Food Availability Research Articles

Metabarcoding reveals seasonal shifts in the Allegheny woodrat's generalist diet

AbstractThe Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) population has been declining for over a century, with reduced food availability being a leading hypothesis. Allegheny woodrats consume nuts, fungi, and vegetation, but no study has used a molecular tool, such as metabarcoding, to describe diet more accurately. Furthermore, few studies address seasonal diet changes in Allegheny woodrats. To address this gap, we performed a year‐long DNA metabarcoding study from 2022 to 2023 by collecting fresh fecal (n = 180) and latrine (n = 240) samples from 2 populations located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, USA. We used chloroplast trnL and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) markers to identify plants and fungi in the woodrat diet. We amplified and sequenced samples, then identified them to species using OBItools software and databases. We identified 123 families, 173 genera, and 156 species of plants and fungi in the Allegheny woodrat diet from the ITS and trnL dataset containing 19,208,635 reads. The summer season had higher diversity and richness than winter and hard mast items were not detected year‐round. Fungi and invasive plant species were consumed more frequently than anticipated in each season. Fresh fecal samples detected more dietary items than latrine fecal samples, including more rare items. Findings will inform conservation plans and natural habitat enhancement actions, such as what to provide in cultivated food plots and diets for captive‐bred individuals.

TRPγ regulates lipid metabolism through Dh44 neuroendocrine cells.

Understanding how the brain controls nutrient storage is pivotal. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are conserved from insects to humans. They serve in detecting environmental shifts and in acting as internal sensors. Previously, we demonstrated the role of TRPγ in nutrient-sensing behavior (Dhakal et al., 2022). Here, we found that a TRPγ mutant exhibited in Drosophila melanogaster is required for maintaining normal lipid and protein levels. In animals, lipogenesis and lipolysis control lipid levels in response to food availability. Lipids are mostly stored as triacylglycerol in the fat bodies (FBs) of D. melanogaster. Interestingly, trpγ deficient mutants exhibited elevated TAG levels and our genetic data indicated that Dh44 neurons are indispensable for normal lipid storage but not protein storage. The trpγ mutants also exhibited reduced starvation resistance, which was attributed to insufficient lipolysis in the FBs. This could be mitigated by administering lipase or metformin orally, indicating a potential treatment pathway. Gene expression analysis indicated that trpγ knockout downregulated brummer, a key lipolytic gene, resulting in chronic lipolytic deficits in the gut and other fat tissues. The study also highlighted the role of specific proteins, including neuropeptide DH44 and its receptor DH44R2 in lipid regulation. Our findings provide insight into the broader question of how the brain and gut regulate nutrient storage.

Food Safety in Informal Markets: How Knowledge and Attitudes Influence Vendor Practices in Namibia

Background: Informal markets are essential to ensuring food accessibility and supporting economic livelihoods throughout sub-Saharan Africa; however, food safety in these settings remains poorly regulated and under-resourced. As such, foodborne illnesses originating from such settings pose serious public health threats. Despite the growing reliance on ready-to-eat street foods in Namibia, little is known about the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of food handlers in informal settings. This study investigated food handlers’ KAP regarding food safety at the Oshakati Mini Market, northern Namibia, to inform environmental health practitioners and guide policymakers in improving food safety measures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 food handlers using a self-administered questionnaire which assessed sociodemographic characteristics, food safety knowledge (15 items), attitudes (10 items), and practices (12 items). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression to identify associations between KAP scores and respondent characteristics. Results: The majority of respondents were female (60.2%), aged 30–49 years (69.0%), and had only primary-level education. Only 15.5% had received formal food safety training. The mean knowledge score was 64.7% (SD = 14.2), and the mean practice score was 58.2% (SD = 13.8). Attitudes were predominantly negative (60.2%), despite 95.1% acknowledging the importance of handwashing. Poor practices included low use of protective clothing (28.2%), smoking in food areas (21.4%), and inadequate utensil hygiene. Knowledge was positively correlated with good practices (r = 0.745, p < 0.01), while attitudes were negatively correlated with good practices (r = −0.745, p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that age negatively influenced knowledge (β = −0.265, p < 0.01), while work experience positively predicted both knowledge (β = 0.393, p < 0.01) and practices (β = 0.393, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Food handlers in Oshakati’s informal market exhibited moderate knowledge but sub-optimal food safety practices and largely negative attitudes. Limited training and education were key contributing factors. These findings highlight an urgent need for structured, context-specific food safety training and regulatory enforcement to reduce foodborne disease risk and strengthen public health interventions in Namibia’s informal food economy.

