Food Insecurity Research Articles

Harvesting the sun twice: Energy, food and water benefits from agrivoltaics in East Africa

Food, energy and water insecurity are concomitant challenges facing many communities in East Africa. Agrivoltaic systems – agriculture integrated with photovoltaic panels – address all three challenges, providing low carbon electricity, food production and water conservation on the same land area. Agrivoltaics have proven benefits for the food-energy-water nexus in the USA, Europe and Asia, but research is lacking in sub-Saharan Africa, where energy access remains low, and climate change and water scarcity threaten food systems. This study presents evidence for concomitant electricity generation, food production and water conservation from agrivoltaic systems in Tanzania and Kenya, demonstrating the viability of these systems for both grid-tied agribusinesses and rural, off-grid communities. Performance of some crops improved under agrivoltaics, generating higher incomes for farmers and agribusinesses while reducing energy bills and/or enhancing energy supply. Crop survivability during a warm period was greater under the agrivoltaic system, indicating potential for climate change resilience. Panel shading reduced irrigation demand, thus some crops achieved greater yields while needing less water input. Rainwater harvesting from panel runoff further reduced irrigation needs. Combining energy infrastructure with agriculture enhanced land productivity for all crops at both sites. Agrivoltaics, whether grid-tied or off-grid, could address multiple Sustainable Development Goals in East Africa simultaneously by contributing to energy security, climate change-resilient food production, and water conservation in the region.

COVID-19 Severity and Food Insecurity: Evidence from Pakistan

COVID-19 caused serious food disruptions worldwide and raised food insecurity levels. To further understand how COVID-19 impacted food insecurity, this study used nationally representative data from Pakistan to examine the effect of negative COVID-19 shock on food insecurity and its heterogeneity across different income groups. COVID-19 shock was quantified by a subjective measure based on self-reported exposure to the severity of COVID-19. We found that households struck severely by COVID-19 were about 26% more likely to report a lack of healthy food, almost 35% more likely to skip a meal, around 33% more likely to run out of food, and around 20% more likely to go without food for one whole day in comparison to the households unexposed to the severe COVID-19 shock. Furthermore, households affected by severe COVID-19 shock, especially those in the lower income quartiles, faced acute food insecurity. We constructed two additional proxies for this negative COVID-19 shock based on the objective assessment of income loss due to the lockdown measures in Pakistan to examine the robustness of the findings, and they also led to similar outcomes. Overall, the findings suggested that poorer and COVID-19-stricken households faced severer food insecurity and required urgent support.

Household food security contextualised: A comparison of Ambros and Maramanzhi villages, South Africa

Smallholder agriculture plays a crucial role in achieving food security, particularly at the household level. However, fallow fields are progressively increasing in former homelands of South Africa. While substantial efforts have been devoted towards addressing food insecurity, access to arable land has not translated to sustainable crop production for smallholder farmers in former homelands of the country. This paper analyses household food security in the context of deagrarianization in two villages, Ambros (Eastern Cape) and Maramanzhi (Limpopo). Using a mixed-method approach, a total of 106 semi-structured questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews with household heads. Descriptive statistics were analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 computer program. Meanwhile, qualitative data was coded and content analysis was conducted on NVivo 12 software. The key findings revealed that the primary household income in the study area was earned from social grants. Furthermore, home gardens, with an average size of 4100m2 in Ambros and 4400m2 in Maramanzhi village, played a crucial role in supporting household crop production. However, food insecurity threatened the sustainability of rural livelihoods because the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) indicator highlighted that a majority of 54% of households in Ambros and 69% in Maramanzhi were mildly food insecure. Food insecurity challenges varied between the two villages but these were mainly perpetuated by food shortages caused by insufficient monthly income and waning household crop production. Although acquiring food was rated as a very important reason for cultivating in both villages, deagrarianization eroded opportunities for increased crop production. Among other solutions, this study recommends that the government improve the delivery of basic services such as water to promote household crop production and the revitalization of fallow fields. These transformations can potentially enhance food security, income and employment opportunities for rural households, contributing to the sustainability of rural livelihoods.

