FS in Balikpapan, Pop has partial effect on FS in Kutai Kartanegara, and FC has partial effect on FS in Balikpapan, Penajam Paser Utara (PPU), and Samarinda. This finding detects that SMI, Pop, FC, and EG_AFF guarantee food security in the short term. Finally, FC stimulates long-term food security in Balikpapan, PPU, and Samarinda, but has no implications in Kutai Kartanegara. The contemporary agenda is building an integrated agro-industrial system, considering alternative suggestions related to food productivity, and revitalizing revolutionary public facilities to separate food production centers from the new central government zone.

Інноваційні засади публічної політики у сфері продовольчої безпеки в Україні: аналіз сучасного стану та рекомендації для України

The article is devoted to studying innovative principles of public policy in Ukraine's food security sphere. The author analyzed the current state and challenges of food security in Ukraine due to globalization, military conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other threats. The author also considered the main directions and tools of public policy aimed at ensuring food security at the national and regional levels, as well as Ukraine's contribution to global food security. The research used comparative analysis, statistical analysis, case study, and SWOT analysis methods. Food security affects the development of countries and the world. Ukraine has the potential to improve it but faces challenges such as a low level of the economy, corruption, underfunding of education and science, weak state policy, and military aggression of Russia. A comprehensive and innovative strategy is needed to improve food security in Ukraine, which would consider all aspects of the food system. Ukraine can benefit from the experience of other countries that have successfully implemented innovative principles of public policy, such as Estonia, Israel, Singapore, and South Korea. Food security of Ukraine and the world in the conditions of war and pandemic is a dangerous scenario that requires an immediate and joint response from the international community. Based on the obtained results, the author developed recommendations and proposals for improving public policy in the sphere of food security in Ukraine, in particular regarding the creation of a national system of monitoring and early warning of food threats, development of sustainable agricultural production, diversification of production and markets, increasing competitiveness and innovativeness of cultural and creative industries, strengthening participation and accountability in the cultural sphere, as well as using the experience and best practices of other countries. It is necessary to show political will and leadership of the authorities and interested parties to improve the situation, introduce an effective system of monitoring and evaluation of food security using modern technologies, and implement innovative principles of public policy, which would contribute to the development of the agricultural sector, standards and safety of food products, information culture and awareness of the population. The article has theoretical and practical significance for researchers, practitioners, authorities, public organizations, and other interested parties who deal with food security issues in Ukraine and the world. Keywords: innovative principles, public policy, food security, Ukraine, competitiveness, analysis, current state, rec-ommendations, indicators, modeling, improvement.

Earth Observation-Based Rice Mapping Studies in Vietnamese Mekong Delta Compared to Global Context: A Bibliometric Analysis

A bibliometric study on mapping the rice cropping systems in VMD is crucial for understanding the trend of EO-based rice mapping and how remote sensing technologies are essential to address the food security issue in the region. This article presents an overview of Earth observation (EO)-based rice mapping strategies since 1979, prioritizing the scope of data, approaches, and techniques derived from 3700 research articles worldwide and contrasting them with the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). Various quantitative analyses were conducted through bibliometric analysis using the VOS viewer and Scopus database. Optical images, particularly the Landsat (~16%) and MODIS (~12%) time series datasets, were the most commonly utilized globally. MODIS data (~31%) had the highest share in the VMD context, followed by Landsat data (~19%), while Sentinel series (~13% for global and ~16% for VMD) data became more popular in recent years. Research on rice mapping using UAVs has been gradually creeping into rice mapping research globally, but a gap is yet to be filled in the VMD. The most widely used approaches for rice mapping globally were Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Principal Component Analysis. Spectral indices like EVI, NDVI, and RVI were commonly used for rice mapping and monitoring. The findings underscore the critical role of EO-based rice mapping studies in the VMD in addressing sustainability and food security challenges.

Towards Global Food Security: Vertical Farming as an Innovative Solution

Vertical farming is becoming the focus of attention as an innovative solution to the challenge of global food security. Urbanization and rapid population growth give rise to the need for efficient agricultural approaches to land use. This research aims to investigate the potential and impact of vertical farming on global food security through a descriptive qualitative approach. The data used in the research comes from various relevant previous research and studies. This research method involves the process of collecting data from scientific literature and previous studies, which are then processed by researchers to produce relevant findings. Through descriptive qualitative analysis, this research highlights the contribution of land use efficiency, adaptation to urban environments, and integration of advanced technologies in the context of vertical farming. The results of this research then found that vertical farming is not only an alternative but also a significant step forward in the transformation of the global agricultural sector. Supportive agricultural regulations and policies, as well as adapting technology to the local environment, are critical challenges in implementing vertical farming. However, opportunities for developing innovations in vertical farming system design and active stakeholder involvement provide a strong foundation for the growth of this industry. This research highlights that vertical farming has great potential to have a positive impact on global food security, by understanding and overcoming existing challenges.

Millets: The Nourishing Solution to Food Security Challenges Over Cereal-Based Cropping Systems

A heightened emphasis on augmenting millet production and accentuating their nutritional benefits is pivotal in mitigating reliance on conventional crops, fostering dietary diversity, and enhancing food security, particularly in times of natural calamities when food scarcity is prevalent. The United Nations General Assembly has designated the year 2023 as the International Year of Millet. Millets hailed as 'superfoods,' boast high levels of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. India stands as a major contributor, producing 80% of Asia's millets and 20% globally, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Statistics reveal that over 90 million individuals in Africa and Asia incorporate millets into their diets, with Africa accounting for more than 55% of global production, followed by Asia at nearly 40%, while Europe constitutes approximately three per cent of the worldwide market. Specifically in India, West Bengal adheres to a predominantly monocultural cropping system, predominantly focused on rice. Monoculture systems are highly susceptible to blights and pests due to their lack of diversity, leading to reduced soil fertility and compromised soil structure. Cultivating millets not only offers a viable solution by diminishing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides but also facilitates a transition towards sustainable agriculture. This involves diversifying crop rotations and steering clear of the pitfalls associated with mono-cropping systems. Introducing various millet types into cropping systems can significantly enhance food security. Each millet variant possesses unique qualities that enable them to withstand extreme climatic conditions, making them particularly relevant as adaptive measures in the current context of global warming and climate change issues.