Effectiveness of participatory trainings in improving nutrition knowledge and dietary diversity in rural Bangladesh

BackgroundDespite improvements in recent decades, Bangladesh continues to face malnutrition rates that are among the highest in the world. Consuming a nutrient-rich diverse diet can mitigate the risk of malnutrition-induced health problems. However, consumers often lack knowledge about what constitutes a healthy diet, and often knowledge improvements do not necessarily translate to behavior change due to social norms and access constraints.ObjectivesThis study evaluates the effectiveness of participatory nutrition education in improving nutrition knowledge and dietary diversity among rural men and women in Bangladesh, investigates whether increased nutrition knowledge leads to changes in dietary behavior, and explores the factors limiting behavior change to aid in the development and implementation of nutrition-sensitive interventions.DesignThree-arm randomized control study. We randomize participants into two participatory workshop interventions or the control group of no training. The first intervention consisted of workshop activities related to selecting a balanced diet. The second intervention included the activities of the first intervention as well as activities related to gender and intrahousehold food allocation.Participants358 adult men and women in two districts of Bangladesh.ResultsUsing pre- and post-intervention survey data and lagged dependent variable regression analyses, we find an 8–11% increase (p = 0.010) in the comprehensive nutrition knowledge score among workshop attendees, compared to the control. We find larger effects, up to a 30% increase (p = 0.002), on targeted scores measuring knowledge around food groups and nutrients. Despite increases in knowledge, we find little to no evidence that the workshops impact dietary diversity or that nutrition knowledge translates to behavior change. Our survey responses reveal economic factors such as income and food access limit participants from putting their improved nutrition knowledge into action.ConclusionsHabits, social norms and economic factors such as income and access constraints can prevent participants from putting improved nutrition knowledge into action. Short-term, low-cost participatory workshops may be more effective when coupled with economic incentives, gifts-in-kind, or nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Starvation Induces Upregulation of Monocarboxylate Transport in Glial Cells at the Drosophila Blood-Brain Barrier.

Living organisms can sense and adapt to constant changes in food availability. Maintaining a homeostatic supply of energy molecules is crucial for animal survival and normal organ functioning, particularly the brain, due to its high-energy demands. However, the mechanisms underlying brain adaptive responses to food availability have not been completely established. The nervous system is separated from the rest of the body by a physical barrier called the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In addition to its structural role, the BBB regulates the transport of metabolites and nutrients into the nervous system. This regulation is achieved through adaptive mechanisms that control the transport of nutrients, including glucose and monocarboxylates such as lactate, pyruvate, and ketone bodies. In Drosophila melanogaster, carbohydrate transporters increase their expression in glial cells of the BBB in response to starvation. However, changes in the expression or activity of Drosophila monocarboxylate transporters (dMCTs) at the BBB have not yet been reported. Here, we show that neuronal ATP levels remain unaffected despite reduced energy-related metabolites in the hemolymph of Drosophila larvae during starvation. Simultaneously, the transport of lactate and beta-hydroxybutyrate increases in the glial cells of the BBB. Using genetically encoded sensors, we identified Yarqay as a proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporter whose expression is upregulated in the subperineurial glia of the BBB during starvation. Our findings reveal a novel component of the adaptive response of the brain to starvation: the increase in the transport of monocarboxylates across the BBB, mediated by Yarqay, a novel dMCT enriched in the BBB.

