Food Supply System Research Articles

The Planting Of Pueraria Crops In Addressing Food Security: An Investigation Of Woody Crops In Southwest Of China

To comprehensively strengthen the foundation of food security, adopt a holistic view of food, develop facility agriculture, construct a diversified food supply system, and better meet the needs of a better life for the people, is one of the important national strategies of China today. Pueraria crops have a long cultivation history in China, with records dating back to at least the pre-Qin era, they possess high economic and ecological value, and their extensive living cultivation and utilization are still preserved in the mountainous areas of Southwest China, providing an important food source for various ethnic groups in the region. We believe that by achieving a transformation in conceptual framework, introducing facility agricultural technology, cultivating and utilizing pueraria crops in southwest China as an important supplementary food source, reviving the planting of pueraria crops in the mountainous areas of southwest China, ensuring food security, and potentially providing valuable insights for the current construction of ecological civilization.

NOVA FOOD ACQUISITION AND CONSUMPTION AMONG RURAL AND URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND GHANA.

This study aims to determine differences in food consumption by the NOVA food categories in South Africa and Ghana and how they relate to poverty and food supply systems. This study used a cross-sectional design to assess household food acquisition and lived poverty index. The study was conducted in Khayelitsha and Mount Frere, urban and rural communities in South Africa, respectively, and Ahodwo and Ejuratia, urban and rural communities in Ghana, respectively. An adult in charge of or knowledgeable about household food acquisition and consumption was selected to participate in the study. A total of 1299 households participated in the study. Supermarkets were a prominent source of ultra-processed foods for households in South Africa, while informal outlets were an important source of ultra-processed foods in Ghana. Consumption of unprocessed foods was higher among South African households (58.2%) than Ghanaian households (41.8%). In South Africa, deprivation was associated with increased odds of infrequent consumption of both unprocessed foods (OR 3.431 p<0.001) and ultra-processed foods (OR 2.656 p<0.001) compared to non-deprivation. In Ghana, no significant associations were observed between household deprivation and consumption of the NOVA food classes. Different food supply systems and poverty are associated with household acquisition of the different NOVA food classes. Policies should be geared towards formal shops in South Africa and informal shops in Ghana to reduce the consumption of key obesogenic foods.

Enhancing resilience and reducing waste in food supply chains: a systematic review and future directions leveraging emerging technologies

ABSTRACT The sustainability of food supply chains is gaining increasing attention, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. A food supply system that simultaneously prioritises resilience and minimises wastage is crucial. It is found that many studies have explored reducing food waste and increasing supply chain resilience as separate objectives, but research is scarce investigating both objectives in conjunction. This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review focusing on existing solutions to reducing food waste and enhancing resilience. It discusses future directions, particularly leveraging emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The studies are categorised into three main topics: crisis resilience solutions, food waste reduction solutions, and integrated solutions. The literature review reveals a lack of empirical and practical solutions for concurrently improving resilience and decreasing food waste. Further in-depth investigations are necessary to propose practical and integrated approaches that tackle both challenges jointly.

Impact of digital logistics platforms to facilitate more regional food in the hospitality sector and communal catering

PurposeThis paper studies digitalization projects aiming to increase the share of regional food in the hospitality sector and communal catering. The focus is set on influencing factors and underlying feedback structures that arise through the digitalization of regional food supplies. The results can guide stakeholders to get a better understanding of key influencing factors and complexities from a holistic perspective.Design/methodology/approachA systems thinking approach is employed to model regional food networks. The influencing factors were found in the literature and in two model regions. Feedback loops and underlying structures were explained and validated through semi-structured interviews. Findings are visualized in causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and are used for theory development.FindingsThe presentation in CLDs helps understanding the influence of digital logistics platforms on the entire system of regional food supply and not just on isolated parts. Among others, cooperation, trust and digital solutions were identified as key success factors when aiming to increase the share of regional food in the hospitality sector and communal catering.Research limitations/implicationsThe work focused on the underlying feedback structures occurring in regional food supply in two, rural Bavarian regions in Germany with their unique geographical settings. Findings may, consequently, not be entirely transferable to other regions with varying characteristics. Further research needs to be done to see how much these regional parameters influence digital logistics platforms.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the existing scientific literature by showing the impact coming from digital logistics platforms on regional food supply systems. Developing CLDs provides a basis for future work and facilitates discussion for researchers and practitioners to support future real-world implementations.

