Food Security Challenges Research Articles

Paddy Rice mapping in fragmented lands by improved phenology curve and correlation measurements on Sentinel-2 imagery in Google earth engine.

Accurate and timely rice crop mapping is important to address the challenges of food security, water management, disease transmission, and land use change. However, accurate rice crop mapping is difficult due to the presence of mixed pixels in small and fragmented rice fields as well as cloud cover. In this paper, a phenology-based method using Sentinel-2 time series images is presented to solve these problems. First, the improved rice phenology curve is extracted based on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Land Surface Water Index time series data of rice fields. Then, correlation was taken between rice phenology curve and time series data of each pixel. The correlation result of each pixel shows the similarity of its time series behavior with the proposed rice phenology curve. In the next step, the maximum correlation value and its occurrence time are used as the feature vectors of each pixel to classification. Since correlation measurement provides data with better separability than its input data, training the classifier can be done with fewer samples and the classification is more accurate. The implementation of the proposed correlation-based algorithm can be done in a parallel computing. All the processes were performed on the Google Earth Engine cloud platform on the time series images of the Sentinel 2. The implementations show the high accuracy of this method.

A Comprehensive Review on Nature and Causes of Deterioration in Fruits and Vegetables

The issue of post-harvest deterioration in fruits and vegetables constitutes a critical concern, especially given the rising global food security challenges. The aim of this review article is to present a comprehensive examination of the diverse facets contributing to the deterioration of these valuable food resources, ranging from biological and environmental factors to economic implications and current preservation methods. One area of focus involves scrutinizing the gaps in the current body of knowledge, particularly the intricate molecular mechanisms governing enzymatic activity and microbial spoilage. Recent developments in technology also present intriguing possibilities for future research. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential in monitoring the quality of stored produce by predicting the onset of spoilage using complex algorithms. This work also delves into the prospects of employing the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time assessment and control of storage conditions, which could revolutionize supply chain management and significantly minimize deterioration during transport. Another exciting avenue lies in the utilization of novel packaging materials especially those which are biodegradable and may be imbued with natural preservatives, a move that aligns well with global sustainability goals. Any such technological advancements must be scrutinized in the context of existing food safety standards and regulations, both at the national and international levels. These standards govern everything from permissible microbial activity levels to waste management, and are dictated by organizations such as the FDA and EFSA, as well as international frameworks like the Codex Alimentarius.

Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer application for achieving high yield with low environmental risks in apple orchard

The great challenges of food security, climate change and environmental degradation resulting from unreasonable nitrogen fertilizer (NF) inputs necessitate the optimization of fertilizer application to ensure fruit production and environmental sustainability. However, there is a lack of systematic analysis on the effects of NF inputs on apple yield and reactive nitrogen losses (N2O emission, NH3 volatilization, and nitrate leaching) at the global scale. Therefore, we used a meta-analysis of 159 observations from 31 published studies to evaluate the response of apple yield and reactive nitrogen losses to NF. We aim to identify suitable NF rates, environmental conditions, and planting factors that improve apple yield while minimizing reactive nitrogen losses. Our results showed that NF significantly increased apple yield, N2O emission, NH3 volatilization, and nitrate leaching by 17.1%, 255.7%, 236.4%, and 68.7% compared with no nitrogen fertilizer (NNF), respectively. The effects of NF rates and environmental factors on the response of N2O emission, NH3 volatilization, and nitrate leaching to NF were prior to those of planting factors, but the result of apple yield was the opposite. Apple production under NF in regions with MAT (mean annual air temperature) ≥ 10 °C and MAP (mean annual precipitation) < 600 mm declined the risk of reactive nitrogen losses and significantly increased apple yield by 24.4%−28%. NF application was more beneficial in soil with pH ≥ 7 and SOM < 15 g kg−1 for apple production. We found that the suitable NF rate was 250–450 kg ha−1, which can increase apple yield by 0.8%−21.3% while significantly reducing reactive nitrogen losses compared with lower NF rate (< 250 kg ha−1) and higher NF rate (> 450 kg ha−1). Our findings provide guidance for optimizing NF management in apple orchard to achieve high crop yields, reduce emissions, and mitigate pollution.

Biofortification of different maize cultivars with zinc, iron and selenium by foliar fertilizer applications.

