Food Availability Research Articles (Page 1)

Proteomic profiling unveils compensatory physiological mechanisms of an annelid living across a natural persistent deoxygenation gradient.

Global warming influences organisms through direct and indirect effects on abiotic and biotic factors, such as temperature and food availability. This study examines how developmental diet and thermal regime influence fitness and thermal tolerance in Drosophila buzzatii, a cactophilic fly with a broad thermal tolerance, and a model organism in evolutionary ecology. Using a factorial design, we reared flies at 10°C and 25°C, with and without daily thermal fluctuations, on two natural cactus-based diets and a standard lab diet. We measured viability, development time, wing length, ovariole number, chill coma recovery time and fatty acid composition. We found synergistic effects between cactus diet and thermal daily fluctuations, overcoming the complete loss of viability observed at 10°C and mitigating the negative effects shown at 25°C. In addition, flies reared at a low fluctuating temperature had greater cold tolerance and a higher unsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio, supporting the homeoviscous adaptation hypothesis. These findings suggest D. buzzatii may overwinter as larvae and pupae in temperate areas and highlight the importance of diet-thermal interactions in shaping insect responses to climate change.

The aim of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of intuitive eating in the relationship between food insecurity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A total of 1,039 adults aged between 20 and 64 years living in Niğde, Türkiye, were evaluated using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included items on participants' general characteristics, dietary habits, the Household Food Security Survey Module - Short Form (HFSSM-SF), the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, and the Intuitive Eating Scale-2. Intuitive eating was found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between food insecurity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Food insecurity was directly and negatively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and this association remained significant even after the inclusion of intuitive eating as a variable in the model. In conclusion, food insecurity was found to negatively affect adherence to the Mediterranean diet not only directly but also indirectly by weakening intuitive eating skills. Interventions aimed at promoting intuitive eating may help mitigate unhealthy dietary behaviors associated with food insecurity; however, improving food access and living conditions remains essential for a long-term solution.

Abstract The timing of animal migrations is an interplay between migration programmes and physiological and environmental conditions. The rate of body store deposition underlies many timing options, with a key unresolved question being whether the rate of body store deposition and resource constraints limit advancements in migration departure. To study limits of deposition on departure timing, we captured red knots ( Calidris canutus islandica ) wintering in the Wadden Sea and manipulated hours of food access per day during spring body store deposition and prenuptial moulting phases. These birds were then released and tracked until spring migration departure from the Wadden Sea. When birds were allowed to feed more hours per day in captivity, they did not start body store deposition and plumage moult earlier, but gained stores faster, were heavier and had further progressed in prenuptial feather moult at the moment of release. After release, birds that had ad libitum access to food in captivity departed earliest from the Wadden Sea, and departure timing was explained by the rate of mass deposition in captivity. We experimentally demonstrate flexibility in the timing of annual‐cycle processes during spring migration. Red knots are flexible to adjust the rate of mass gain and moult to food availability, in turn allowing them flexibility in departure timing. This indicates that improvements in foraging conditions at staging sites will facilitate earlier departures, which will help migratory birds to keep pace with global warming. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The rising prevalence of obesity reflects the influence of obesogenic environments settings that promote excessive calorie intake and discourage physical activity across both urban and rural contexts. Urban areas, where over half the global population resides, shape opportunities for physical activity, dietary habits, and social interaction through urban design, green spaces, traffic patterns, and food accessibility. In contrast, rural regions face challenges such as limited access to recreational facilities and healthy food options, compounded by socioeconomic disparities and cultural factors that shape eating behaviors. Current research highlights inconsistencies due to methodological variations, inadequate differentiation between perceived and objective environmental measures, and insufficient focus on diverse global contexts. Future research must integrate behavioral and environmental determinants at multiple levels to clarify causal pathways and inform community-based interventions. The implications for public health are profound, requiring multi-level strategies that mitigate obesogenic conditions, reduce individual vulnerability, and foster health-promoting environments. Emerging approaches such as community engagement through participatory interventions, technological innovations, smart-city initiatives, and mobile health applications present promising opportunities to reshape both urban and rural settings toward healthier living. Collectively, these insights underscore the urgent need for interdisciplinary action, data-driven urban design, and technological integration to counteract obesity and enhance global health outcomes. Keywords: Obesogenic Environments, Urban Design and Health, Community Engagement, Smart City Initiatives and Mobile Health Applications (MHAs).