Innovative 2D Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Microfluidic Sensors for Food Safety and Environmental Ecology

2D nanomaterials-infused electrochemical microfluidic sensors mark a paradigm shift in precision sensing technology. Leveraging the unique properties of materials like carbons, transition metal and molecularly imprinted polymers, these sensors redefine the benchmarks for electrochemical sensing with their extraordinary sensitivity, rapid response kinetics, and remarkably low detection limits. The integration of a microfluidic system further enhances their capabilities, providing meticulous control over sample volumes and reaction kinetics, ensuring unparalleled reliability and reproducibility in real-time monitoring applications. This amalgamation of advanced nanomaterials and microfluidic technology not only sets new standards for precision sensing but also opens avenues for transformative applications across diverse fields. In the realm of food safety, these sensors emerge as pioneering tools, offering exceptional specificity for the precise detection of contaminants, pathogens, and spoilage indicators. Their rapid, on-site analysis capabilities revolutionize traditional testing methods, enabling timely interventions and elevating the overall quality assurance in the food industry. Simultaneously, their impact extends to environmental ecology, where the sensors play a crucial role in monitoring pollutants, heavy metals, and environmental stressors in real-time. The compact design and portability of these sensors facilitate on-site environmental monitoring, transcending the limitations of conventional laboratory-based testing and contributing to more sustainable and resilient ecosystems. Beyond their technological prowess, these sensors carry significant societal and economic implications. Their compact and portable nature streamlines on-site analyses, minimizing logistical challenges associated with sample transportation and centralized laboratory facilities. This efficiency not only enhances monitoring processes but also holds the potential to revolutionize resource allocation in sectors reliant on rapid and reliable analytical insights. In essence, 2D nanomaterials-based electrochemical microfluidic sensors represent a transformative leap towards precision sensing, promising a future where safeguarding the integrity of our food supply and ecological systems is seamlessly intertwined with technological innovation. Figure 1

ГИДРАВЛИЧЕСКИЙ РАСЧЕТ СИСТЕМЫ ПОДАЧИ ПЛАВЛЕНОГО СЫРА КУЛАЧКОВЫМ НАСОСОМ

The purpose of the study is to develop a calculation method for a continuous supply system for highly viscous food masses, taking into account the characteristics of the pipeline, cam pump and rheological parameters of the pumped food liquid. The paper considered a system for supplying processed cheese with rheological parameters at temperatures from 55 to 95 °C. As a result of hydraulic calculations using published data, it was found that 1) calculation of the effective dynamic viscosity μE using the Ostwald formula with the found parameter values yields results very close to the experimental data obtained from open sources; 2) the dependence of the expended power N on the pressure is linear, on the rotor speed n is parabolic, and on the dimensionless dynamic viscosity coefficient μ is power-law; 3) the dimensionless dynamic viscosity coefficient μ has different effects on the productivity Q and the power N: for large values of μ, the effect on Q decreases, while on N, on the contrary, it increases;4) with the growth of viscosity of the pumped liquid, the energy efficiency of the cam pump first improves (the hydraulic efficiency of the pump η increases, the specific energy consumption indicator E decreases), and then begins to deteriorate. The characteristic of the process pipeline (dependence of the required pressure on the flow rate of pumped processed cheese) with a given length L, local resistances, static pressure PC for three values of the internal diameter is constructed. A method is proposed that allows determining the operating parameters of the liquid food supply system at the operating point, taking into account the influence of its viscosity (using the example of pumping processed cheese).