Floral diversity enhances winter survival of honeybee colonies across climatic regions

Abstract In temperate climates, winter can be an arduous time for eusocial insects. Survival of honeybee colonies during winter depends on a delicate balance between hive thermoregulation, managing the food reserves and timing the onset of the new worker bee generation. Winter survival is influenced by several factors, most notably colony size, Varroa mite infestation levels and the availability of stored food. Importantly, the climatic conditions and floral resources of the previous foraging season can also impact honeybee health and colony strength before hibernation. This study, conducted across Europe, examines how landscape composition and weather conditions affect the winter survival of honeybee colonies. It uses pollen diversity as a proxy for flower resource quality and available foraging days as a climatic variable to understand their causal relationships to winter survival. We found that landscapes with higher percentages of agricultural areas increased pollen diversity collected by honeybees in autumn, whereas higher percentages of semi‐natural areas increased the diversity during summer. Spring and autumn pollen diversity was the main driver for winter survival success, emphasizing the importance of diverse flower resources for colony health. While we did not find a statistically significant effect of weather on winter survival, trends suggest potential influences, warranting further research to confirm and clarify the role of seasonal foraging on colony health. Synthesis and applications: Our study highlights the critical role of including floral resource diversity and weather conditions in a comprehensive framework for studying honeybee hibernation. It suggests that increasing plant diversity around apiaries and implementing agricultural practices that enhance floral resources can significantly improve winter survival, with honeybee colonies benefiting even in landscapes with higher agricultural activity, distinct from the needs of other pollinators.

Including population and environmental dynamic heterogeneities in continuum models of collective behaviour with applications to locust foraging and group structure.

Collective behaviour occurs at all levels of the natural world, from cells aggregating to form tissues, to locusts interacting to form large and destructive plagues. These complex behaviours arise from relatively simple interactions amongst individuals and between individuals and their environment. For simplicity, mathematical models of these phenomena often assume that the population is homogeneous. However, population heterogeneity arising due to the internal state of individuals can affect these interactions and thus plays a role in the dynamics of group formation. In this paper, we present a partial differential equation model that accounts for this heterogeneity by introducing a state space that models an individual's internal state (e.g. age, level of hunger) which affects its movement characteristics. We then apply the model to a concrete example of locust foraging to investigate the dynamic interplay of food availability, hunger, and degree of gregarisation (level of sociability) on locust group formation and structure. We find that including hunger lowers group density and raises the percentage of the population that needs to be gregarious for group formation. Within the group structure itself we find that the most gregarious and satiated locusts tend to be located towards the centre with hunger driving locusts towards the edges of the group. These two effects may combine to give a simple mechanism for locust group dispersal, in that hunger lowers the group density, which in turn lowers the gregarisation, further lowering density and creating a feedback loop. We also note that a previously found optimal food patch size for group formation may be driven by hunger. In addition to our locust results, we provide more general results and methods in the attached appendices.

Harvesting Solutions: The Intersection of Technology, Agriculture, and Healthcare

Advancements in agricultural technology, including CRISPR gene-editing, blockchain technology, nanotechnology, and precision agriculture, are revolutionizing farming practices and offering sustainable solutions to global challenges like food insecurity, poverty, and climate change. These innovations hold immense potential to enhance crop yields, improve resource efficiency, strengthen supply chain transparency, and contribute to economic stability by fostering inclusive growth and empowering marginalized farming communities. However, widespread adoption faces ethical, financial, and regulatory barriers, including concerns about biodiversity preservation, unintended ecological consequences, and the need for infrastructure upgrades and policy frameworks prioritizing digital inclusion. Synthetic food production, such as lab-grown meats, also poses questions about the long-term impacts of artificial growth mediums and genetic manipulation on human health, requiring rigorous scientific evaluation and public dialogue. This paper explores the transformative role of these technologies in creating resilient food systems, examining their potential to reduce disparities in food access and their broader socio-economic impacts. By advancing global food security, fostering environmental sustainability, and addressing systemic inequalities, these innovations underscore the critical interplay between technology, policy, and community engagement in shaping the future of agriculture.

