Food Security Gap Research Articles

The Chasm of Persistent Food Calorie Intake Deficiency of Proletarians in Nigeria’s Northern States: A Perception or a Reality?

Objectives: Food calorie deficiency due to poor purchasing power has been a nightmare affecting the labour efficiency and productivity of the proletarians. The worsening state of the general price level with direct consequences on the purchasing power has relinquished the regional workforce to the ebb income class, thus facing the known middle-income class, which is a characteristic of this working class. Thus, based on this crux, this research was conducted to establish whether the chasm of the regional state civil servant’s retrogression into the trough-income category is real or a myth.
 Methods: A total of 375 sampled respondents were obtained through a multi-stage sampling procedure, and valid data were sequestrated via structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
 Results: It was established that a large chunk of the regional workforce fell below the recommended food security threshold level, both in energy and expenditure dimensions. Besides, evidence of a significant and positive correlation was found to exist between the two dimensions of food security. In addition, household size was observed to be the major driver of food security status in the studied area. Furthermore, it was established that the food security gap between the secured and unsecured owes to the interaction effect in the case of calorie intake, and the structural effect termed food security discrimination in the dimension of expenditure.
 Conclusions: Based on the results, this study is a clarion call for policymakers to improve the mechanisms that regulate the macroeconomic policies, especially the multiplier factor that drives inflation, thus containing the food insecurity plaguing its labour force. This intervention will not only be a plus for labour efficiency and productivity enhancement but a leverage for economic growth and development at both the region and the country levels.

Explaining Racial Inequality in Food Security in Columbus, Ohio: A Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition Analysis.

Food insecurity is a leading public health challenge in the United States. In Columbus, Ohio, as in many American cities, there exists a great disparity between Black and White households in relation to food insecurity. This study investigates the degree to which this gap can be attributed to differences in food shopping behavior, neighborhood perception, and socioeconomic characteristics. A Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition method is used to analyze a household survey dataset collected in 2014. We find a 34.2 percent point difference in food security between White and Black households. Variables related to food shopping behavior, neighborhood perception, and socioeconomic characteristics explain 13.8 percent, 11.6 percent, and 63.1 percent of the difference, respectively. These independent variables combined can explain 68.2 percent of the food security gap between White and Black households. Most of this is attributable to socioeconomic variables. Sense of friendship in neighborhood, use of private vehicles, and satisfaction of neighborhood food environment also partially contribute to the food security gap.

National Strategy And Policy On The Agricultural Sector During The Covid-19 Outbreak

The spread of Covid-19 majorly affected the global economic stability. This major change also changed the dynamic of Indonesia economic growth. This study employed a literature study and discussion technique to analyze the situation during the spread of Covid-19. The data collected from the literature, websites, national and international news that relevant to the recent policies and conditions. This study aimed to know the strategy and policy taken by the national policymaker in the agricultural sector during the Covid-19 outbreak. Results showed that the impact of the spread of Covid-19 on the economic aspect and the strategy chosen depending on the national policies. The national policies made based on various aspects, risks, and market scenarios. The labor-intensive effort, development of the agricultural technology, and marketing efforts intensively done to engage the farmer and consumer. The long-term policies strengthen the national food security and agricultural sector. The policies of data use arranged to be applied in various sectors, especially agricultural and food security. These policies managed to encourage and accelerate the synergy of a sustainable agricultural modernization. The national food security development actively contributed to cope with the food security gap in all area in Indonesia. The long-term policies provided a better comprehension and behavior change toward the farmer wellness aspect.

Bridging the food security gap: an information-led approach to connect dietary nutrition, food composition and crop production.