Fertilizer-based biofortification is a strategy for combating worldwide malnutrition of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se). Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of foliar treatments on concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se, N and bioavailability of Zn and Fe in grains of three maize cultivars grown at three locations. We compared the efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), Zn complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs), conventional ZnSO4 and a cocktail solution (containing Zn, Fe and Se). All treatments were foliar-applied at rate of 452 mg Zn L-1, plus urea. Applying ten-fold less Zn (at rate of 45.2 mg Zn L-1) plus urea in the form of ZnO-NPs, Zn-CNPs, or ZnSO4 resulted in no increase, or a negligible increase, in grain Zn concentration compared with deionized water. By contrast, among the different Zn sources plus urea applied by foliar sprays, conventional ZnSO4 was the most efficient in improving grain Zn concentration. Furthermore, foliar application of a cocktail solution effectively improved grain concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se and N simultaneously, without a grain yield trade-off. For example, the average grain concentrations were simultaneously increased from 13.8 to 22.1 mg kg-1 for Zn, from 17.2 to 22.1 mg kg-1for Fe, from 21.4 to 413.5 ug kg-1 for Se and from 13.8 to 14.7g kg-1 for N by foliar application of a cocktail solution. Because grain yield was significantly negatively correlated with grain nutrient concentrations, the magnitude of increase in grain concentrations of Zn and Fe was most pronounced in the maize cultivar with the lowest grain yield (Zhengdan958 grown in Linyi). Foliar application of a cocktail solution also significantly decreased the phytic acid (PA) concentration, ratios of PA/Fe and PA/Zn in grains, indicating an increased bioavailability of Fe and Zn for human health. In conclusion, we found that a foliar application of a cocktail solution including Zn, Fe, Se and N was most effective for biofortification, but that the grains with the lowest yield contained the greatest concentration of these elements. This finding highlights the need to breed maize varieties that are capable of achieving both high grain yield and high grain nutritional quality to address food security and human health challenges.

Arima Forecasting In Soymeal And Beyond: An Empirical Study Bridging The Path To Millet-Based Forecasting

Soymeal, a rich source of protein and fiber, held paramount importance in livestock and poultry sectors. Derived post oil extraction from soybean seeds, its production and price dynamics hinged on multiple factors including seed supply-demand, crushing costs, transportation expenses, and competition from alternative feed constituents. The study aimed to employ the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to forecast soymeal production, import, export, and price trends globally for year 2023 by using data from 2016 to 2022. By combining historical insights with predictive analytics, the paper endeavored to illuminate the prospective trajectory of soymeal dynamics on a global scale, offering valuable insights for stakeholders. Moreover, it is noteworthy that the applicability of the ARIMA forecasting model extends beyond soymeal, encompassing other agricultural commodities such as millets and other minor grains. Millets, celebrated for their nutritional value and resilience, hold immense potential in addressing global food security challenges. The ARIMA model's capability to unravel temporal intricacies and patterns could likewise provide insights into millet production, pricing, and trade, contributing to the sustainable development of diverse agricultural sectors. This research not only enriches our understanding of soymeal dynamics but also underscores the versatility of the ARIMA model for forecasting a spectrum of agricultural commodities, promoting informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Long-term straw mulch underpins crop yield and improves soil quality more efficiently than plastic mulch in different maize and wheat systems

