Food Security Challenges Research Articles

A Best-Bet System of Rice Intensification and Poverty Alleviation in Zamfara State, Nigeria: A Mixed Method Analysis

CONTEXTZamfara State is impoverished due to low agricultural productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity. Research has explored System of Rice Intensification (SRI)’s agronomic benefits but not its monetary and non-monetary advantages for rural households in the State. OBJECTIVEThe study investigates the effectiveness of a best-bet SRI (BB-SRI) as a poverty alleviation strategy in Zamfara State by utilizing Bakolori Irrigation Scheme as a case study. The study's anticipated outcome is to provide insights that inform policies and practices in the agricultural sector. METHODA mixed-method approach, including survey and field experiment, was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 300 rice farming households, consisting of both users and non-users of BB-SRI in the BIS, Zamfara State. Foster-Greer-Thorbecke method with two poverty lines and a three-dimensional poverty index with three poverty cutoffs were used to analyze monetary and non-monetary poverty, respectively, while three impact parameters were estimated using two selection models. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONAgriculture is a critical sector in the BIS area of Zamfara State, Nigeria, but limited electricity and large household sizes pose challenges for productivity and food security. The BB-SRI farming method, which is costlier but yields more rice, has been found to increase revenue and profitability for farmers. Poverty incidence varies significantly depending on the production method used, with BB-SRI users experiencing lower poverty rates than traditional farming methods. BB-SRI reduces non-monetary poverty by 52% among its users in BIS and has the potential to decrease poverty by 16% if adopted by all rice farming households in the region. However, the monetary benefits mainly go to those near the upper monetary poverty line, with the poorest sector benefiting the least. While BB-SRI reduces monetary poverty incidence by 83% among its users, there is a 10% increase in extreme monetary poverty. The poverty alleviation impact of BB-SRI varies across different sectors, with some showing larger reductions than others. Overall, if all farmers used BB-SRI, monetary poverty incidence would decrease by 25%, with an actual reduction of 52% among its users. SIGNIFICANCETargeted policies can ensure disadvantaged communities benefit from SRI adoption, balancing trade-offs between increased yields and reduced off-farm work earnings. Poverty alleviation policies are needed to support vulnerable populations, as SRI adoption can improve food security and livelihoods. This research on SRI's impact on poverty reduction in Zamfara State and northern Nigeria contributes to sustainable agriculture literature and policy development.

Boosting Triticeae crop grain yield by manipulating molecular modules to regulate inflorescence architecture: insights and knowledge from other cereal crops.

One of the challenges for global food security is to reliably and sustainably improve the grain yield of cereal crops. One solution is to modify the architecture of the grain-bearing inflorescence to optimize for grain number and size. Cereal inflorescences are complex structures, with determinacy, branching patterns, and spikelet/floret growth patterns that vary by species. Recent decades have witnessed rapid advancements in our understanding of the genetic regulation of inflorescence architecture in rice, maize, wheat, and barley. Here, we summarize current knowledge on key genetic factors underlying the different inflorescence morphologies of these crops and model plants (Arabidopsis and tomato), focusing particularly on the regulation of inflorescence meristem determinacy and spikelet meristem identity and determinacy. We also discuss strategies to identify and utilize these superior alleles to optimize inflorescence architecture and, ultimately, improve crop grain yield.

Assessing cropland disagreement in Tanzania using machine learning methods with Sentinel-2 and Planet Scope imagery

ABSTRACT East Africa faces major land use pressures arising from the harsh effects of climate change and fast-increasing human populations. Recent efforts to increase food production in this region have focused on cropland mapping and approaches to improve yield. Generating accurate cropland maps provides critical support to inform policy, investment, and logistical decisions that address food security, but cropland disagreement assessment studies are lacking mostly due to the unavailability of fine-scale data. Understanding the inconsistent nature of pre-existing global cropland mapping products necessitates disagreement assessment as the most valuable urgent tool to align agricultural resource allocation and policy realignment to tackle food security challenges. This study evaluates cropland disagreement in Kilombero and Ulanga districts in Morogoro, Tanzania based on land use land cover (LULC) maps generated using machine learning methods and high-resolution PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 data sets acquired from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018. We created time-variant median composites and performed a three-step assessment; (i) generating multi-class LULC maps in Google Earth Engine, (ii) generating croplands and non-cropland LULC classes from the multi-class images, and (iii) assessing cropland disagreement based on GIS conditional statements. Results show minimal disagreement in mapping cropland based on higher-resolution PlanetScope and Sentinel-2. Results based on the Random Forests and Support Vector Machines relatively outperform those from Classification and Regression Trees achieving 93%, 89%, and 83% with PlanetScope and 91%, 86%, and 76% with Sentinel-2, respectively. On average, 73% of the pixels were consistently classified while 27% were misclassified between cropland and non-cropland classes. Prior unsupervised land cover cluster analysis may substantiate the quality of sampling for accurate land cover classification. Our results indicate that in data-sparse regions where confirmatory ground truth data are lacking, remotely sensed cropland identification may be more successful using Support Vector Machines on newer high-resolution imagery, thereby improving crop forecasts.