Food security is recognized as a major global challenge, yet human food-chain systems are inherently not geared towards nutrition, with decisions on crop and cultivar choice not informed by dietary composition. Currently, food compositional tables and databases (FCT/FCDB) are the primary information sources for decisions relating to dietary intake. However, these only present single mean values representing major components. Establishment of a systematic controlled vocabulary to fill this gap requires representation of a more complex set of semantic relationships between terms used to describe nutritional composition and dietary function. We carried out a survey of 11 FCT/FCDB and 177 peer-reviewed papers describing variation in nutritional composition and dietary function for food crops to identify a comprehensive set of terms to construct a controlled vocabulary. We used this information to generate a Crop Dietary Nutrition Data Framework (CDN-DF), which incorporates controlled vocabularies systematically organized into major classes representing nutritional components and dietary functions. We demonstrate the value of the CDN-DF for comparison of equivalent components between crop species or cultivars, for identifying data gaps and potential for formal meta-analysis. The CDN-DF also enabled us to explore relationships between nutritional components and the functional attributes of food. We have generated a structured crop dietary nutrition data framework, which is generally applicable to the collation and comparison of data relevant to crop researchers, breeders, and other stakeholders, and will facilitate dialogue with nutritionists. It is currently guiding the establishment of a more robust formal ontology. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring the dynamics of racial food security gaps in the United States

Household-level food insecurity is one of the largest public health concerns facing millions of people in the United States today. Although recent work has highlighted gaps in food security rates between minority and non-Hispanic white households, little is known about how these households evolve through the overall distribution of food security over time. As such, we employ nonparametric estimators of distributional mobility to household-level data on food security from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 study. Results suggest that Hispanic and non-Hispanic white households with children are equally mobile in the long run whereas non-Hispanic black households with children tend to be less upwardly mobile and more downwardly mobile in food security status over time.

Untangling gender differentiated food security gaps in Bhutan: An application of exogenous switching treatment regression

AbstractUsing nationally representative data from Bhutan, and applying an exogenous switching treatment regression model, this study assessed the food security status between male‐headed households (MHHs) and female‐headed households (FHHs). The study demonstrates that there is no significant difference between MHHs and FHHs in terms of food security, but when MHHs are compared with de jure FHHs, the food security is significantly lower among the de jure FHHs. The food security gap between MHHs and de jure FHHs is due to the differences in both observable and unobservable characteristics of the households. The food security gap between de facto and de jure FHHs can be explained by the influence of connections and wider access to off‐farm income. Most of the previous studies consider all FHHs as a homogenous entity and ignore the concept of de jure FHHs (i.e., a household run by single, widowed, or divorced woman) and de facto FHHs (i.e., a household where there is a husband, but he is not physically present because of his work off‐farm). As the present research takes this into account, the econometric findings from our study, thus have important implications in formulating special food security policies targeting the most vulnerable FHHs.

Analysis of water quality of selected irrigation water sources in northern Ghana

Abstract Small-scale irrigation continues to cushion the food security gap in sub-Saharan Africa. Irrigation is largely governed by water availability, soil type and crop water requirements, among other factors. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the suitability of various water sources for irrigation in northern Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to assess quality of water sources in the Savelugu, Kasena-Nankana East, and Nabdam districts for small-scale irrigation development. The water quality parameters used were: pH, electrical conductivity (ECw), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percent (Na%), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), Kelley's ratio (KR), total hardness (TH), chloride (Cl), Escherichia coli, and fecal coliforms. While we found most of the irrigation water sources, including small reservoirs, dams, wells and rivers suitable, few unsuitable irrigation water sources were also identified. Overall, the study found that opportunities for scaling small-scale irrigation exist in all the sites. The knowledge generated from this study will guide irrigation water use, and agricultural policy for sustainable smallholder irrigation development in the region.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL IN GARBA TULLA SUBCOUNTY