Business Model of Integrated Food Security Information System

Introduction: The rapid advancement of technology in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era has transformed various sectors, including agriculture and food security. Ensuring sustainable food security is crucial due to its impact on social resilience, economic stability, and political equilibrium. In Indonesia, Law No. 18 of 2012 and Government Regulation No. 17 of 2015 mandate the development of an integrated Food Security Information System (FSIS) to manage multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary food affairs effectively. Objectives: This study aims to design a business model for an Integrated Food Security Information System (IFSIS) that enhances food availability, affordability, and utilization. The research also seeks to align technological capabilities with strategic policy frameworks, providing a comprehensive and sustainable solution for managing food security challenges. Methods: The research employs the Enterprise Architecture Planning (EAP) methodology to assess current system capabilities and define future technological needs. Data collection involves legal document reviews, policy analysis, and system gap evaluations. The study also includes conceptual modeling and a structured implementation roadmap to guide the system's development over three years. Results: The study proposes a business model for IFSIS that integrates food availability, affordability, and utilization processes. The model outlines key subsystems, including food production, storage, distribution, and consumption monitoring. The implementation roadmap provides a phased strategy for adopting advanced technologies and improving data management. The proposed system facilitates real-time monitoring, early warning mechanisms, and strategic decision-making, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks. Conclusions: An integrated food security information system is vital for addressing food security challenges in Indonesia. The proposed architecture, grounded in the EAP methodology, supports efficient planning, monitoring, and evaluation while enhancing compliance with national policies. This model can serve as a reference for other regions aiming to implement sustainable food security systems through digital transformation.

Fostering resilience: exploring financial inclusion as a catalyst in mitigating economic policy uncertainty and safeguarding food security in developing countries

Purpose This study aims to investigate the nexus among economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and food security, while also analyzing the mediating effect of financial inclusion in mitigating the adverse impacts of EPU and strengthening food security in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative approach, panel data from 2004 to 2021 for 24 countries was evaluated to develop a comprehensive food security index covering four dimensions: food supply, food access, food utilization and food stability, which are further composed of 12 elements. The “Baron and Kenny Three Step Methodology” together with Sobel test was used to investigate the direct and mediating impact of financial inclusion on the association among EPU and food security. To mitigate the issue of endogeneity, instrumental variable technique and two-step generalized methods of moments (GMM) were used. For robustness, the authors use the average mean of EPU as a substitute and use Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 2 (No Hunger) as an alternative measure of food security. Findings The findings indicate that EPU adversely affects overall food security, including its dimensions such as food supply, food access, food utilization and food stability. This study further demonstrates that financial inclusion plays a significant mediating role in the association among EPU and food security. The results highlight that financial inclusion emerged as a notable factor in mitigating the negative effects of EPU on food security. Practical implications Governments and policymakers should prioritize and implement programs aimed at improving financial inclusion, which will help individuals and nations to adopt required tools they need to build resilience against EPU, and ultimately safeguarding their food security. This eventually leads toward attainment of not only SDG 2 (No Hunger) but also assists in achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Inequality Reduction). These comprehensive efforts will also lead to the establishment of sustainable future for all. Originality/value There is limited body of research that explores the interplay of these three variables within a single study. Likewise, the role of financial inclusion as a mediator in the association among EPU and food security represents a novel contribution. The study uses a multi-indicator approach to comprehensively measure key variables such as food security and financial inclusion.

Associations between national plant-based vs animal-based protein supplies and age-specific mortality in human populations

Transitions to sustainable food systems require shifts in food production and availability, particularly the replacement of animal-based protein with plant-based protein. To explore how this transition may relate to demographic patterns, we undertake an ecological analysis of global associations between age-specific mortality, total national macronutrient distributions, and protein substitution. Our dataset includes per capita daily food supply and demographic data for 101 countries from 1961–2018. After adjusting for time, population size, and economic factors, we find associations between low total protein supplies and higher mortality rates across all age groups. Early-life survivorship improves with higher animal-based protein and fat supplies, while later-life survival improves with increased plant-based protein and lower fat supplies. Here, we show that the optimal balance of protein and fat in national food supplies, which correlates with minimal mortality, varies with age, suggesting that reductions in dietary protein, especially from animal sources, may need to be managed with age-specific redistributions to balance health and environmental benefits.