Mitigating climate change and pandemic impacts on global food security: dual sustainable agriculture approach (2S approach).

Simultaneous application of two sustainability approaches such as the application of biofertilizers to GM plants and microbe bioengineering to enhance physiological response and beneficial interaction with GM plants may have a significant impact on strengthening global food security amid climate change and the pandemic. The second sustainable development goal (SDG 02, Zero Hunger) aims global agricultural sustainability and food security challenges. The agriculture sector has been an integral part of developing countries for millions of farmers and their families. Their contribution provides stability of raw matter related to food availability. But climate change, higher population growth and worldwide pandemics are the main obstacles to food quality, higher crop productivity and global food security. Scientists are concerned with the manifestation of agriculture sustainability in the modern crop management approach to resolving the issues. It is the only way to higher yield productivity by protecting the environment, conservingnatural resources, and slowing climate change. Several strategies can be an option to implement, yet the proposed two sustainability approach or 2S approach will be the significant way toward the goal of zero hunger. The first sustainability approach is an application of genetically modified (S1: GMO) Plants and the other is an application of beneficiary plant growth-promoting microbes (S2: Biofertilizers) to the plants for both higher crops and maintenance of the environment. This study summarizes the essential points of S1 and S2 for the widespread utilization of the 2S approach in agriculture and recommends the potential alternatives to be implemented to produce food for all. Simultaneous application of the 2S approach can defeat all threats to gain sustainability in agriculture.

Rethinking food waste: Exploring a black soldier fly larvae-based upcycling strategy for sustainable poultry production

Food waste (FW) contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, burdens waste management systems, worsens food insecurity, and reduces biodiversity. Consequently, upcycling strategies must be refined to efficiently convert FW into valuable products. The utilization of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to convert FW into nutrient-rich insect meal for use in poultry diets is one such nascent strategy. This upcycling strategy has the potential to address food security challenges while reducing environmental impacts of both FW and poultry production systems. Indeed, innovations in BSFL production and the abundance of FW means that this strategy has a high potential for adoption and scaling up, despite a regulatory framework that lags in several countries. We analyse the suitability of various FW streams for BSFL and the insect's nutraceutical value for poultry. This strategy can resolve the global FW problem while contributing towards sustainable food production systems with minimal recourse to additional planetary resources.

Social gastronomy initiatives in Copenhagen, Denmark for food security, sustainability and health

Abstract Issue/problem Social gastronomy addresses the inclusion of socially marginalized communities in using food-related activities to improve the food system and nutrition. In Denmark, the project Green Sustainable Communities in a housing area in Copenhagen, aimed to develop social gastronomy methods, promote sustainable meals while empowering lower socio-economic households with sustainable, healthy, and affordable cooking practices. Interventions included community-based solutions e.g. meals, gardening, and food courses. Description of the problem Promoting sustainable diets with a low environmental impact contribute to food security and health for present and future generations (FAO, 2010). More households in affluent countries like Denmark are faced with food security challenges due to poverty and increasing expenses. Diabetes and marginalization are prevalent. The project engaged residents in food related activities to promote social wellbeing and sustainable meals. The project addressed food and garden activities relevant for specific groups of residents and ways of integrating sustainable cooking practices into community food practices. Results Solutions were local food initiatives to promote affordable, climate friendly and healthy diets using surplus food from retailers specifically fruits and vegetables combined with affordable legumes. Initiatives integrated community meals, food courses and urban gardening, increasing social wellbeing and improving nutrition. Lessons Combining people's own recipes with sustainable ones empowers and recognizes food cultures and skills related to sustainable meals. We used innovative collaboration between a housing organization and a nutrition education, where students collaborated with residents to create sustainable food practices. Key messages • Social gastronomy activities can inspire and increase access to healthy, sustainable, and affordable meals amongst low-income households. • Combining different food initiatives appeal to different target groups and inspire more sustainable and nutritious meals.