Field mulching efficiently increases crop production, yet the feasibilities of plastic mulch (PM) and straw mulch (SM) in different ecological regions are scarcely documented. This study aimed to investigate yield responses and soil quality changes following PM and SM, thereby identifying their suitability in different maize and wheat systems. A total of 202 peer-reviewed publications after 2000 that involved field experiments treated with no-mulch, PM, and SM were collected, and yield ratio of PM to SM (RPM/SM) was calculated to quantitatively understand their mulching efficacy. PM significantly increased grain yields in mono rather than double-cropping systems relative to SM, with an averaged RPM/SM at 1.28 in mono-maize, 1.11 in mono-wheat, and 1.05 for maize and 1.04 for wheat in double-cropping systems. Growing-season precipitation was significantly correlated with RPM/SM across mono and double-cropping systems, showing an RPM/SM of 1 at 530-mm for wheat in mono-cropping and 395-mm in double-cropping, and a stabilized RPM/SM observed at 1.082 in mono-cropping and 1.001 in double-cropping for maize, when growing-season precipitation exceeded 576-mm and 500-mm, respectively. Long-term field experiments illustrated significant relationships between RPM/SM and experimental duration, showing an RPM/SM of 1 at the 10.3-year for mono-maize, and 14.6-year for maize and 16.7-year for wheat in double-cropping, and a stabilized RPM/SM of 1.075 when trial time exceeded 3.7 years for mono-wheat, indicating a logged better performance of agronomic yield for SM. Owing to remarkable increases of soil organic C (SOC), total N, available K, and microbial biomass C, SM received the highest soil quality index across mono- and double-cropping systems, compared with PM and no-mulch. Growing-season precipitation, soil moisture at the sowing stage, SOC, and total N are the vital climatic and physicochemical variables mediating RPM/SM regardless of mono and double-cropping systems. Long-term SM rather than PM is an alternative for addressing the triple challenges of food security, soil degradation, and environmental mitigation. Quantifying the mulching efficacy on crop yields in different maize and wheat systems contributes to underpinning soil fertility and productivity in water-limited areas.

Importance of Zinc and Molybdenum for Sustainable Pulse Production in India

Pulses are of paramount importance in Indian agriculture next to cereals and oilseeds in terms of acreage, production and economic value. Pulses are important sources of protein in a vegetarian diet, especially in India, where a large part of population is vegetarian and protein malnutrition is rampant and has not yet received adequate attention for micronutrient fertilization. To reduce the demand and supply gap, government of India launched various programs in pulses. Still, prime attention is required to meet the food security challenges, especially in case of pulse sector. In order to increase the pulse productivity while sustaining at high levels, greater attention on nutrient managements including micronutrients are among the promising technologies in pulse production. Among those micronutrients, zinc (zn) and molybdenum (Mo) are of major concerns. Mo acts as a cofactor for the enzymes namely nitrogenase and nitrate reductase, which take lead roles in bio-logical fixation and subsequent assimilation of nitrogen in legumes. Thus, Mo plays an important role in metabolism and biosynthesis of nitrogen into protein. Besides this, it facilitates the various physiological and biochemical process in pulses. Application of Mo enhances the bioavailability of other essential nutrients to crops. Plants subjected to zinc deficiency display alterations in the activity of many enzymes and decreased protein synthesis. Foliar spray of nutrient fertilizers at the critical stages of rainfed condition, application of micronutrients and secondary nutrients has been great focus in boosting up pulses productivity in India. Thus, this article represents critical review on constraints of low pulse productivity, role of Zn and Mo fertilization to gear up the present pulses productivity to larger extent while sustaining the productivity of pulses in India.

SELECTION OF STABLE WHEAT GENOTYPES UNDER DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Wheat is a globally significant cereal crop crucial for ensuring food security. Plant breeders strive to enhance yield potential by developing optimized and stable genotypes. In Pakistan, an agricultural country facing food security challenges, annual multi-environment trials (MET)’s systematic conduct transpire across various research stations in Punjab province. Precise data analysis of these trials is paramount in strengthening the national agricultural research system. The primary objective of this study was to identify stable wheat genotypes by analyzing data from MET trials in 31 distinct environments within the Punjab province during 2020–2021. The study comprised 50 wheat genotypes laid out under an alpha lattice design. The collected data underwent an analysis based on additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) in combination with other stability measures. The findings revealed that genotype G41 (HYT100-27) exhibited superior performance, ranking within the top five across all five stability measures. Likewise, G27 (TWS17042) and G22 (HYT100-100) genotypes have four stability measures recommending these. Notably, G1 (HYT100-74) demonstrated the highest average yield across all locations and gained support from two additional stability measures. Therefore, G41, G27, G22, and G1 emerged as the most stable and productive genotypes among all those studied. Regarding the environments, MLSI proved the most desirable, followed by RARL. Conversely, the ARFG and ARFK resulted as the least ideal environments.