Climate Change Impacts on Household Food Security in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zones: A Qualitative Analysis

Climate change is a substantial threat to worldwide food security, affecting the supply, stability, accessibility, and quality of food. This study aimed to explore the impact of climate change on household food security of farming communities in dry zones in Sri Lanka, focusing on water resource limitations and agricultural productivity, using a qualitative case study method with 13 cases. The impact of climate change on farming and food security was identified under the key themes of food production and yield, income and economic stability, water resources and management, food availability and access, nutrition quality, and dietary diversity. The findings revealed that climate change can indirectly affect food security by impacting household and personal incomes. It also influences health, access to clean water, and the ability to utilize food effectively. Such climatic changes significantly impact household food security and distinctly affect nutrition quality and dietary diversity, which are identifiable as the primary food security elements. This study suggests moving other income sources to enhance the economic stability of farming households, adopting new farming techniques, organizing government assistance programs, and establishing social safety nets such as food aid programs and financial support for affected households. Such activities will help to address the decline of yield production that is caused by climate change, and will mitigate the effect that climate change has on household food security. It further emphasizes the need to combine modern policy interventions and the existing domestic adaptation framework. This investigation employs a qualitative research method to explore how communities experience actual climate change effects, including water issues and farm failures. It effectively captures and contributes detailed knowledge to the current research on this subject.

Short-term increases in rival number improves single mating productivity in male Drosophila

Abstract In variable environments, animals can change their reproductive behaviours and physiology to maximise reproductive returns. Natural environments vary in multifaceted ways, and animals may need to integrate multiple social or physical cues to adopt the most effective behavioural strategy. In a fully factorial 2x2x2 experiment, we exposed males to three factors: the number of rivals (10 or 30), food availability (present/absent) and mechanical shaking (present/absent). After 60 minutes of exposure, we recorded the male’s mating latency, copulation duration and the number of offspring produced after a single mating. We also noted the latency of the males partner to remate with a stock male 24 hours later. When rival number was increased from 10 per vial to 30 per vial, males sired more offspring. Males also varied their copulation duration and mating latency in response to the number of rivals, but in a condition-dependent manner. In the absence of vortexing, males mated for a shorter time when kept with 30 rivals, but the opposite was observed when males were vortexed. When males were fed and held in groups of 30, they took longer to begin mating compared to the other treatments. Our findings are consistent with the idea that male Drosophila integrate social cues to respond to levels of sperm competition and plastically allocate their ejaculate, but we have demonstrated that they can occur more rapidly (1hr) than previously thought (> 24 hours). Overall, our data highlight that combinatorial approaches can reveal new relationships between environment and behaviour.

To share or not to share: prey-sharing behavior in the larvae of two aphid predators and implications for biological pest control

Abstract Prey sharing in predatory mammals and birds has been shown to reduce fights for food between predators, increase predation efficacy, and safeguard food availability by reciprocal sharing, providing immediate and delayed benefits for the sharers. However, little is known about the incidence of prey sharing in arthropods and the implications for biological control have been mostly overlooked. In this study, the feeding behavior of two aphid predators, Micromus angulatus and Chrysoperla carnea, was investigated to assess the incidence of prey sharing and its possible consequences for biological control of aphids. A video-recording setup was used to investigate the feeding behavior of the predators at various predator/prey ratios. Different numbers of predatory larvae were placed into arenas containing five Myzus persicae subsp. nicotianae. The behavior of the predators was recorded for four hours and the number of prey killed was scored. Our results indicate that prey sharing is a density-dependent behavior, increasing at higher predator/prey ratios. Larvae of M. angulatus performed prey sharing seven times more often than C. carnea and accepted higher numbers of predators sharing a single aphid. Interestingly, a positive correlation between the number of prey-sharing events and the number of aphids killed by the predators was found, suggesting that prey sharing could increase the kill rate of the predators. Additionally, the presence of conspecific larvae enhanced the predation success of M. angulatus. Our findings indicate that prey sharing is an adaptive behavior that could improve the foraging efficacy and kill rate of arthropod predators.