Productivity potential and economic feasibility of small-sized tomato production in plant factories with artificial lighting: A comparative study with high-tech greenhouse production

Plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs) are hailed as a hope for a sustainable urban food supply system. However, this emerging industry is facing a challenge: What crops other than leafy vegetables can PFALs produce commercially? A promising candidate is small-sized tomatoes (ss-tomatoes), which some high-tech greenhouses (HTGHs) are producing. To examine the crop performance and economic viability of ss-tomato production in PFALs, we attempted a comparative analysis based on experiments conducted in a PFAL and an HTGH, along with a Dutch Report on HTGHs. The results show that ss-tomato production in HTGHs is economically viable in the Netherlands but not yet in our HTGH in Japan. The factor that explains the difference is the yield per plantable area. For our HTGH to be economically viable, the present yield of 30 kg/m2/year must be increased to 50 kg/m2/year. The economic performance of ss-tomato production in our PFAL is lower than that of our HTGH, despite its higher yield of 56 kg/m2/year. To attain the same economic performance, our PFAL must achieve a yield as high as 150 kg/m2/year. If PFALs were to provide a stable supply of safe foods to the growing urban population, they should attain higher yields, no matter how challenging it may be.

Multi‐objective assessment of the water‐energy‐environment‐food nexus involving a life cycle assessment approach

AbstractThis work addresses the multi‐objective design of water, energy and food supply systems in isolated rural communities using local resources. The approach used considers objective functions based on life cycle analysis such as water and carbon footprint, as well as economic performance considering the application and integration of normalized metrics to address the water‐energy‐environment‐food nexus. The results show that it is possible to build robust and accessible metrics for the analysis of problems with various design objective functions in decision‐making environments. The optimization problem considers decision variables associated with the sizing of units such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, thermal and electrical energy storage, wood‐fired boilers and the integration of food production systems involving aquaculture and local corn production. Water management is associated with domestic activities and crop irrigation.

Competition vs cooperation: An agent based model for sustainable tomatoes’ import system

Food systems are dominated by multiple risks inflicted by their surrounding environments that pose pressures on the continuous and efficient supply of food products. Market dynamics represented by competitive and cooperative behaviors of the system's main players is one of the uncertainties that influence the availability and affordability of food products. Efficient modeling of these risks can assist decision-makers in simulating and predicting future actions that mitigate the impact that market dynamics have on the provision of food products. This paper suggests an Agent-based model-based framework that simulates the behavior and tracks the economic and environmental performances of the tomato supply system in the State of Qatar. It considers three different scenarios representing the current situation of the market in addition to a competitive and a cooperative trade network. Interactions between trade partners are modeled using two game theoretic approaches counting Cournot competition and Cartel collusion. Based on the research findings, a competitive global market can bring economic benefits to Qatar as an importing nation, but this approach also entails substantial water consumption and results in significant environmental emissions. Conversely, collaboration among exporting countries demonstrates a potential 20% reduction in water usage and a 15% decrease in environmental emissions compared to the competitive scenario, offering enhanced environmental performance albeit at higher economic costs. This study provides a prescriptive analysis that enables policymakers to quantify the trade-offs between economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. These insights are crucial for guiding strategic planning for food supply security and environmental conservation. By understanding the implications of market structure changes, policymakers can navigate potential challenges more effectively and develop targeted policy interventions that enhance the resilience of the food supply system against market volatility and environmental impacts. This analysis supports proactive policy-shaping that aligns with their desired outcomes, ensuring a balanced approach to managing economic benefits and environmental considerations.

Mycotoxin patulin contamination in various fruits and estimating its dietary impact on the consumers: From orchard to table

The present research examined patulin's presence across the whole supply chain of selected fruits. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 442 samples of fruits (oranges, apples, apricots, lemons, and guava) to determine the presence of patulin contamination. This analysis used Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with a UV detector. The findings indicate that 17, 23, and 28 % of selected fruit samples tested positive for patulin levels in farm, transportation, and market samples. However, the sample collected during the transportation step showed that 56 % (percentage of positive samples) of fruits have patulin levels greater than 50 μg/kg, and 41 % (percentage of positive samples) have greater levels than 50 μg/kg in market samples. The findings of the one-way analysis of variance indicated that no statistically significant variation existed between the amounts of patulin across the various stages of the food supply chain system (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the analysis of the correlation study, namely Kendall's tau_b and Spearman's rho, denote a robust association between the levels of patulin and the food supply system. The apple samples exhibited the most significant average dietary intake of patulin, with an average value of 0.11 μg/kg bw/day. The maximum mean hazard quotient (HQ) of 0.28 was also recorded. The prevalence and incidence of patulin in specific fruits were found to be relatively high, and it was observed that market samples had elevated levels of patulin in the selected fruits.