Revolutionizing Agrotechnology: Meeting Global Food Demand through Sustainable and Precision Farming Innovations

Indonesia's status as the world's fourth most populous country underscores the importance of its contribution to global food security. However, this important role comes with a series of challenges that are exacerbated by changing climate dynamics, decreasing arable land, and the inherent inefficiencies of traditional farming techniques. Balancing the need to increase productivity with the imperative to preserve the environment is a formidable challenge that necessitates a paradigm shift in agricultural practices. However, these benefits are accompanied by barriers such as knowledge gaps, financial constraints, and infrastructure limitations, which need to be effectively addressed to utilise the full potential of these technologies. This research underscores the need for a holistic and context-sensitive approach. Effective knowledge dissemination, customised financing mechanisms, improved infrastructure, and supportive policy frameworks are essential to foster the adoption and implementation of innovative practices. In addition, the research highlights the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, researchers and industry players, to collectively address challenges and capitalise on opportunities. The implications of this research extend beyond the borders of Indonesia. The findings provide insights that resonate with other developing countries facing similar challenges in agricultural transformation. By bridging knowledge gaps, promoting equitable access to technology, and fostering an enabling policy environment, countries can unlock the potential of the agrotechnology revolution to meet global food needs while maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. As the world grapples with the challenges of food security in an era of climate change, this research contributes valuable knowledge to build a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture and humanity.

Assessment of food security status of rural women in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Food security is important for economic development and growth, social interaction, political stability and security in society. The study examined the food security status of rural women in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of 250 rural women were surveyed using multi stage random sampling procedure. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, food security index (FSI) and a logistic regression model to achieve the study objectives. The results showed that most of the women were aged, married and educated with a large household size. The result of the FSI showed that 77% and 23% of the rural women were food secured and food insecure respectively. Findings also showed that the variables: age (10%), household size (1%), household headship (10%), source of water (5%) and assets owned (5%) significantly determined households’ food security status. There were significant differences in the socioeconomic characteristics of the food secured and food insecure group of the rural women. It was also observed that high food price, high cost of living, low income, unemployment and flood were major challenges faced by the rural women. In response, the women tackled their food security challenges by relying on less preferred/less expensive food, borrowing food from friends, relatives or neighbor, buying food on credit and reducing spending on children's education. The study recommends that poor rural households be assisted through social welfare or empowerment schemes and also, financial inclusion policies should be promoted by relevant authorities to enable rural women deal with price shocks or volatility.

Effect of Ozone Stresses on Growth and Secondary Plant Metabolism of Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis

Determining plant responses to hazardous air pollutants is critical in predicting food security programs and challenges in the future. This study aimed to determine the effects of various ozone levels on plant growth responses (leaf area, dry matter, and number of leaves) and biochemical quality (photopigments and glucosinolates) on Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis (Pak-Choi). The experiment was conducted within test chambers under different ozone concentrations (60, 150, and 240 ppb for 2 h/day). Leaf area and dry matter were negatively correlated with increasing ozone concentrations, but the number of leaves was not affected by ozone treatment. Lycopene and chlorophylls also showed the same tendency. Even if the ambient ozone concentration was only elevated for a short time, various glucosnilates (GLS) have been diversely affected. The total aliphatic GLS content was reduced. In contrast, the total indole GLS increased at the highest ozone concentration, and the aromatic GLS significantly increased and then decreased as the ozone concentration level increased. These results provide evidence of the strong effect of ozone stress on the plant quality of Pak-Choi with respect to certain secondary plant metabolites. These findings provide an understanding of elevated ozone effects in urban horticulture sites on the growth and metabolite profiling of Brassica plants.

A comparative evaluation of nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of six Malaysian edible seaweeds

Agriculture in the 21st century faces challenges in adopting efficient and sustainable production methods to feed the growing population. In this context, seaweed offers greater advantages over terrestrial plants. This study investigated the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of six edible seaweeds found in Malaysia. The seaweeds studied were brown (Padina australis, Sargassum binderi, Sargassum polycystum), green (Caulerpa racemosa, Caulerpa sertularioides), and red (Garcilaria changgi) seaweeds. The moisture, ash, protein, fat, and total dietary fibre contents of the seaweeds were analysed according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Total available carbohydrate content was assessed using the Clegg-anthrone method. Mineral, amino acid, and fatty acid contents were determined through atomic absorption spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography methods, respectively. Results revealed that the seaweeds were all high in total dietary fibre (53.96–76.97 g/100 g dried weight, dw) and ash (4.46–18.53 g/100 g dw) whereas their fat (0.05–4.62 g/100 g dw) content was generally low. The brown seaweeds were good sources of calcium. Red seaweed G. changii had the highest content of essential amino acids whereas brown seaweed S. binderi had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid and lowest saturated fatty acid contents. Fucoxanthin could only be detected in brown seaweeds. Methanolic extracts of seaweeds showed good antioxidant activities measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) assays. Overall, this study contributed knowledge on underexploited Malaysian seaweeds and proposed them as an alternative source of nutrients for humans to meet food security challenges.