Achieving an equitable circular food economy in Vancouver

ABSTRACT Food loss and waste occur at an alarming rate while many households in the City of Vancouver are food insecure. Set within the context of City of Vancouver’s Zero Waste 2040 long-term strategic plan, the City seeks to promote a circular economy, including through food waste reduction and prevention, better food redistribution, and partaking in awareness campaigns. Food rescue and redistribution is often framed as a win–win solution to avoid throwing unwanted, unmarketable, or surplus foods from the landfill and instead redistributing the food to those who are food insecure. This solution has been framed as a useful tool to promote a circular economy. However, both food waste and food studies scholars have rightly noted that connecting unwanted foods with those who are food insecure to address systemic hunger is not a panacea, nor is it a systemic solution to prevent food waste. Drawing on key informant interviews with agri-food experts across the system (n = 20), this study identified the challenges, opportunities, and the overall vision of the circular food economy and how it is mobilised in the City of Vancouver. It seeks to understand how equity factors into the vision of a circular food economy and its implementation by agri-food and relevant actors. The findings in this study highlight the importance of dynamic governance systems that targets critical points for change including regulation, funding, and capacity building to ensure a circular food economy that considers equity and justice.

Combating food waste in the agricultural supply chain: A systematic review of supply chain optimization strategies and their sustainability benefits

Food waste represents a significant global challenge, with approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption lost or wasted annually, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. The issue not only exacerbates food insecurity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, waste of resources, and economic losses estimated at over $1 trillion each year. This paper aims to systematically review the causes of food waste across agricultural supply chains and explore effective supply chain optimization strategies to mitigate these losses. Through a comprehensive analysis, the paper identifies critical drivers of food waste, including post-harvest losses, inefficient processing, and aesthetic standards, while proposing technological innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) as solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, it evaluates policy frameworks that support waste reduction, highlighting the role of government incentives and regulations in promoting sustainable practices. The findings underscore the importance of reducing food waste not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic profitability, as optimizing supply chains can lead to substantial cost savings and increased revenue for businesses. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders—including governments, industries, and non-profit organizations—to create systemic change and effectively combat food waste on a global scale. By fostering innovative practices and policies, we can pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of food insecurity and the enhancement of economic resilience.

Integrating Social Needs into Health Care: An Implementation Science Perspective.

Unmet social needs (e.g., housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers) impact a patient's ability to participate in health-seeking behaviors (e.g., physical activity, routine preventive care) and to achieve optimal health. A rapidly growing number of health care systems are incorporating social needs screening and assistance into clinical workflows, yet many implementation and sustainability challenges exist and require collaboration with social service organizations. This review highlights implementation approaches used within this rapidly changing US landscape and uses implementation science frameworks to systematically identify multilevel barriers to and facilitators of implementing and sustaining social needs care. Policies and economic investments are necessary as they determine critical barriers and facilitators within the clinical and social service contexts. Implementation may be further strengthened by cross-sector engagement, evidence-based implementation strategies, and capacity building within clinical and social service organizations. Successful, sustained implementation of social needs care may improve the quality of health care, population health, and health equity.

“…considered ‘essential workers’, so we report to work and serve the community”: experiences of community health workers during COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

BackgroundCommunity health workers (CHWs) played an essential part in providing health services to the communities they served prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they had some positive impact on community/household health service promotion and delivery. Nonetheless, restricted movement and social isolation made it challenging for community members to access CHW services, which are normally provided in person. We explore community health workers’ opinions on the impact of COVID-19 on their responsibilities, clients, and communities in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.MethodsUsing a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted individual (n = 10) and focus group discussions (n = 13) with 23 community health workers. Participants were community health workers servicing three Black township communities in Buffalo Municipality District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Transcripts from audiotaped and transcribed verbatim interviews were analysed thematically using Atlas.ti.ResultsThe COVID-19 had an impact on the CHWs’ job-related activities, the clients’ health, and caused disruptions in community social and economic activities, all of these had a negative impact on population health. COVID-19 had detrimental effects on the clients’ health in various ways, including restricted movement and fear of contracting the virus, isolation and deaths created anxiety and terror, or refusal to attend clinics for routine medical check-ups and treatment. Furthermore, CHWs claimed that COVID-19 affected community livelihoods, exacerbating food insecurity and job insecurity. The vast majority of CHWs, who were predominantly women, had to balance their employment workload tasks with domestic responsibilities, which added extra pressure and burden. In addition, many individuals experienced personal loss and bereavement. However, the clients and the community exhibited remarkable resilience and perseverance despite the multifaceted obstacles faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionFinancial hardships, unemployment, and work disruptions or changes created by the COVID-19 pandemic triggered stress, sadness, worry, and terror among the CHWs. The client’s health conditions were adversely affected, as some clients refrained from visiting clinics for their medications and treatment because of restricted movements, concerns about contracting the virus, and isolation, all of which contributed to their anxiety and fear. The social isolation and quarantine, as well as food and job insecurity, all had an impact on the community’s social and economic life. Despite the COVID-19 risks and stressors, CHWs demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic burden and emphasising their importance as “essential workers” in community health care which further underscores the need to provide CHWs with adequate resources and training in preparation for future pandemics.