Modeling sustainable bioethanol supply chain in Australia: A system dynamics approach

The growing energy demand and concerns over fossil fuel consumption underscore the need for a shift to renewable energies and biofuels. Concurrently, the rising global population and increased biofuel demand strain the food supply system, requiring enhanced production capabilities. By using a system dynamics model, this study investigates the intricate relationship between bioethanol production and food security in Australia, emphasizing the essential balance for a sustainable bioethanol supply chain. The research explores the interplay among population, food supply, and energy supply subsystems, projecting diverse bioethanol production scenarios until 2050. Findings reveal constraints within the Australian bioethanol supply chain, with current capacity meeting demand at a 1.5 % bioethanol blend rate to gasoline. However, surpassing 3.4 % demands significant capacity expansions incurring substantial costs. At a 5 % blend rate, it is imperative to augment the production capacity to 1275 million liters of bioethanol by 2050. The study underscores the limitations of relying on sorghum for bioethanol production, emphasizing the strategic need to embrace alternative sources such as wheat starch waste and molasses. Addressing the challenge of supplying sufficient food for consumption and energy production, our research advocates for a shift towards fuels produced without edible resources. These insights are vital for policymakers and industry stakeholders, contributing to the understanding of complexities in establishing a sustainable bioethanol industry while ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.

Fresh bell peppers consumed in cities: Unveiling the environmental impact of urban and rural food supply systems

Agriculture and its supply chain pose significant environmental threats. This study employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to explore the environmental impact of fresh bell pepper production and distribution, comparing Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) with Rural Long-Distance Food Supply Systems (RLDFS). Four UPA scenarios (hydroponics, soil-based greenhouse, open-field conventional, and organic) and two RLDFS scenarios (soil-based greenhouse and open-field conventional) are evaluated using SimaPro, incorporating inputs from UPA practitioners and rural farmers. Results reveal an energy demand range of 0.011 to 5.5 kWh/kg eq., with urban greenhouses exhibiting the lowest consumption and hydroponics the highest due to lighting, ventilation, and irrigation. Hydroponics exhibits a global warming potential of 7.24 kg of CO2 eq·kg−1, with energy demand contributing over 95 %, surpassing other scenarios by 7–25 times, necessitating reduction for sustainability. RLDFS's environmental impact is dominated by transportation (over 70 %), meanwhile other UPA systems are influenced by irrigation, infrastructure, and fertilizers. Despite challenges, UPA-hydroponics proves to be 1.7 to 4.3 times more land-use-efficient than other scenarios, emphasizing its potential. The study highlights the need to address electricity usage in UPA-hydroponics for carbon footprint reduction. Despite challenges, hydroponics could contribute to sustainable food security, and RLDFS does not significantly lag in environmental performance compared to UPA other than Ozone layer depletion criteria attributed to fossil fuel usage in transportation. These insights offer valuable guidance for urban development and policy formulation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting policies for agronomic and supply chain sustainability.

Food supply in the context of destabilization of the global economy

The goal is to analyze the state of food supply for the country's population in the context of destabilization of the world economy, inflation of prices for goods, primarily food, which in recent years have had a steady growth pattern. Methods – comparative analysis, economicstatistical, cause-and-effect. Results - the main signs of instability in economic situation in the world, their characteristics, main causes and consequences are revealed. The average annual growth rate of agricultural production for 2000-2020, 2020-2022 is shown and their impact on per capita supply of basic products and consumption rates. Comparison of these indicators allows to identify actual level of food support in Kazakhstan for specific years. The authors note that in the last two decades, physiological dietary and calorie standards for certain food products have not yet been achieved. Food security is also determined by the share of imports in consumer demand. Conclusions - it is recommended in the near and medium term to take effective measures to increase main types of products to volumes that will allow to move to import substitution and per capita consumption to the standards of physiological needs. Measures of state support to create favorable economic and organizational conditions for doing business in agricultural sector of the republic are proposed. Resolving food issue is recognized as the highest priority of government policy. The results of the study have practical significance for the organization and management of food supply system. It is important to promote the use of innovative technologies for production, processing, storage and rational use of food; formation of effective system for distribution of raw materials and agricultural products from producers to the final consumer; development of transport and warehouse infrastructure for wholesale trade.