Visual Tools for Food Safety Assessment of Biotechnological Products

Food biotechnology, a revolutionary discipline, has transformed the way we produce, process and consume our food. It has enabled the development of new methods of crop genetic improvement, the creation of functional foods with health benefits, and the optimization of fermentation and food production processes. It has also provided innovative solutions to address the global challenges of food security and sustainability, while opening up new possibilities for nutrition and human health.

The Application of Artificial Intelligence Models for Food Security: A Review

Emerging technologies associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) have enabled improvements in global food security situations. However, there is a limited understanding regarding the extent to which stakeholders are involved in AI modelling research for food security purposes. This study systematically reviews the existing literature to bridge the knowledge gap in AI and food security, focusing on software modelling perspectives. The study found the application of AI models to examine various indicators of food security across six continents, with most studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. While research organisations conducting AI modelling were predominantly based in Europe or the Americas, their study communities were in the Global South. External funders also supported AI modelling research on food security through international universities and research institutes, although some collaborations with local organisations and external partners were identified. The analysis revealed three patterns in the application of AI models for food security research: (1) the exclusive utilisation of AI models to assess food security situations, (2) stakeholder involvement in some aspects of the AI modelling process, and (3) stakeholder involvement in AI modelling for food security through an iterative process. Overall, studies on AI models for food security were primarily experimental and lacked real-life implementation of the results with stakeholders. Consequently, this study concluded that research on AI, which incorporates feedback and/or the implementation of research outcomes for stakeholders, can contribute to learning and enhance the validity of the models in addressing food security challenges.

Decentralized Wetland-Aquaponics Addressing Environmental Degradation and Food Security Challenges in Disadvantaged Rural Areas: A Nature-Based Solution Driven by Mediterranean Living Labs

The Mediterranean region is highly vulnerable to climate change, soil and water resource degradation, and biodiversity loss. These challenges disproportionately affect disadvantaged rural areas, impacting both natural resources and the livelihoods of local agricultural societies. Urgent transformative measures are essential to address land and water management as well as food security challenges in these disadvantaged areas. Living labs are being called upon to play a key role in addressing these challenges through the development of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) that are able to provide environmental and socioeconomic benefits towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of this work is to provide insights on an open innovation ecosystem of Mediterranean Living Labs for the synergetic development and participatory assessment of decentralized wetland-aquaponics, as NbSs are able to address environmental and food security challenges in disadvantaged rural areas. The study addresses the knowledge gap of Living Labs contribution to the development of decentralized wetland-aquaponics and the limited research on small-scale aquaponics systems in rural Mediterranean settings, while revealing the role of public participation in ascertaining the solution and evaluating its feasibility and impacts in light of the local social values and interests in the mountainous area of Akkar al-Atika in Lebanon.

CRISPR-Cas9 Technology and its Impact on Plant Biology

CRISPR-Cas9 technology has emerged as a powerful tool for precise genome editing, revolutionizing various fields including plant biology. This abstract explores the impact of CRISPR-Cas9 on plant biology, focusing on its applications, challenges, and prospects. The versatility of CRISPR-Cas9 enables targeted modifications in plant genomes, facilitating crop improvement, nutritional enhancement, environmental adaptation, and bioremediation. By editing specific genes associated with desired traits, researchers can develop crops with increased yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and enhanced nutritional content. Moreover, CRISPR-Cas9 offers opportunities to engineer plants capable of thriving in changing environmental conditions and participating in environmental efforts. Despite its immense potential, CRISPR-Cas9 technology raises ethical, regulatory, and safety concerns. Addressing issues related to GMOs, environmental impacts, and off-target effects is crucial for the responsible and sustainable application of gene editing in plant biology, CRISPR-Cas9 technology holds promise for transforming agriculture and addressing global food security challenges. By navigating ethical and regulatory frameworks, researchers can harness its potential to create resilient, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable crops for future generations.