An Analysis of Income Sources and Food Security Status in Haor Regions of Kishoregonj District, Bangladesh

This study aims to investigate income diversity and food security status among people living in the Haor area, with the objective of informing development policies for these regions. The research focused on assessing the socioeconomic characteristics, income diversity, and food security status of 120 randomly selected households in the Nikli and Tarail upazilas within Kishoregonj district, Bangladesh. Data was gathered through direct face-to-face interviews. The study revealed that the majority of households (91.66%) were male-headed, with an average family size of 5.10 members. A significant proportion (62.5%) of respondents fell within the 30-64 age group. Education-wise, a substantial portion (39.16%) of respondents had a secondary level of education, while 25% were employed in the agriculture sector. Approximately 45.83% of households were constructed with tin materials. The average monthly income and expenditure were Tk. 9536 and Tk. 8316, respectively. Income diversification was found to be prevalent among the respondents; however, within individual households, diversification was limited. The Simpson's and Shannon's indices of diversity for income were 0.84 and 0.88, respectively. About 25% of households were classified as ultra-poor, 29.17% as hard-core poor, and 20.83% were in the category of absolute poverty. On the positive side, 25% of the sample households were deemed non-poor. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy changes to address poverty eradication and enhance the standard of living in the study area. By understanding the socioeconomic dynamics and food security challenges faced by Haor communities, policymakers can devise targeted interventions to uplift the living conditions and well-being of the residents in these regions.

Insights into the Potential of Biopolymeric Aerogels as an Advanced Soil-Fertilizer Delivery Systems.

Soil fertilizers have the potential to significantly increase crop yields and improve plant health by providing essential nutrients to the soil. The use of fertilizers can also help to improve soil structure and fertility, leading to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. However, overuse or improper use of fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, which can reduce soil fertility, decrease crop yields, and damage ecosystems. Thus, several attempts have been made to overcome the issues related to the drawbacks of fertilizers, including the development of an advanced fertilizer delivery system. Biopolymer aerogels show promise as an innovative solution to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of soil-fertilizer delivery systems. Further research and development in this area could lead to the widespread adoption of biopolymer aerogels in agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices and helping to address global food-security challenges. This review discusses for the first time the potential of biopolymer-based aerogels in soil-fertilizer delivery, going through the types of soil fertilizer and the advert health and environmental effects of overuse or misuse of soil fertilizers. Different types of biopolymer-based aerogels were discussed in terms of their potential in fertilizer delivery and, finally, the review addresses the challenges and future directions of biopolymer aerogels in soil-fertilizer delivery.

Technology driven livestock farming for food security and sustainability

Advent of industrialization increased the human population significantly and it expanded very rapidly from nineteen sixties. Introduction of mechanization, chemical fertilization and genetic selection in agriculture increased the food production, reduced pestilence and thus improved life expectancy. However, in doing so the natural resources were over utilized, degraded and polluted. The greenhouse gas emissions from anthropogenic activities increased several folds that resulted into global warming, the consequences of which are being observed in the form of floods, draughts, cloud bursts, melting of glaciers, rising of sea level and loss of species. The soil fertility &amp; water table is decreasing, resistance to pesticides, drugs, antibiotics is increasing and immergence &amp; reemergence of diseases are common. Since the world population by 2050 is anticipated to touch 9 billion that means an increase of 30%. Obviously, the demand for food to feed such a huge population would require 70% increase in the food. With limited resources, depleted soil, polluted atmosphere, disturbed ecosystems and exhausted natural resources, the challenges for food security have amplified. Urbanization, improved incomes and dietary changes will increase the demand for food of animal origin in coming years. Globally animal products provide 67% of the protein and the requirement for meat and milk by 2050 is expected to increase by 73% and 58% respectively. Therefore, to ensure food and nutritional security in coming years, livestock production has to be augmented efficiently, smartly and sustainably. As such, precision, smart livestock farming is inevitable that must integrate all the techniques, skills, knowledge and innovations to produce safe, sufficient, affordable, accessible and sustainable animal food with minimum environmental impacts. With the advancement in robotics, biosensors, artificial intelligence, internet of things and information technology, the farming practices should now be technology driven, smart, need based, automated, productive and integrated.