Post-harvest losses (PHL) continue to threaten food security and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, where estimates suggest that 20–40% of cereals are lost before consumption. These losses diminish household income, reduce food availability, and worsen nutritional outcomes. Semi-arid regions such as Kitui County, Kenya, face even greater risks due to climatic variability, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and the widespread use of traditional storage methods. This study sought to determine the main causes of PHL, document strategies used by smallholder farmers, and assess their perceived effectiveness. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in Kitui County, targeting 150 smallholder farmers selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and observational checklists, then analysed with SPSS Version 23.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, summarized the findings. Results revealed pest infestation as the leading cause of losses (62.7%), followed by poor storage facilities (54.7%) and inadequate drying practices (49.3%). Additional contributors included mold and rot from moisture (42.0%), delayed harvesting (38.7%), and poor transport or handling (30.7%). These findings mirror regional evidence highlighting similar structural and technical challenges. Farmers reported practicing proper drying (68.0%), sorting and grading (58.0%), and pest control (50.7%). Improved storage was less common: 43.3% used hermetic bags, while 34.0% used metal or plastic silos. Among all strategies, proper drying and silos were rated as the most effective. This aligns with broader research that underscores the importance of integrated post-harvest management for reducing cereal losses. Despite awareness of modern technologies, adoption remains low due to high costs, limited extension services, and weak rural infrastructure. Addressing these barriers will require scaling up affordable hermetic storage through subsidies or credit schemes, investing in drying infrastructure such as solar dryers and raised platforms, and strengthening farmer training on integrated PHL management. Reducing losses would not only safeguard household food stocks but also enhance food safety, improve rural incomes, and contribute to Kenya’s broader goal of resilience against food insecurity. Effective interventions in Kitui and similar semi-arid regions could provide scalable lessons for improving food systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Key words: post-harvest losses, smallholder farmers, Kitui County, hermetic storage, food security

Postharvest losses caused by poor drying and storage practices lead to maize waste, reduced food availability, unsafe food due to aflatoxin contamination, and income loss for farmers. This exacerbates food insecurity and threatens the livelihoods of rural communities. Leveraging digital solutions to provide quality maize postharvest handling information is critical to mitigating these challenges. This study examined maize postharvest handling extension information services provided by rural agricultural extension officers in selected districts of Uganda, focusing on how evidence-based practices supported by information sources, expert knowledge, and ICT infrastructure ensure the quality and relevance of the information delivered. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 312 rural smallholder maize farmers, 22 extension officers, and four information officers. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti version 24, quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS version 29 to generate descriptive statistics and conduct Pearson's chi-square tests. Agriculture extension officers applied digital evidence-based information practices to improve maize postharvest handling advisory services. The study reported that the most frequently used practices were asking (identifying farmers' information needs), acquiring (gathering relevant information), appraising (evaluating information quality), and applying (guiding farmers' decisions). Aggregation (organizing information for accessibility) and assessment (evaluating the effectiveness of applied information) were less practiced. The study suggests a significant relationship between evidence application and maize postharvest handling practices (p = 0.002). No significant relationship between asking farmers' information needs and maize postharvest handling practices (p = 0.887). The study identified inadequate updated sources of information, insufficient skills in evidence-based practices, and information communication technologies. This study suggests that decision-makers update the evidence source and develop continuous professional development (CPD) training programs for rural agricultural extension officers to equip them with knowledge and skills in maize postharvest handling, evidence-based information practices, and new developments in ICTs.