Associations between social determinants of health and cardiovascular and cancer mortality in cancer survivors: a prospective cohort study.

The cause-specific mortality implications of social determinants of health (SDOH) in cancer survivors were unclear. This study aimed to explore associations between SDOH and cardiovascular and cancer mortality in cancer survivors. Data from 2013 to 2017 National Health Interview Survey were used for this prospective cohort study. Social determinants of health were quantified using a 38 point, 6 domain score, with higher points indicating worse deprivation. Associations between SDOH and outcomes (primary: cardiovascular mortality; secondary: cancer and all-cause mortality) were assessed using cause-specific multivariable Cox regression, with cancer survivors and individuals without cancer modelled separately. Post hoc analyses were performed among cancer survivors to explore associations between each domain of SDOH and the risks of outcomes. Altogether, 37 882 individuals were analysed (4179 cancer survivors and 33 703 individuals without cancer). Among cancer survivors, worse SDOH was associated with higher cardiovascular [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.31 (1.02-1.68)], cancer [aHR 1.20 (1.01-1.42)], and all-cause mortality [aHR 1.16 (1.02-1.31)] when adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and risk factors. Among individuals without cancer, SDOH was associated with cardiovascular mortality and all-cause when only adjusted for demographics, but not when further adjusted for comorbidities and risk factors; no associations between SDOH and cancer mortality were found. Among cancer survivors, psychological distress, economic stability, neighbourhood, physical environment and social cohesion, and food insecurity were varyingly associated with the outcomes. Social determinants of health were independently associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality among cancer survivors but not among individuals without cancer. Different domains of SDOH may have different prognostic importance.

Scaling the Food Mountain: Implications for Addressing the Determinants of Consumer Food Waste Practices

The growing food waste phenomenon is recognised as a global issue with significant social, economic, and environmental burdens. This is a major concern in developed nations, where consumers are the largest contributors to the total volume of food waste production. As a leading cause of food and water insecurity, economic inequality, and environmental degradation, preventing and minimising consumer food waste is a key objective for policymakers and practitioners. Due to the complex consumer behaviours and practices associated with food waste generation, current understandings of why food waste occurs remain scattered. The purpose of this review is therefore to map the history and development of consumer food waste research over time, highlighting key themes and inconsistencies within the existing literature. Adopting a narrative approach, the literature is organised into three distinct themes to explore and identify the various internal and external determinants of consumer food waste. Our analysis highlights consumer food waste as a complex and multi-faceted challenge which cannot be attributed to one single variable, but rather a combination of behaviours determined by various societal, individual, and behavioural factors. While previous research tends to frame food waste as mainly a consumer issue, this review identifies several collective actors who are central to the problem. These findings call for a holistic view across the food supply chain to help identify opportunities for multi-stakeholder actions that prevent and reduce food waste at the consumer level. Drawing upon these new insights, we provide practical recommendations to assist policymakers, retailers, and consumers in mitigating consumer-related food waste.

Food systems in protracted crises: examining indigenous food sovereignty amid de-development in Kashmir.

How do protracted crises shape indigenous food systems, and what are their ramifications for food and nutritional security? Building on decolonial and interdisciplinary research approaches, this paper assesses the consequences of militarised violence for Kashmir's food system. We document the impact of settler-colonialism and conflict-induced agrarian changes on delocalisation of diets. The protracted nature of the crises has two key implications for changes in dietary patterns. First, land control over common land dispossesses the local population and hinders food production. Second, disenfranchisement from (agricultural) land has led to increased reliance on markets that are flooded by imported foods as local production declines. The paper argues that the state plays an important role in food system changes by destroying local patterns of food production and consumption. Slow violence and agrarian de-development serve as tools to de-develop the local food system. Indigenous food cultures form part of everyday resistance and resilience that are operationalised as mitigation and adaptation strategies to address food insecurity.