Incorporation of zinc sulfide nanoparticles, Acinetobacter pittii and Bacillus velezensis to improve tomato plant growth, biochemical attributes and resistance against Rhizoctoniasolani

Green nanobiotechnology and beneficial bacterial strains as biofertilizers are crucial in agriculture to achieve food security. Both these strategies have been individually studied in improving plant resistance against phytopathogens along with enhancing plant productivity. Therefore, objective of this study was to explore the eco-friendly and cost-effective approach of utilizing plant growth promoting and disease suppressing bacterial strains and nanoparticles, individually as well as in combination, as bio-stimulants to improve plant growth, antioxidant defense system, nutrition and yield of tomato. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) synthesized by using Jacaranda mimosifolia flower extracts (JFE), Acinetobacter pittii and Bacillus velezensis either individually or in combinations to check their potential against Rhizoctonia solani in tomato to suppress root rot infection and improve growth and yield. Among all the combinations the JFE-ZnS NPs + B. velezensis compared to untreated infected plants showed minimum disease incidence and maximum significant protection (66%) against R. solani instigated root rot that was followed by JFE-ZnS NPs + A. pittii and individual application of JFE-ZnS NPs by 58%. The same treatment showed maximum significant increase in plant fresh and dry biomass. B. velezensis significantly increased the photosynthetic pigments when applied individually. However, JFE-ZnS NPs alone and in mixed treatments with B. velezensis efficiently improved total soluble protein, sugar and phenolic contents. The same interactive application of JFE-ZnS NPs + B. velezensis improved the tomato plant nutrition (silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and potassium (K)) and redox quenching status by improving the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes. Overall, the interactive use of JFE-ZnS NPs with A. pittii and B. velezensis very appropriately prepared the host plant to fight against the negative effects of root rot pathogen in tomato. Advancements in interactively investigating the nanoparticles with beneficial plant growth promoting bacterial strains importantly can contribute in resolving the challenges of food security. According to our information, this is a pioneer report for implying JFE-ZnS NPs in synergism with A. pittii and B. velezensis to hinder the root rot in tomatoes.

Food security strategy to enhance food self-sufficiency and overcome international food supply chain crisis: the state of Qatar as a case study

The food security challenge continues to be one of the main issues that currently face the world despite improved economic development in many countries. The challenge is particularly unique in one of the world’s arid regions, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This paper analyses the food security strategies of Qatar (one of the six countries that make up the GCC), especially since 2017 when the blockade of the country by its neighbors began. Qatar’s current food sufficiency was made possible by the country’s swift and profound changes in its food production strategies to ensure food security for its population. In order to provide locally sourced foods to the population, private and public initiatives were activated to support small farmers to distribute and supply their farm produce to local markets. The results show that Qatar has shifted from importing some food commodities to locally producing a high proportion of its foods to the extent of becoming an exporter of some farm produce. However, this increase in the local food production was achieved at the cost of depleting the local groundwater at a rate higher than the natural recharge. This paper thus critically assesses the specific situation of food security in Qatar that could be used as an example for other countries aiming to strengthen their food security, especially during transnational crises when international food supply chains suffer from unavoidable disruption (e.g., COVID-19 crisis).