Pattern Recognition of Food Security in Indonesia Using Biclustering Plaid Model

Biclustering come in various algorithms, selecting the most suitable biclustering algorithm can be a challenging task. The performance of algorithms can vary significantly depending on the specific data characteristics. The Plaid model is one of popular biclustering algorithms, has gained recognition for its efficiency and versatility across various applications, including food security. Indonesia deals with complex food security challenges. The nation's unique geographic and socioeconomic diversity demands region-specific food security solutions. Identifying province-specific food security patterns is crucial for effective policymaking and resource allocation, ultimately promoting food sufficiency and stability at the regional level. This study assesses the performance of the Plaid model in identifying food security patterns at the provincial level in Indonesia. To optimize biclusters, we explore various parameter tuning scenarios (the choice of model, the number of layers, and the threshold value for row and column releases). The selection criteria are based on the change ratio of the initial matrix's mean square residue to the mean square residue of the Plaid model, the average mean square residue, and the number of biclusters. The constant column model was selected with a mean square residue change ratio of 0.52, an average mean square plaid model residue of 4.81, and it generates 6 overlapping biclusters. The results show each bicluster has unique characteristics. Notably, Bicluster 1 that consist of 2 provinces, exhibits the lowest food security levels, marked by variables X1, X2, X4, and X7. Furthermore, the variables X1, X4, and X7 consistently appear across several biclusters. This highlights the importance of prioritizing these three variables to improve the food security status of the regions.

Strategies for improving crop comprehensive benefits via a decision-making system based on machine learning in the rice-rape, rice-wheat and rice-garlic rotation systems in Southwest China

Rice-rape, rice-wheat and rice-garlic rotations are common cropping systems in Southwest China, and they have played a significant role in ensuring ecological and economic benefits (EB) and addressing the challenges of China's food security in the region. However, the crop yields in these rotation systems are 1.25-14.73% lower in this region than the national averages. Intelligent decision-making with machine learning can analyze the key factors for obtaining better benefits, but it has rarely been used to enhance the probability of obtaining such benefits from rotations in Southwest China. Thus, we used a data-intensive approach to construct an intelligent decision-making system with machine learning to provide strategies for improving the benefits of rice–rape, rice–wheat, and rice–garlic rotations in Southwest China. The results show that raising the yield and partial fertilizer productivity (PFP) by increasing seed input under high fertilizer application provided the optimal benefits with a 10% probability in the rice–garlic system. Obtaining high yields and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by increasing the N application and reducing the K application provided suboptimal benefits with an 8% probability in the rice–rape system. Reducing N and P to enhance PFP and yield provided optimal benefits with the lowest probability (8%) in the rice-wheat system. Based on the predictive analysis of a random forest model, the optimal benefits were obtained with fertilization regimes by reducing N by 25% and increasing P and K by 8 and 74%, respectively, in the rice–garlic system, reducing N and K by 54 and by 36%, respectively, and increasing P by 38% in rice–rape system, and reducing N by 4% and increasing P and K by 65 and 23% in rice–wheat system. These strategies could be further optimized by 17-34% for different benefits, and all of these measures can improve the effectiveness of the crop rotation systems to varying degrees. Overall, these findings provide insights into optimal agricultural inputs for higher benefits through an intelligent decision-making system with machine learning analysis in the rice–rape, rice-wheat, and rice–garlic systems.

Food security in ASEAN: progress, challenges and future

This article examines the progress, challenges and future of food security in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of ASEAN food systems, exacerbating existing challenges and vulnerabilities. With a focus on addressing the pressing issue of ensuring sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food for its growing population, the article explores the multifaceted challenges of food security faced by ASEAN. It emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to address the impact of climate change, investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural research, and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive agriculture for ASEAN’s long-term food security. It also underscores the importance of collaboration with international partners and organizations to leverage expertise and resources. Overall, this article calls to action policymakers, stakeholders and external partners to collectively work toward achieving food security and sustainable development in the region.

Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change: A Scoping Review

Since agricultural productivity is weather and climate-related and fundamentally depends on climate stability, climate change poses many diverse challenges to agricultural activities. The objective of this study is to review adaptation strategies and interventions in countries around the world proposed for implementation to reduce the impact of climate change on agricultural development and production at various spatial scales. A literature search was conducted in June–August 2023 using electronic databases Google Scholar and Scientific Electronic Library eLibrary.RU, seeking the key words “climate”, “climate change”, and “agriculture adaptation”. Sixty-five studies were identified and selected for the review. The negative impacts of climate change are expressed in terms of reduced crop yields and crop area, impacts on biotic and abiotic factors, economic losses, increased labor, and equipment costs. Strategies and actions for agricultural adaptation that can be emphasized at local and regional levels are: crop varieties and management, including land use change and innovative breeding techniques; water and soil management, including agronomic practices; farmer training and knowledge transfer; at regional and national levels: financial schemes, insurance, migration, and culture; agricultural and meteorological services; and R&D, including the development of early warning systems. Adaptation strategies depend on the local context, region, or country; limiting the discussion of options and measures to only one type of approach—"top-down” or “bottom-up”—may lead to unsatisfactory solutions for those areas most affected by climate change but with few resources to adapt to it. Biodiversity-based, or “ecologically intensive” agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture are low-impact strategies with strong ecological modernization of agriculture, aiming to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes while addressing the interrelated challenges of climate change and food security. Some adaptation measures taken in response to climate change may not be sufficient and may even increase vulnerability to climate change. Future research should focus on adaptation options to explore the readiness of farmers and society to adopt new adaptation strategies and the constraints they face, as well as the main factors affecting them, in order to detect maladaptation before it occurs.

Seventy years of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas L. (LAM)] research in South Africa

AbstractThe 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations puts forward a transformational vision to cope with food security, nutrition, and health challenges, in which sweet potato can play an important role. Globally, sweet potato production is valued at $53.83 billion. The Agricultural Research Council of South Africa (ARC) sweet potato research and development (R&D) program over the past seven decades delivered 31 genetically improved cultivars via demand‐led breeding, managed the collection and maintenance of 375 accessions, contributed toward the optimization of cultivation practices, developed crop protection and diagnostic services, and provided streamlined seed systems and technology transfer in processing and enterprise development. The ARC's work is part of a large number of interdependent global programs committed to improving livelihoods and nutrition through sweet potato. This review shares and analyses major achievements, highlights unique research contributions achieved through partnerships, and discusses bottlenecks on funding and uptake of technologies. New research imperatives will involve root phenotyping, employing marker‐based technologies, and genome‐wide association studies through new funding received recently. Exploration of the commercialization potential of processed products made from orange‐fleshed sweet potato will be a major focus of the R&D program. Expansion of partnerships, marketing, and financing will be important for future contribution of sweet potato to the economy.

What drives the acceptability of a sustainable food production technology? Modeling psychological factors

Innovative and resource-efficient food production technologies are essential to meet the food security and ecological challenges of the future. Understanding the psychological factors that determine the acceptability of ecologically more sustainable systems is crucial for the development of theoretically and empirically derived measures to minimize the risk of the public's rejection of such food production methods. Therefore, a questionnaire study was conducted using the multitrophic interconnected food production system CUBES Circle as object of investigation. CUBES Circle is a research project investigating an innovative farming technique that combines hydro- and aquaculture with insect farming in a controlled environment. A structural model was proposed based on the Technology Acceptance Framework and evaluated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Data collection was carried out in two waves: The first was used for scale development (N = 305) and the second for SEM (N = 485). Due to an unsatisfactory model fit of the initial model, it was adjusted based on theory- and data-driven considerations. The resulting model had a good model fit in both independent samples. The most important determinants of acceptance intentions were the perceived problem-solving efficacy of the technology (outcome efficacy), believed social pressure from relevant people (subjective norm), positive affect towards the technology and the trust in the stakeholders. This implies, for example, that stakeholders and policy makers aiming to increase acceptance are advised to focus on conveying the concrete way of how the technology is more sustainable instead of merely drawing attention to the problems associated with current food production methods.

Enhancing food security for refugees through land use planning and land banks

The global refugee crisis had placed a critical spotlight on the issue of food security for displaced populations. This article delved into an investigation of the pivotal roles that land use planning and land banks played in mitigating food security challenges among refugees. Often uprooted from their homes due to a range of hardships, refugees frequently found themselves in unfamiliar regions with limited access to resources and opportunities for livelihoods. Ensuring their food security became of paramount importance. The research question under scrutiny in this study held substantial relevance and had been the subject of scrutiny in numerous scholarly works. However, it was noteworthy that this research question remained relatively underexplored within the Ukrainian context. The study first discussed the pivotal role of land use planning in granting refugees access to arable land, diversifying their livelihoods, and developing essential infrastructure. Secondly, it underscored the importance of land banks in securing land rights for refugees, making investments in infrastructure development, and promoting responsible land resource management. This research underscored the pressing need to address food security among refugees on a global scale. It highlighted the significance of fostering self-sufficiency, economic empowerment, and long-term resilience through the implementation of land use planning and land banks. As the global refugee crisis continued to expand, the adoption of these strategies became increasingly imperative to support those in need and ensure a more secure future for displaced communities worldwide.