Ретроспективный анализ эволюции системы продовольственного обеспечения

A retrospective study of the evolutionary transformation of the concept of food security in the context of Russian reality has been conducted. Currently, food security, as an integral part of national security, has become the cornerstone for maintaining economic stability and political autonomy in the country. With increasing geopolitical volatility and private food crises, this topic is becoming increasingly relevant, and maintaining national food security has taken a leading position among the priorities for each State. At the same time, the analysis of scientific research on this topical issue proves that the formation of national food security depends on its regional food security, therefore it is also especially important to study and improve regional food supply systems. It is determined that food security is an active integration process of interaction between internal and external factors, such as agricultural production, grain stocks, import and export of grain, international food aid, etc. It is noted that the modern food supply system must be considered as a complex system of macroeconomic organization that ensures a balance between food and the demand of the population. The analysis of the elements and characteristics of this system makes it possible to identify the most important problems of its functioning and development, the solution of which contributes to improving the efficiency of work and, as a result, to guarantee the necessary and sufficient level of national food security in conditions of high variability of the surrounding environment. At the same time, the national food security system is closely interrelated with the level of regional food management systems, and the modern concept of food security implies the need to ensure constant access to physical and economic nutrition for every citizen.

Varietal Identification of Cereal Grains: Review

Abstract: Large numbers of grain varieties are exploited for different purposes and their characteristics contribute in varied manners to the type, quality of the product. The variety of the grain is an important factor in deciding the value of the product. Identifying these varieties and cultivars is a crucial procedure in a food supply system. Various methods are employed to identify the variety of grains based on morphological, biochemical, or genotypic characteristics of the grain. This note discusses the need for identifying the variety of grains and looks upon various methods that have been brought into action to meet the purpose. Each method of identification has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, making it possible to choose the appropriate one for cereal grains at different stages of the supply chain. The methods of identification described in the review present an alternative to conventional manual methods. Rapid detection and accuracy are expected from the identification methods. Lab-on-a-chip, web portals, and QR codes are just a few of the recent solutions that have the ability to overcome the drawbacks and make variety identification an uncomplicated job.

Comprehensive Review on the Biocontrol of Listeria monocytogenes in Food Products.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis, a group of human illnesses that appear more frequently in countries with better-developed food supply systems. This review discusses the efficacy of actual biocontrol methods combined with the main types of food involved in illnesses. Comments on bacteriophages, lactic acid bacteria, bacteriocins, essential oils, and endolysins and derivatives, as main biological antilisterial agents, are made bearing in mind that, using them, food processors can intervene to protect consumers. Both commercially available antilisterial products and solutions presented in scientific papers for mitigating the risk of contamination are emphasized. Potential combinations between different types of antilisterial agents are highlighted for their synergic effects (bacteriocins and essential oils, phages and bacteriocins, lactic acid bacteria with natural or synthetic preservatives, etc.). The possibility to use various antilisterial biological agents in active packaging is also presented to reveal the diversity of means that food processors may adopt to assure the safety of their products. Integrating biocontrol solutions into food processing practices can proactively prevent outbreaks and reduce the occurrences of L. monocytogenes-related illnesses.

Elevated diversity of the supply chain boosts global food system resilience

Food supply shock is defined as a drastic shortage in food supply, which would likely threaten the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 2: zero hunger. Traditionally, highly-connected global food supply system was deemed to help overcome shortages easily in response to food supply shock. However, recent studies suggested that overconnected trade networks potentially increase exposure to external shocks and amplify shocks. Here, we develop an empirical–statistical method to quantitatively and meticulously measure the diversity of international food supply chain. Our results show that boosting a country’s food supply chain diversity will increase the resistance of the country to food shocks. The global diversity of food supply chain increased gradually during 1986–2021; correspondingly, the intensity of food shocks decreased, the recovery speed after a shock increased. The food supply chain diversity in high-income countries is significantly higher than that in other countries, although it has improved greatly in the least developed regions, like Africa and Middle East. International emergencies and geopolitical events like the Russia–Ukraine conflict could potentially threaten global food security and impact low-income countries the most. Our study provides a reference for measuring resilience of national food system, thus helping managers or policymakers mitigate the risk of food supply shocks.