Factors Affecting Food Security of Expropriated Peri-Urban Households in Ethiopia: The Case of the East Gojjam Administrative Zone

Food insecurity in peri-urban areas is exacerbated by high living costs, limited access to healthy food, and economic inequality. Despite its growing prevalence due to factors like land loss from urban expansion, food insecurity has received limited attention. In Ethiopia, drastic urbanization creates competition for land between agriculture and urban development, which is becoming extreme in peri-urban areas., This study aims to assess the impact of urban expansion on food security among expropriated peri-urban households in Ethiopia. Using a calorie intake-based food security line, we categorize respondents as food-secure or -insecure. The research analyzed data from 350 expropriated peri-urban households through a structured questionnaire, employing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. About 67% of the respondents were classified as food-insecure. The binary logit model identified several significant determinants of food security, including compensation amount and type, household head demographics, agricultural land rent participation, irrigation and credit access, off-farm income, and organic fertilizer use. To address food insecurity among expropriated households, policymakers must prioritize these factors. Government attention and policy consideration are crucial to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable populations.

Gendered socio-economic and mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among adults living in selected informal settlements in Kenya: an intersectional analysis.

COVID-19 pandemic had devastating socio-economic and health effects, including mental health. This study examines the intersectionality between gender and mental health outcomes among Kenyan adults in informal settlements of Nairobi, Kisumu, and Kilifi Counties during the COVID-19 crisis. This is necessary to inform mental health response in case of another pandemic. We analyzed data collected in a longitudinal survey between July 2020 (fourth round) and February 2021 (fifth round). The data covered COVID-19-related effects on job loss, food insecurity, access to health services, and mental health. Participants were randomly sampled from existing cohorts at the Population Council. The outcomes of interest were depressive and anxiety disorders, combined into a binary composite outcome variable. Descriptive statistics included means for continuous variables and frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. Chi-square tests were used to examine the differences between groups. The relationship between the gendered COVID-19 socio-economic effects and participants' mental health was examined using modified Poisson regression. A total of 4,050 participants were interviewed, 66% female and median age 38 [interquartile range (IQR): 29-46]. Complete income loss was strongly associated with negative mental health outcomes in multiple intersections with varied magnitudes. The association was larger among older females (≥50 years) (PR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.17-1.51, p < 0.001) than older males (PR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.17-1.27, p < 0.001). Partial loss of income was protective against negative mental health outcomes among young males (18-29 years) (PR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.76-0.87, p < 0.001) but linked to negative outcomes among middle-aged males (30-49 years old) (PR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.12-1.16, p < 0.001). Skipping meals was associated with negative mental health outcomes for both genders particularly the married (married male: PR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.22-1.83, p < 0.001; married female: PR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.26-1.60, p < 0.001). We observed significant gender differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of socio-economic factors and health services access in shaping mental health outcomes. Interventions targeting pandemic-related mental health issues should be gender-sensitive and address economic vulnerabilities such as job losses and food insecurity. Policies to mitigate these effects, especially for at-risk groups are crucial for reducing mental health burden in future crises.

The Role of Sorghum in Enhancing Food Security Among Smallholder Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya

In the wake of climate change and prevailing food insecurity, there has been increased attention on crops that can withstand harsh climatic conditions and have the potential to sustain livelihoods. Sorghum (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sorghum bicolor)&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; is among the cereal crops with the potential to address these unprecedented challenges. It grows in arid and semi-arid regions characterized by unpredictable weather patterns, rising poverty levels, and food insecurity. In Kenya, sorghum ranks third in terms of production and importance. Nevertheless, there is prevailing food insecurity in Makueni County, where sorghum thrives well. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the role of sorghum in enhancing food security among smallholder farmers by establishing the potential factors influencing sorghum production and income from sorghum. A multistage sampling method was used to select a sample of 96 respondents. Data analysis involved the use of multiple linear regression model and gross margin analysis. The results indicated that experience, household size, and extension service influence sorghum production positively, while distance to all-weather roads and off-farm income have a negative effect. Gross margin results revealed sorghum is a profitable enterprise with an average net farm income of about 10,760 KES per acre. This suggests that sorghum production improves the income of sorghum-producing households and consequently enhances food security. The study, therefore, proposes strategies such as developing appropriate training facilities and strengthening extension services to boost sorghum production and thus promote food security among smallholder farmers. Furthermore, national and county governments should develop efficient road networks and provide incentives to sorghum producers to enhance access to services and markets, and foster specialization in sorghum enterprise.