Community-based ecotourism is increasingly recognized not only as a driver of rural economic growth and cultural preservation but also as a potential catalyst for enhancing community nutritional wellbeing. This study examined the case of Ara Village in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, one of the pioneering ecotourism destinations that integrates cultural heritage, natural resources and community participation. Using a qualitative research design, this study explored how community-based ecotourism empowers local communities economically, socio-culturally, environmentally and nutritionally. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 informants, including homestay owners, fishermen, government officials and local tourists. Findings revealed that beyond creating alternative livelihoods through homestays and tourism services, ecotourism has facilitated improved food access and promoted local dietary practices. Homestay operators frequently serve traditional meals using locally sourced ingredients such as fresh fish, vegetables and indigenous herbs, which help preserve local food culture while encouraging healthier eating patterns. Community engagement in ecotourism has also enabled families to diversify their income, increasing their ability to purchase nutritious food and invest in better household food practices. Moreover, interactions with tourists have introduced new insights into hygiene, food safety and balanced diets, contributing to shifts in nutritional awareness among community members. The study also highlights the role of socio-cultural empowerment, where the revival of culinary traditions and food-based storytelling becomes a tool for cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge transmission. However, the long-term sustainability of such impacts depends on inclusive planning and support mechanisms from external stakeholders to ensure that ecotourism continues to benefit both community livelihoods and health outcomes. By integrating perspectives on nutrition, empowerment and local development, this study provides new insights into how community-based ecotourism can serve as a pathway toward improving rural wellbeing. The findings offer practical implications for tourism planners, nutrition advocates, and policymakers working in similar rural contexts across the Global South. Key words: Community-based, Ecotourism, Nutritional wellbeing, Local food systems, Rural empowerment

ABSTRACT Food insecurity remains a major challenge in northern Mozambique, where climate shocks and resource constraints undermine rural livelihoods. Using survey data from 369 smallholder households and the Agrobiodiversity Index (ABI), this study applies a Generalized Propensity Score and regression analysis to examine links between agrobiodiversity and food security. Results show that dietary diversity, food access, and provisioning improve with higher agrobiodiversity in a nonlinear relationship that strengthens at higher levels. Higher ABI values are associated with lower food insecurity and greater stability in household provisioning. A framework is proposed to integrate diversification, policy incentives, and capacity building to enhance resilience.

Rapid environmental change is reshaping freshwater ecosystems, influencing food availability and predator–prey dynamics. This study examined interactions among four freshwater invertebrates—the cnidarian Hydra viridissima (HV), the turbellarians Polycelis felina (PF) and Dugesia gonocephala (DG), and the cladoceran Daphnia magna (DM)—under controlled microcosm conditions. We investigated the effects of temperature, light regime, and predator satiation on predation intensity, prey survival, and interspecific behavior during the 24 h period. DM served as a universal prey, with survival strongly affected by both temperature and predator feeding state. Predation was generally higher at 25 °C and among hungry individuals. HV proved to be the most efficient predator and competitor, whereas DG dominated among planarians by preying on PF and adopting its dark pigmentation—a potential camouflage strategy enabling mimicry of both prey and habitat. PF responded by forming defensive groups, highlighting species-specific behavioral adaptations. PF simultaneously exhibited traits of both predators and prey. These findings demonstrate that microcosm experiments can reproducibly capture natural freshwater interaction patterns. Moreover, this study provides the first evidence of a planarian predator exhibiting both prey mimicry and environmental camouflage, revealing a novel behavioral strategy in flatworm ecology.