Development of a nutritious cereal-based instant porridge by the incorporation of protein-rich insect powder – An example from Zimbabwe

Maize in Zimbabwe lacks essential nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc. This study explored alternative ingredients, including climate smart cereals used in porridge, to address this issue. A fortified porridge was developed by adding mopane worm powder, known for its high protein content. Consumer analysis in the UK and Zimbabwe confirmed acceptability of the fortified porridge. The study also assessed the nutritional quality by examining protein, iron, and zinc bioaccessibility after digestion. Results showed a significant increase in the porridge's nutritional profile. A 20 kg child consuming a 50 g portion of the fortified porridge had a potential 230 % increase in protein uptake and 164 % and 109 % increases in iron and zinc uptake, respectively. Acknowledging dietary diversity and use of local raw materials, the study concludes that food-to-food fortification offers a recommended and sustainable solution to address food security challenges in sub-Saharan African nations.

Herders-Farmers Conflicts over Farmlands: Implications for Human and Food Security in Nigeria

Farmers and herders conflicts have remained an issue of public discourse in recent years, due to the violent dimensions the confrontations have taken. There are cases of human killings, destruction of farms and violent retaliations between herders and farmers in various parts of Nigeria. These have often contributed to human and food security challenges. While the native farmers accuse the nomadic herders of allowing their cows to destroy cultivated crops, the herders point accusing fingers at the farmers for blocking grazing routes. As a result, the groups are found in perpetual violent conflicts, leading to destruction of lives and properties. The attendant implication of this development has always been shortage of farm produce, leading to food insecurity. The study examined how struggles between nomadic herders and crop farmers have threatened human and food security in Nigeria. The study relied on secondary data and employed environmental/resources scarcity theory as a framework of analysis. The study concluded that there is need for the Nigerian government to review the existing laws as they relate to accessibility to land by members of community and strangers.

Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming

This research paper investigates the intersection of sustainable development and vertical farming, aiming to address the growing global challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. Vertical farming represents an innovative agricultural approach with the potential to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of food production while ensuring a stable supply of fresh produce. The study examines the environmental benefits, resource efficiency, and economic viability of vertical farming practices. It also explores the social and policy implications of integrating vertical farming into urban environments. By analyzing current developments in the field, this research provides valuable insights into the role of vertical farming in achieving sustainable food production and the broader goals of sustainable development.

Differential infection behavior of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype I and II in the upper respiratory tract

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a substantial threat to pig populations worldwide, contributing to economic disruption and food security challenges. Its spread is attributed to the oronasal transmission route, particularly in animals with acute ASF. Our study addresses the understudied role of nasal mucosa in ASFV infection, using a nasal explant model. The explants remained viable and revealed a discernible ASFV infection in nasal septum and turbinates post-inoculation. Interestingly, more infected cells were found in the turbinates despite its thinner structure. Further analyses showed (i) a higher replication of genotype II strain BEL18 than genotype I strain E70 in the epithelial cell layer, (ii) a preference of ASFV infection for the lamina propria and a tropism of ASFV for various susceptible cell types in different areas in the nasal mucosa, including epithelial cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Using porcine respiratory epithelial cells (PoRECs), isolated from nasal tissue, we found a difference in infection mechanism between the two genotypes, with genotype I favoring the basolateral surface and genotype II preferring the apical surface. Moreover, disruption of intercellular junctions enhanced infection for genotype I. This study demonstrated that ASFV may use the respiratory mucosa for entry using different cell types for replication with a genotype difference in their infection of respiratory epithelial cells.

Climatic variability and its impact on the indigenous agricultural system using panel data analysis in the Sikkim Himalaya, India.

Climate-induced extreme events with fluctuations in climatic indicators like temperature and precipitation highly influence crop productivity. This study deals with quantitative analysis of climatic variability and crop production (1990-2018) using panel data regression analysis. The focus is on variability of three crops, i.e., paddy, maize, and wheat in the Rangit river basin of Sikkim Himalaya, India. Meterological data were acquired from the Indian Meteorological Department, agricultural data from the state agricultural department and a field survey were also conducted with the farmers, using a structured questionnaire, focused group discussion, and key informant observations. The acquired data was analyzed with the help of correlation and multiple linear regression analysis to analyze the relationship between climatic variability and crop production. The result of the study shows that all three crops are dependent on rainfall; however, paddy was the most sensitive to climatic variability. It was found that the overall grain production had an inverse relation to temperature, but it had a positive correlation with rainfall. It was observed that there was a continuous decline in the overall production of paddy and wheat. During deficiency years, it was found that when - 11.33% rainfall was deficient, paddy yield declined by - 1.52%. Further, a deviation of - 13.48% led to a decline of - 54.78% in wheat. The study advocates that timely policy interventions and strategies shall reduce climatic shocks and improve productivity. This would strengthen the livelihood security of the local communities, overcome the challenges of food security, and ensure long-term sustainability of Rangit River basin.