The Relationship Between a Campus Food Pantry and Academic Success at a Public University

Food insecurity (FI) is associated with lower academic performance in university students. This research aimed to describe the relationship between a campus food pantry and academic performance, describe the characteristics of student pantry shoppers (PSs), and develop a model to predict academic success. Researchers obtained student pantry swipes and university data (2021–2022 academic year) to generate a dataset for grade point average (GPA) (N = 23,896) and a subset of PS sociodemographic data (N = 852). Variables (cumulative or term GPA) differed based on models. Explanatory variables were biological sex, age, frequency of pantry shopping, classification, Pell Grant eligibility, college, athlete status, citizenship, residency, ethnicity/race, honors, and first-generation status. The analysis included the two-sample t-test, logistic and multiple regression, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). There was no difference (t(921.8) = 0.518, p = 0.60) in the cumulative GPA between PSs (M = 3.001 [0.808]) and non-pantry shoppers (NPSs) (M = 3.016 [0.874]). In the fall term, PSs (M = 3.018 [1.012] earned a higher GPA (t(581.69) = −2.235, p = 0.03) than NPSs (M = 2.919 [1.123]). Pantry shoppers achieved academic success despite exhibiting risk factors for FI, including first-generation status, being of the female sex, and financial need. Targeted multicomponent campus programs are needed to provide food assistance to students at risk for FI.

Food security and dietary patterns in the Tajik Pamirs

For mountain regions in the so-called ‘developing world’, an increase in the number of people considered vulnerable to food insecurity has been noted since the turn of the millennium. Challenging environmental settings, as well as difficult societal conditions have been identified as sources of aggravation to mountain food systems. This paper applies a case study approach, conducted in a remote settlement in the Western Pamirs of Tajikistan, to underpin these general insights with detailed accounts of the complexity of the subject under study, and examines the question of how food security plays out in a specific local setting. The goal is to illustrate how socio-ecological conditions influence the food situation in a specific location, how different parameters generate unequal access to food and effect the nutrition patterns of local households, and what dynamics these patterns exhibit over time. Empirical material was analyzed using Cannon’s food systems approach. The findings exemplify how ensuring food security is made more difficult by the concurrence of challenging conditions, that there is a relationship between the socio-economic status and the dietary patterns of individual households, and how consumption patterns are subject to fluctuations over time. Based upon this, I argue that customized strategies are vital in order to tackle food security challenges in specific settings effectively, and that differentiated, empirically grounded analyses are essential to developing such approaches.

Undernutrition and associated factors among adolescent girls in Diga District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Background Undernutrition is a significant challenge for adolescent girls globally due to biological, social, and cultural factors. The consequences of undernutrition for adolescent girls are extensive, impacting their cognitive abilities, reproductive health, susceptibility to chronic diseases in later life, and the economies of nations. However, there needs to be a more comprehensive understanding of the nutritional status of adolescent girls in the Diga district, Ethiopia. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among adolescent girls in the Diga District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. Methods The study employed a community-based cross-sectional study design in Diga District, Ethiopia. Data was gathered from 651 study participants using a systematic random sampling technique, from July 10th to August 10th, 2023. Data analysis involved using Epi-Data 4.6 and SPSS version 26 for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Height-for-age (HFA) Z-score are generated using WHO AnthroPlus version 1.0.4 software. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions were used for data summarization and analysis, with significance testing at a p-value &lt;0.05. Results In this study, 16.3% (95% CI: 13.5–19.3) of adolescent girls were stunted, while 18.5% (95% CI: 15.4–21.5) were thin. Lack of access to health and nutrition information (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.38–8.23), limited crop variety within household’s crops (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.03–2.65), and household food insecurity (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.49–5.11) were factors associated with stunting. Poor dietary diversity scores (AOR = 7.52, 95% 95% CI: 2.92–19.39) and household food insecurity (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.96–6.93) were significantly associated with thinness. Conclusion Conclusively, there was a low prevalence of stunting and thinness among adolescent girls in the Diga district, Ethiopia. Interventions aimed at enhancing household-level crop diversity, improving food security, providing adequate health and nutrition information, and promoting income-generating activities for adolescent girls can play a crucial role in improving their access to nutritious foods and healthcare, ultimately leading to better nutritional outcomes.