Abstract Many vertebrates rely on the Earth's magnetic field for orientation, navigation and spatial positioning. This ability, known as magnetoreception, is well documented across various taxa, yet its role in lizards remains poorly understood. By exposing free‐ranging Lilford's wall lizards ( Podarcis lilfordi ) to a static magnetic field in which the magnetic north was rotated to the east, we observed significant changes in their basking alignments and movement patterns. Lizards basking in the ambient magnetic field aligned along an NNE–SSW axis, whereas those in the altered magnetic field shifted to an ESE‐WNW alignment, consistent with the imposed 90° rotation. Additionally, lizards moving within the altered field exhibited directional movements along the manipulated magnetic north–south axis, contrasting with the random movements observed in controls. These findings reinforce the role of magnetic fields in lizard orientation and movement. On Aire Island, P. lilfordi is non‐territorial, with individuals displaying large home range shifts in response to food availability; hence, our results highlight the ecological relevance of magnetic orientation in species with extensive spatial dynamics. Our results provide strong evidence that both spontaneous magnetic alignment during basking and directional orientation during movement are influenced by the magnetic field, highlighting its role in the spatial behaviour of P. lilfordi . These findings contribute to the growing understanding of magnetoreception in reptiles and its ecological relevance in Lacertidae species.

Background: Food insecurity is associated with chronic disease and remains a key focus for population health interventions. Most research has focused on food insecurity at an individual level, without recognizing the role the food environment in an individual’s neighborhood plays in development of chronic disease. This study examined the pathway between food access measured at a census tract level and stroke prevalence to identify targets for interventions and inform policy efforts at the population level. Methods: Census tract level data were combined to create a final analytic dataset of 11,457 census tracts. Structural racism was defined as historic residential redlining using Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) residential security maps from the Mapping Inequality project (score between 1=best to 4=redlined). Food access was defined using the modified retail food environment index (mRFEI) calculated as the number of healthy food retailers divided by the number of healthy and less healthy food retailers per census tract. Prevalence of stroke in each census tract was based on CDC PLACES data. Direct and indirect relationships between redlining and stroke via food access was investigated using structural equation modeling run in Stata v17, controlling for population of each census tract. Results: Mean prevalence of stroke was 31.8%. Redlining (0.19, 95%CI 0.17, 0.21, p<0.001) and lower food access (-0.10, 95%CI -0.12, -0.09, p<0.001) were directly associated with higher prevalence of stroke. Redlining was also indirectly associated with stroke via lower food access within a census tract (-0.10, 95%CI -0.12, -0.08, p<0.001). See Figure 1. Conclusions: Structural racism measured using historical redlining was directly and indirectly associated with the prevalence of stroke via food access in a census tract. Based on these results, interventions to improve access to healthy food options at the community level may help address the impact of structural racism on the health of individuals, particularly those at risk for stroke living in historically redlined neighborhoods.

Background: Eating during the appropriate time of day can mitigate changes in autonomic cardiovascular risk factors. The goal of this study is to determine the mechanism(s) that connect the timing of feeding to changes in the autonomic regulation of heart rate (HR) in mice. Hypothesis: The timing of feeding behavior modifies autonomic input to the heart to mask circadian rhythms in the HR. Methodology: Wild-type (WT) and inducible cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of the RRAD gene (cRADKO) mice were implanted with telemetry devices to continuously record HR using electrocardiography, core body temperature (Tb), and activity. The cRADKO mice were used to test the role of autonomic regulation, because the cardiac response to β-adrenergic stimulation relies on Rad disinhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels. WT mice were housed in 12-hour light: 12-hour dark cycles (LD) with ad libitum food (ALF) access at room temperature were exposed to thermoneutrality. Mice were subjected to light cycle time-restricted feeding (TRF) for 6 days, followed by constant darkness (DD) for 3 days, and returned to ALF for 3 days under DD. The change in HR associated with autonomic nervous system regulation (ΔHR) was quantified across the 24-hour cycle by subtracting the experimentally measured HR and the intrinsic HR (HR measured after autonomic inhibition and adjusted for Tb). Results: Housing mice (n=6/sex) in thermoneutrality decreased HR in mice. Mice with ALF access housed in LD had 24-hour rhythms in HR, Tb, and activity that all peaked in phase alignment during the dark cycle. One day after starting light cycle TRF, the onset of the 24-hour rhythm in HR and ΔHR (but not activity) shifted by 8-10 hours to align with food access during the light cycle (p<0.0001; ALF vs TRF). Switching TRF mice from LD to DD did not alter the onset of the day-night rhythms in HR, ΔHR, or activity. Returning the TRF mice housed in DD to ALF access re-aligned the onset of the HR and ΔHR rhythms with activity rhythms. Repeating control and cRADKO mice (n=5-6/group) showed similar results with light cycle TRF as WT mice. The day-night HR rhythm in cRADKO was 25% larger compared to control (p<0.05), suggesting the realignment of HR is largely mediated by the vagal input. Conclusions: The data show that the timing of feeding behavior in mice drives the phase of the day-night rhythm in autonomic regulation of HR, and TRF can mask the circadian rhythm in the autonomic regulation of HR.