Investigating Human Perception on Extent of Postharvest Spoilage of Potato in Two Local Government Areas in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally important crop that plays a vital role in providing food and income for many populations. Several factors have been identified as limiting the realization of food security in many countries around the world. Increasing food availability thus involves not only increasing agricultural productivity, but also reducing food losses. This study focused on evaluating the incidence of potato postharvest spoilage among local store owners in Ijebu North and Ijebu Ode local governments using a descriptive design methodology. Supermarkets and local store owners in Ijebu North and Ijebu Ode local governments were included as participants, and data was collected using structured questionnaires. A sample size of 150 respondents was used; the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. The findings of the study indicated that potato postharvest spoilage predominantly occurs during the wet seasons. It was observed that proper handling of potatoes during storage and the use of suitable storage areas can help reduce the incidence of potato rot diseases. In conclusion, Potato rot disease is a significant problem for potato farmers in Nigeria, and it can have devastating effects on their livelihoods. The disease has the potential to reduce crop yields, deteriorate potato quality, and even lead to complete crop failure. Therefore, implementing appropriate measures such as proper handling and proper storage practices are crucial for mitigating the occurrence and impact of potato rot diseases thus promoting food security in Nigeria.

Sustainable Food Security in Romania and Neighboring Countries—Trends, Challenges, and Solutions

Food security is a fundamental global challenge with significant regional implications, particularly in Eastern Europe. Romania and its neighboring countries—Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Ukraine, and Moldova—face interconnected challenges related to food availability, access, stability, and utilization. This study assesses Romania’s food security in relation to its neighbors using FAO-defined indicators for each of these four pillars. The analysis is based on the latest FAO data. It applies two complementary analytical methods: comparative analysis, which evaluates Romania’s food security indicators in relation to average values in neighboring countries, and statistical significance testing, using One-sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to determine whether the observed differences are statistically significant. The results indicate that Romania benefits from high food availability and a developed irrigation infrastructure but faces challenges related to severe food insecurity, economic disparities, and public health issues such as obesity. Despite a higher GDP per capita than its neighbors, food insecurity rates remain concerning, pointing to underlying socio-economic inequalities. The results highlight the need for coordinated public policies that go beyond increasing food availability to reducing regional disparities, improving equitable access to nutritious food, and promoting sustainable patterns of production and consumption. The study proposes a multidimensional and scientifically sound approach that addresses structural inequalities, strengthening the resilience of food systems and the importance of regional cooperation in Eastern Europe. These contributions add to the current international discussions on sustainable food security and provide concrete recommendations for future action.

The Impact of Inpari Nutri Zinc Rice on Farmer Welfare and Food Security in Stunting-Prone Bantul, Indonesia

Indonesia has a new variety of rice, namely Inpari Nutri Zinc rice. Bantul Regency is one of the areas for developing this rice, one of which is in Imogiri District. Inpari Nutri Zinc rice is a functional food to overcome the high stunting rate in Imogiri District. In 2023, Imogiri District had the highest number of stunted toddlers in Bantul Regency, reaching 434 toddlers. In addition, Imogiri District experienced crop failures which caused farmers’ welfare issues such as food insufficiency and poverty. The research problems aim to: (1) identify the income and expenditure of Inpari Nutri Zinc rice farming households, (2) analyze the welfare of these households, (3) analyze food security, and (4) analyze the factors that influence food security. This study used a census technique, and 125 respondents were selected. The data were analyzed quantitatively, including GSR (Good Service Ratio) to analyze the welfare of farmer households, HFIAS (Household Food Insecurity Access Scale) with 9 questions related to the availability, quality, and quantity of food. Nutritional Adequacy Rate was used to determine food quantity and Expected Food Pattern to determine food quality, as used in national nutrition recommendations and by the Indonesian Food Security Agency. Binary logit analysis was used to identify factors affecting food security, analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that 56.80% of farmers were food secure. Most (53.60%) of farmers were categorized as less prosperous, with poor food quantity and quality. Expenditure, education, and gender were identified as factors affecting food security among farmer households.