CFD Model Verification and Aerodynamic Analysis in Large-Scaled Venlo Greenhouse for Tomato Cultivation

To address the challenges of climate change and food security, the establishment of smart farm complexes is necessary. While there have been numerous studies on the productivity and environmental control of individual greenhouses, research on greenhouse complexes is considerably limited. Conducting environmental studies during the design phase of these complexes poses financial constraints and practical limitations in terms of on-site experiments. To identify potential issues that may arise when developing large-scale greenhouse complexes, it is possible to utilize modeling techniques using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess environmental concerns and location issues before constructing the facilities. Consequently, simulating large-scale CFD models that incorporate multiple greenhouses and atmospheric conditions simultaneously presents significant numerical challenges. The objective of this study was to design and verify the 3D CFD model for a large-scale Venlo greenhouse, where acquiring field data before construction is not feasible for designing a greenhouse complex. The verification of the CFD models was conducted using the improved grid independence test (GIT) and wall Y+ approaches. The findings revealed that a grid resolution of 0.8 m and a first-layer height of 0.04 m were suitable for developing large-scale greenhouse models, resulting in a low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.9% and a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.968. This process led to a significant reduction of 38% in the number of grid cells. Subsequently, the aerodynamic characteristics and regional ventilation efficiency were analyzed in a 3D greenhouse model for developing a new large-scale greenhouse complex.

Indicator-based assessments of the coupling coordination degree and correlations of water-energy-food-ecology nexus in Uzbekistan

Grappling with the global ecological concern of the Aral Sea disaster, Uzbekistan exemplifies the urgent necessity of unravelling and addressing the complex Water-Energy-Food-Ecology (WEFE) nexus conflicts in arid regions, a critical task yet largely uncharted. Through the strategic process of 'Indicator Articulation - Weight Calibration - Nexus Coordination Quantification - Correlational Analysis', this work has developed a tailored framework that integrates a novel, context-specific indicator system, enabling an illumination of the intricate dynamics within the WEFE nexus in arid regions. During 2000–2018, the WEFE Nexus in Uzbekistan showed low-level coordination, indicating systemic imbalances. The Aral Sea crisis was the central disruptor, resulting in a moderately disordered ecological subsystem. Concurrently, disorder was observed in water resources, signaling inadequate management and potential overutilization. Furthermore, Coordination for energy and food were barely coordinated and under primary coordination respectively, underlining critical challenges in energy efficiency and food security. Over the last two decades, the WEFE Nexus has evolved towards a tighter interlinkage, yet the stability of this coupling coordination has experienced increased fluctuations, indicating that Uzbekistan's policies in the WEFE subsystems have been less stable in the last two decades and are in need of further adjustment and improvement. To address the challenges, we recommend a comprehensive approach that integrates technological, infrastructure, and policy solutions is needed. Specifically, promoting water-saving irrigation technology, renewing and maintaining outdated energy facilities, and raising public awareness of ecological protection are part of the essential measures. Furthermore, alleviating the contradiction between economic growth and ecological conservation remains a major challenge. Collectively, our constructed WEFE Nexus framework, with its extendable and context-specific indicators, holds significant potential for broad application in the analysis of multi-sectoral sustainability, particularly within arid regions globally, and forms a solid foundation for the formulation of effective, targeted policies and sustainable development strategies.

The new achikumbe elite: food systems transformation in the context of digital platforms use in agriculture in Malawi

The Malabo Declaration places the transformation of agriculture and food systems at the centre of regional and national policy priorities across Africa. Transformative change in the way that food is produced, processed and consumed is seen as not only necessary for addressing the complex challenges of food security and poverty alleviation, but also as a driver of new employment opportunities and economic development. As pointed out within the recent UN Food Systems Summit, essential elements of food system transformations include digital transitions and the empowerment of women and youth. However, there are few empirical examples demonstrating how these agendas come together to affect food system change. Here we focus on an enterprising group of young farmers referred to as Malawi’s new achikumbe elite, who are urban based, educated and engaging in agriculture on a commercial basis. The aim is to characterise this emergent group of agriculturalists and to understand the role that they have within the transformation of Malawi-s agricultural sector. We explore how digital platforms are supporting the emergence of this new category of farmer and positioning young people as agents of change in food systems transformation. Based on interviews and ethnographic research with 32 young farmers between 2018 and 2022 combined with interviews with representatives of service providers and agricultural organisations, we argue that this group is characterised by a higher level of education, self-dependency and use of digital platforms, enabling them to adapt their context to sourcing production resources and engaging in commercial agriculture. We present evidence that digital platforms are supporting the new achikumbe elite (NAE) to engage flexibly with new commercial markets, contracts and access a wider range of training and advice. However, while digital platforms can offer more equitable access to information and market opportunities, they also represent potential avenues for food system transformations that are inequitable. As such, we argue that there is need for digital technologies to mitigate against potential inequalities.