ObjectivesTo estimate food availability and the contribution of different food sources during the first 10 months (7 October 2023 to 31 August 2024) of the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.DesignRetrospective statistical modelling analysis.SettingWar-affected population in the Gaza Strip, occupied Palestinian Territories, with stratification into northern and south-central governorates.ParticipantsEntire population.Main outcome measuresCalories available per capita; proportional contribution to food availability, by source including baseline stocks, agricultural output, trucks and air/sea-borne deliveries.ResultsBetween October 2023 and April 2024, food trucked into Gaza remained below prewar levels. Israeli data offered higher weight estimates than the United Nations’ (UN) but appeared to feature extreme approximation. The share of food categories changed little during the period analysed, but trucked-in food’s caloric value was lowest just as food was scarcest (February–March 2024). Trucks accounted for three-fourths of food in south-central Gaza, but <20% in the north; air and sea deliveries contributed little. As of May 2024, when Israel took control of crossings, caloric availability had been insufficient during 8 weeks in northern and 3 weeks in south-central Gaza. Thereafter, UN data featured under-reporting, but even Israeli data indicated declining deliveries.ConclusionsIsrael, as occupying power, did not ensure sufficient food availability throughout the analysis period, and its data appear unreliable. Existing stocks probably mitigated caloric deficits resulting from insufficient deliveries, but air and sea routes added little. Strengthened coordination of food deliveries may be warranted to optimise caloric quantity and dietary diversity.

Background: As heart failure (HF) becomes more prevalent, early intervention in its preclinical stages is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Heart-healthy diet adherence is low and shaped by individual (e.g., nutrition knowledge), sociocultural (e.g., race), and environmental (e.g., food access) factors. Income is a key structural determinant that may modify the impact of other factors on diet quality. Research Question: What individual, sociocultural, and environmental factors are associated with diet quality in high- and low-income groups with preclinical HF? Methods: Preclinical HF was defined by AHA criteria as having at least one condition: hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We surveyed 400 adults aged ≥40 with preclinical HF from high- and low-income groups (based on 200% of the federal poverty level) using the YouGov panel in South Atlantic states. Diet quality was assessed with the mini-EAT, and behavioral factors (smoking, physical activity, sleep, and alcohol use), socioeconomic status (SES: education and employment), and other factors were measured using nationally representative NHANES and USDA questionnaires. LASSO regression and backward selection models (SAS v9.4) were used to identify factors associated with diet in high- and low-income groups and in the overall population. Results: Compared to the low-income group, those with high income had better diet quality and consumed more vegetables and legumes. They were more likely to be male (55 vs. 45%) and in excellent health (29 vs 23%). They had higher scores on SES (1.9 vs. 1.6 out of 5), food accessibility (9.1 vs. 7.0 out of 12), and availability (2.5 vs. 2.0 out of 4). They had high social connection (42.0 vs. 19.5%), felt safe (70.5 vs 48.5%), and bought their food from supermarkets (65.5 vs 46.5%). In the overall population and income subgroups, multivariable models showed that individual factors (Table) were associated with diet quality. In the high-income group, diet was associated with behavioral factors (p&lt;0.01) and SES (p&lt;0.01). In the low-income group, diet was associated with general health (p&lt;0.01), nutrition knowledge (p=0.02), and being male (p=0.01) Conclusion: Income plays a significant role in diet quality. Although individual factors were linked to diet in both income groups, the specific factors differed by income level, underscoring the importance of income-specific interventions in individuals with preclinical HF.