Theoretical Perspective of Urban Farming and Food Security in Southwestern Uganda

This study examined the potential of urban agriculture as a strategy to alleviate food insecurity among low-income households in urban areas of southwestern Uganda. As rapid urbanization challenges traditional food systems to meet increasing demand for affordable and nutritious food, urban agriculture offers a promising solution. By using limited urban spaces to grow crops, urban agriculture can increase food access and provide economic benefits. Drawing on secondary data from government reports, academic research, policy documents and case studies, the study examined the role of urban agriculture in improving food security, promoting community empowerment and generating income through market-oriented gardening. The study suggests that households practising urban farming have better access to diverse and nutritious foods compared to households in peri-urban and rural areas. However, constraints such as land scarcity, inadequate water management, limited technical knowledge and inadequate policy support hinder the full potential of urban agriculture. The study highlighted the need for integrated urban policies that support sustainable food systems and community-based agricultural programs. By promoting innovative farming techniques and optimizing the use of space, urban farming can serve as a scalable model for building resilient urban food systems in southwestern Uganda.

The influence of snow cover, elevation, and latitude on fur colour in the mountain hare

This study investigates the environmental factors, that influence the timing of winter fur change in the mountain hare (Lepus timidus). The transition from brown to white fur is a critical adaptive strategy that allows hares to remain camouflaged in snowy environments. Using data collected with camera traps from various elevations and latitudes, we analysed the influence of environmental factors, including snow presence, altitude, and latitude, on fur colour change. Our findings reveal that snow presence is the most significant determinant, with a strong correlation between snow cover and the transition to white fur. Latitude also significantly influences fur colour, likely reflecting the environmental gradients that vary with geographic location. In contrast, altitude did not have a significant effect on fur colour, nor did it interact with latitude in any meaningful way. However, seasonal altitudinal movements, driven by the availability of food and shelter, appear to influence the hare's habitat choice, with hares moving to lower elevations during winter to access food and higher elevations in summer. This seasonal behaviour may account for the lack of a direct correlation between altitude and fur colour. These results underscore the importance of snow cover and latitude as primary drivers of fur colour change, while altitude plays a secondary role. The findings highlight the need for conservation strategies that consider the potential impacts of climate change on snow cover dynamics, which could disrupt the synchronization between fur colour change and the environment, increasing hares' vulnerability to predation.

Baru Proteins: Extraction Methods and Techno-Functional Properties for Sustainable Nutrition and Food Innovation

Global population growth raises concerns about the availability of safe and nutritious food, along with its environmental and social impacts. In this context, plant-based foods have emerged as a promising solution, offering sustainable and affordable alternatives. Baru almonds (Dipteryx alata Vogel), a native Brazilian species, represent a viable and eco-friendly protein source with significant potential for food applications. This review discusses the nutritional composition, protein extraction methods and techno-functional properties of baru almonds, highlighting both advantages and limitations for food application. Baru proteins exhibit a high protein content (23–30%, w/w), a balanced essential amino acid profile, and valuable functional properties, including emulsifying capacity, foam stability, and moderate water- and oil-holding capacities. However, despite their potential, the lack of research on the gelation properties of baru proteins restricts their application in structured plant-based food formulations, where protein gelation is crucial for texture, water retention, and overall product stability. Further research is needed to evaluate their gel-forming ability and allergenic potential. Additionally, this review explores emerging protein extraction techniques that could improve protein quality and functionality, expanding their applicability in the food industry. By promoting biodiversity conservation and regional development, baru almonds contribute to the growing demand for sustainable protein sources.