Assessment of food security status in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India: using fao’s food insecurity experience scale

Assessment of food security status in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India: using fao’s food insecurity experience scale

The Role of Indigenous Plants in Sustaining Food Sources in Lesten Village, Gayo Lues Regency, Indonesia

The Gayo tribe in Lesten Village has historically relied on plants to fulfill their nutritional needs. Expanding knowledge about diverse plant-based food sources offers a promising strategy for addressing future food insecurity. A dependence on conventional plant species has often resulted in inadequate food supplies, highlighting the need for alternative approaches that incorporate a broader range of plant resources to mitigate food scarcity. Located within the Leuser mountain buffer landscape, Lesten Village in Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh Province, represents a key agricultural area with significant potential to benefit the local community. This study aimed to document and analyze the plant species used as food sources by the Lesten Village community. Data collection combined qualitative and quantitative methods, including exploration, direct observation, and semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that female respondents had a higher level of knowledge about plant use as food sources. Notably, 52.9% and 55.7% of these respondents were aged 50 years or older. The community in Lesten utilized a total of 51 plant species from 26 families as food ingredients. Vegetables constituted the largest category (34%), followed by spices (30%), fruits (21%), and carbohydrates (15%). Fruits were the most frequently used plant part for food (61%). The species with the highest use value was Cacica papaya (1.07). Additionally, the traditional food with the highest fidelity level was serbet (62.82%). These findings emphasize the importance of integrating a diverse range of plant resources into food systems to enhance food security and stimulate economic development in the region.

Enhancing food security through the use of cluster cooperative societies in fish farming enterprises in South-East Nigeria

Food security remains a critical issue in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, where agricultural productivity faces challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure. This study explores the role of cluster cooperative societies in enhancing food security through fish farming enterprises. By pooling resources and creating collaborative frameworks, cooperative societies in the region have the potential to increase fish production, improve market access, and bolster livelihoods. This paper presents the findings from a study conducted among fish farmers in the South-East, evaluating the effectiveness of cooperative societies in addressing food insecurity. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, with data analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicate that cooperative societies contribute significantly to fish farming success, with notable improvements in productivity and market linkages. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to support the development of cooperative societies in fish farming to further improve food security in the region. Keywords: Food Security, Fish Farming, Cluster Cooperative Societies, Market Access.

Identification of Resistance to &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Puccinia striiformisf&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. sp. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;tritici&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pst&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) in Some Commercial and Elite Bread Wheat Lines

Stripe rust is caused by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Puccinia striiformisf&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. sp. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;tritici&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pst&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) threatening wheat production in Ethiopia. The emerged virulent stripe rust races at one point of the world spread to the rest of wheat-producing countries by the wind as well as human travels and damaged popular resistant wheat cultivars thereby posing food insecurity. However, wheat cultivars succumb to new Pst race (s) soon after their release from research centers. This study aimed to determine stripe rust resistance in some Ethiopian commercial and elite bread wheat lines. In 2017, a total of 37 commercial and elite bread wheat lines were exposed to stripe rust in under the disease hot spot areas (Kulumsa and Meraro) Arsi zone Oromia regional state. In the second year (2018), 22 promising lines consisting of 16 commercial bread wheat and 6 elite’s lines were evaluated both at seedling and adult plant growth stages. The seedling test was conducted in the greenhouse at Kulumsa research center using three Pst races. In field evaluations, terminal severity (TRS), coefficient of infection (CI), area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), disease progress rate (DPR), and spike infection (SI) were considered. Of the 37 commercial and elite bread wheat lines, 19 (51.4%) exhibited lower or equal disease reaction compared to the resistant check (Enjoy) across locations and seasons. Eleven bread wheat lines showed both adult plant and seedling resistance. The 37 commercial wheat lines that showed field resistance was further exposed to three Pst races at the seedling stage and 11 exhibited seedling resistance to all races. This study has identified seedling and adult plant resistance in some commercial and elite bread wheat lines to the prevailing Pst races.