Background: Emerging evidence links the local food environment to chronic disease outcomes, yet its relationship with cardiac mortality remains under explored at the population level. This study examines the association between the Retail Food Environment Index (RFEI), a marker of community food healthiness, and cardiac death rates across U.S. counties. Hypothesis: We propose that higher RFEI scores are significantly linked to greater cardiac mortality, independent of socioeconomic status, lifestyle behaviours, and demographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional ecological study was conducted using county-level data from 2,793 U.S. counties, integrating cardiac mortality information from the CDC WONDER database for the years 2018–2020 and the food accessibility data from the USDA Food Environment Atlas. The primary outcome was age-adjusted cardiac mortality per 100,000 population. The main exposure variable was the Retail Food Environment Index (RFEI), defined as the ratio of fast-food outlets and convenience stores to supermarkets and farmers' markets. To test the robustness of the RFEI, two alternate indices (RFEI1 and RFEI2) were developed by varying the inclusion criteria for superstore classification. Descriptive statistics, along with univariable and multivariable regression analyses, were performed, adjusting for socioeconomic indicators, racial/ethnic composition, health behaviours, metabolic risk factors, and food accessibility. Results: The mean cardiac mortality rate was 246.6 per 100,000 (SD = 58.3). RFEI showed a positive association with cardiac mortality in both univariate (β = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.25–2.24; P &lt; 0.001) and multivariable analyses (β = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.60–1.34; P &lt; 0.001). RFEI1 and RFEI2 yielded consistent results (β = 2.17 and 2.37, respectively; both P &lt; 0.001). Among covariates, smoking (β = 5.47; P &lt; 0.001), diabetes (β = 2.26; P = 0.008), and poverty rate (β = 0.76; P = 0.008) were significant predictors. The final model explained 50% of the variation in mortality (adjusted R square = 0.50). Conclusion: A higher density of unhealthy food outlets is independently associated with increased cardiac mortality across U.S. counties. These findings underscore the importance of local food environments as modifiable population-level determinants of cardiovascular health and support public health strategies aimed at improving equitable access to nutritious food.

Introduction: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome is a growing public health concern linked to increased morbidity and mortality. The sociopolitical and economic environment, shaped by laws, policies, and institutional practice, profoundly influence daily life, particularly for marginalized populations. These structural forces give rise to social risk factors, leading to discrimination and stigma that, over time, contribute to poor health through stress-related factors like depressive symptoms. This study examines associations between social risk factors and advanced CKM Syndrome in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005–2018 for U.S. adults aged 30 to 79 years with CKM Syndrome. Multivariable weighted logistic regression models were used to assess associations between social risk factors and CKM stage, defined as nonadvanced (stages 0–2) and advanced (stages 3–4). Social risk domains, based on the Kaiser framework, included: economic stability (&gt;130% vs. ≤130% of the federal poverty line), neighborhood/built environment (food security vs. insecurity), education access (&gt;high school vs. &lt;high school), healthcare access (insured vs. uninsured), and social context (presence vs. absence of depression). Models were run to assess independent associations and were adjusted for demographic variables, with statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Among 21,821 U.S. adults with CKM Syndrome, 15.1% (n=3,287) had advanced-stage disease. Of those with advanced CKM Syndrome, 59.8% were aged 65 or older, 43.7% were female, and 11.9% were Non-Hispanic Black. In fully adjusted models accounting for both social risk factors and demographic characteristics, economic instability (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.43–1.95), the neighborhood/built environment (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.49–2.18), limited education access (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.15–1.57), and the social context (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.58–2.13) were each associated with higher odds of advanced CKM Syndrome. Notably, limited healthcare access was associated with lower odds of advanced CKM Syndrome (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.63–0.96) (Figure 1). Conclusions: Significant associations between advanced CKM Syndrome and disparities in income, food access, education, and depression emphasize the importance of implementing targeted, equity-focused prevention strategies.