The 2022 mega heatwave in South Asia in the observed and projected future climate

The heatwave in 2022 in South Asia disrupted the lives of millions of people and posed challenges to human health, energy, water, and food security. However, mega heatwaves’ causes, impacts, and occurrence (like in 2022) remain largely unrecognized. Here, we analyzed the 2022 heatwave, its mechanisms, and future likelihood using observational datasets and climate model simulations. In the last few years, the frequency and duration of heatwaves have significantly increased in South Asia. South Asia faced five continuous heatwave spells that lasted about 35 d during late February and April 2022, affecting a large part of the region. The year 2022 heatwave was unprecedented that caused a deficit in soil moisture and crop yield. Moreover, our results show that the excessive radiative heating of arid and semi-arid regions resulted in a high geopotential height and low pressure in South Asia during the 2022 mega heatwave. The climate model simulations show that such mega heatwaves are projected to become more frequent under the warmer world, and their time of emergence could be as early as the 2030s under the highest emission scenario. Earlier occurrences of mega heatwaves in the future will pose considerable adaptation challenges for food and water security in the region.

Prospects of edible insects as sustainable protein for food and feed – a review

Abstract The residual population growth imposes an increase in food demand, driving humans to practice agricultural intensification on a large scale. Paradoxically, food and feed production may end up causing various environmental problems. At the same time, about 2.37 billion people in the World currently lack basic food security insurance. As a consequence, alternative sources that can substantially address the demand for food and feed sustainably are needed. Insect farming may offer an environmentally friendly solution for mitigating global food and feed challenges. The article aims to explore the potential of insects as sustainable food and feed sources while assessing their environmental impact, offering innovative solutions for global food security challenges. By highlighting the benefits of edible insects, the article supports informed decision-making and promotes sustainable practices. Mass production of edible insects has seen record growth over the decade, and their demand as future proteins is projected to reach up to 3 million tons in 2030. Additionally, insect farming is evidenced to be economically viable. To meet the demand for edible insects, a breakthrough such as the internet of things can be used to scale up production and processing. However, detailed environmental impact assessments are needed to predict scenarios of large-scale insect farming. Life cycle assessments of some edible insect production systems have validated that insect farming has various beneficial environmental impacts. The utilization of edible insects as food and feed is promising for significantly improving food security and the environmental sustainability of food.

Identifying Novel Motivation Phase-Specific Cessation Targets for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in the United States.

Of youth experiencing homelessness (YEH; 14-24 years old), 70%+ smoke combustible, commercial tobacco. Though many have tried to quit, most use ineffective methods. Drop-in centers for YEH are opportune places to link YEH to evidence-based treatment. Using the Phase-Based Model (PBM) for Cessation Research, the aim of this study was to identify "Motivation" phase-specific challenges impacting YEH's willingness to make a quit attempt-the goal of this cessation phase. Surveys were interview administered with 96 past-week combusted tobacco users accessing drop-in services. Regression models were fit to confirm hypothesized challenges impacting YEH's willingness to quit. Moderate nicotine dependence was noted-a key Motivation phase cessation mechanism targeted-and was associated with population challenges including, but not limited to, replacing food with tobacco, accidental oxygen-deprivation events, and smoking to socialize. While 67.1% of participants made a past-year quit attempt, 45.8% expressed 30-day quit interest. Dimensions of coping with housing were associated with quit attempts and quit interest. Quit attempts were also associated with nicotine dependence, working, and smoking to socialize. Whereas, quit interest was associated with less endorsement of smoking to regulate affect and more endorsement to avoid danger. Though common challenges targeted in Motivation phase cessation exist among YEH, other challenges may also need to be addressed to promote quitting. Future research in optimizing evidence-based cessation access for YEH through drop-in centers may consider addressing the challenges of housing, food security, social context, violence, and neurotrauma sequela to bolster YEH willingness to make a quit attempt.