RESCUER: Combining Passive and Active Learning Techniques to Teach Food Sustainability

This paper discusses the creation and implementation of an experiential learning assignment focused on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Using a grounded theory approach that combines analyzing 90 senior-level marketing students’ reflective essays alongside 63 pre- and post-assignment survey responses, we develop the “RESCUER” framework which combines active and passive learning elements. We demonstrate how active learning layered on top of passive methods can be an effective means to generate more responsible consumer behaviors within a complex food supply system. Students begin with passive learning components in the form of readings and lectures (labeled Resources), before Engaging with mindfulness in an active learning activity that involves the selection, purchase, and preparation of perishable food for a salad. The framework also includes the important effects of Social influence and its role in how Cognizance and Underlying problem salience are generated. Finally included are factors that Expedite the process of generating cognizance and problem salience such as the ready availability of relevant facilities (e.g., the existence of a garbage sorting system), which can enable more Responsible consumer behaviors.

Effect of Asparagus Chitosan-Rutin Coating on Losses and Waste Reduction During Storage

Abstract Storage is a crucial component of a sustainable and efficient food supply system. Reduction of postharvest losses and waste is a vital strategy to improve efficiency, ensure product availability, and reduce environmental impact. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) boasts a high nutritional value and complex of phytonutrients. Yet, the storage period for fresh asparagus is quite short, leading to rapid quality deterioration. An effective method to extend storage periods involves postharvest treatments using the natural biopolymer chitosan. The aim of the research was to assess the effectiveness of applying sustainable postharvest treatments based on chitosan and rutin, with a focus on losses and waste reduction during asparagus storage. The impact of the applied storage technology on the visual appeal and sensory attributes of asparagus, along with its effects on respiratory metabolism, weight loss, soluble solids, soluble carbohydrates, chlorophylls, and carotenoids, was systematically assessed. The findings indicate that the post-harvest treatment using chitosan and rutin effectively preserves the visual characteristics of asparaguswhen the storage period is prolonged to a week. A major advantage of this technology is a substantial reduction in waste, achieving the levels of 1.0-1.5%. The proportion of standard products post-storage ranged from 94.4% to 96.0%. The treatment with chitosan and rutin efficiently reduces weight loss by half and suppresses the respiration rate, leading to decreased losses in soluble solids, carbohydrates, chlorophylls, and carotenoids during storage. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of the applied coating in impeding metabolic processes, resulting in minimized quantitative and qualitative losses in the product quality during a prolonged storage.

The Food Aspect of the Daily Life of Logging Workers of the Volga Region during the Years of Pre-war Modernization

The issues of nutrition and food security comprise an important part in the scholarship on the history of everyday life. This article addresses this topic with regard to logging workers of the forest trusts of the Middle Volga region in comparison with all-Union trends. The territorial framework includes the modern regions of Penza, Samara, Ulianovsk, and the Republic of Mordovia. The article shows the dynamics of solving the food problem in the region. The food shortage in logging camps was most acute in 1930–1931. With the creation of a food supply system for forest workers, the unresolved issues in the second half of the 1930s were the production of low-quality bread and interruptions in the supply of flour, pasta, sugar, and other food products to individual forest posts. The author of the article for the first time introduces into the scholarship quantitative indicators of the presence of shopping units and bakeries in the logging camps of the Kuibyshev region and the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Mordovia in the third five-year plan. The article also analyses the degree of food provision of timber farms of forestry trusts. In the Middle Volga region, food supply in the third five-year plan was best established in the “Sredles” trust of the People’s Commissariat of Heavy Industry. In the “Kuibyshevles” system of the People’s Commissariat of Forestry, the forest camps were provided with shopping units and bakeries to an insufficient extent. The food problem was exacerbated by organizational deficiencies in the trading system.