Palembang, one of Indonesia’s major urban centers, is increasingly affected by recurrent flooding that severely disrupts local food systems. As a low-lying delta city intersected by the Musi River, Palembang faces compounded challenges due to rapid urban expansion, poor drainage infrastructure, and climate-induced rainfall variability. These factors contribute not only to physical flooding but also to food insecurity, particularly among poor urban communities who depend on fragile food supply chains and informal markets. This study investigates how collaborative governance between local authorities and community stakeholders in Palembang can contribute to building resilient food systems amid recurrent flood risks. Using a case study approach, it analyzes local policy responses, community-led initiatives such as floating vegetable gardens, and urban farming on flood-resilient land. The findings indicate that while municipal disaster management agencies provide early warning and evacuation support, food access and distribution during floods are primarily sustained by grassroots networks and community-organized food banks. The paper emphasizes the importance of institutionalized support for community-based adaptation, integrated spatial planning utilizing flood-risk mapping, and policy frameworks that acknowledge food as a vital component of urban disaster preparedness. Palembang serves as a microcosm for examining the broader implications of decentralized disaster governance and food resilience in rapidly urbanizing flood-prone cities.

Free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) present a major management challenge for animal welfare and biodiversity conservation. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, which include sterilization and return of cats, are increasingly adopted to manage cat populations, often alongside routine food provisioning. However, their effectiveness in reducing cats’ reliance on wild prey remains contested. In this study, we use stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) of cat fur to investigate dietary patterns before and after TNR implementation in the context of concurrent changes in food availability linked to the closure of nearby mink-farming operations. We analyzed samples from 122 cats in a large-scale TNR initiative on a rural property in British Columbia, Canada. These included indoor cats (control), free-roaming cats prior to TNR (Group 1), a subset of Group 1 re-sampled months after food provisioning began (Run 2), and newly sampled cats that had been fed regularly before trapping (Group 2). Local prey and food sources were also analyzed to provide a comparative isotopic baseline. Our results show clear dietary shifts following TNR. Group 1 cats exhibited high isotopic variability and elevated δ15N and δ34S values, consistent with wild prey consumption. In contrast, post-TNR cats showed significantly lower and more homogeneous values, aligning closely with those of indoor, kibble-fed cats. These changes are consistent with a reduced dietary reliance on wildlife and raw mink feed following the combination of TNR with regular provisioning and the cessation of mink operations. These findings demonstrate that regular food provisioning in TNR-managed colonies, particularly when combined with broader environmental changes, can significantly alter cat diets and potentially reduce their dependence on wild prey.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the various motivational factor behind the consumer's intention to buy organic food. It also examines how their intention affects actual buying behaviour towards organic food. The motivation, opportunity and ability theory served as the conceptual underpinning for the theoretical framework of this paper. Design/methodology/approach The empirical study was based on responses from a survey completed by 284 individuals. A PLS based structural equation modelling method was used to analyse the collected data. Findings Results revealed that among all motivational factors, knowledge of organic food and health consciousness strongly and positively affects consumer's intention to buy organic food. Further, organic food availability as a consumers' opportunity and their ability in terms of willingness to pay for organic products followed by intention to buy organic food, significantly and positively affect actual buying behaviour. Practical implications The findings have implications for organic food producers, distributors, and market regulators. The study's concepts and recommendations may assist organic food retailers and marketers in increasing sales and satisfying customers. This research should help to fill the gap in knowledge about organic food in India and encourage healthier and sustainable consumption practices. Originality/value The organic food market has not been extensively studied, and the studies that have been done have mostly been limited to the developed nations. Also, motivation, opportunity, and ability theory has been utilised in this study in the context of a developing country like India.