Purpose: To assess the Impact of climate change on food and nutrition security at household level in Garbatulla sub-county.
 Methodology:The study was designed as a cross sectional survey. Findings: The analysis of rainfall and temperatures over the region of study indicates that there has been decreasing trend of yearly rainfall and increasing temperatures. Result also revealed that the area is highly dependent on food aid which is an indication of food insecurity in Garbatulla. The analysis of nutritional status in the region remains between poor and serious, requiring adequate attention which is an indication of deterioration in nutrition. The study also found out that the respondents were using arrange of coping mechanism which are at border on survival rather than adequacy. Further, the study findings indicated a number of barriers hindering the community from consuming more nutritious foods such as fish, eggs and tubers.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The widespread occurrence of food insecurity, the severity of the consequences and insufficient progress in reducing the numbers of the food insecure all point to the need for further urgent action. The findings of this study will come in handy by showing the extent to which climate change affects food security and nutrition. Hence, decision-makers at all levels, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and NGOs, will use the study findings design effective policies and programs. The findings will also contribute to the body of knowledge in the academia and may provide insights on food security gaps for further academic research

Promoting implementation of sustainable development goals in rural Nigeria: II food security issues and their determinants among cassava-based farming households in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the food security situation among cassava-based farming households in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River state, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe their socio – economic characteristics, determine their food security status and its determinants and make recommendation based on the findings of the study. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of wards, communities and cassava-based farming households. Data for the study were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to one hundred and three (103) households from 53 communities in the Local Government area. Descriptive statistics, food security indices and logistic regression models were used in data analysis and interpretation. The results showed that the percentages of male to female farmers differed considerably, with most households (59%) consisting of married men and women, thirty three percent (33%) of which were aged 46 years and above. Ninety eight percent (98%) of the households were comprised mostly of Christians, thirty-eight percent (38%) of whom had no formal education. Forty eight percent (48%) of the total number of the cassava farming households had less than 4 memberfamily sizes. The results showed also that 63.11% of the farming households were food secure, while 36.89% were food insecure. The food security gap and food surplus index showed that the food-secure households exceeded the food security line by 33%, while 59% of food-insecure household fell below the food security line. Also, the mean per capita expenditure for all households was N12, 684.21 while the mean per capita expenditure for food secure and food insecure households were N9000 and N3684.20 respectively. The estimated regression model gave a pseudo of 0.7304. Food security and Poverty status of the households were negatively correlated. The odd ratio in favour of household food security decreased by 0.03% for every unit increase in poverty (P>0.05%). It is recommended that more of the young and energetic youth population, and more women and the vulnerable be encouraged to engage themselves more in cassava and other crops’ enterprises; that household sizes be controlled to manageable numbers, and sizes of their farm lands optimally expanded. Finally, sources of farmers’ income should be diversified and cassava farmers should be encouraged to form and/or join cooperative societies so as to build and benefit from ensuing “social capital”, as well as be in positions to benefit from possible incentives of government(s).Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Food Security, Cassava-based Households, Cross River State

Promoting implementation of sustainable development goals in rural Nigeria: I. Poverty issues and its determinants among cassava-based farming households in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, cross river state, Nigeria

This study analyzed the food security situation among cassava-based farming households in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River state, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe their socio – economic characteristics, determine their food security status and its determinants and make recommendation based on the findings of the study. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of wards, communities and cassava-based farming households. Data for the study were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to one hundred and three (103) households from 53 communities in the Local Government area. Descriptive statistics, food security indices and logistic regression models were used in data analysis and interpretation. The results showed that the percentages of male to female farmers differed considerably, with most households (59%) consisting of married men and women, thirty three percent (33%) of which were aged 46 years and above. Ninety eight percent (98%) of the households were comprised mostly of Christians, thirty-eight percent (38%) of whom had no formal education. Forty eight percent (48%) of the total number of the cassava farming households had less than 4 member-family sizes. The results showed also that 63.11% of the farming households were food secure, while 36.89% were food insecure. The food security gap and food surplus index showed that the food-secure households exceeded the food security line by 33%, while 59% of food-insecure household fell below the food security line. Also, the mean per capita expenditure for all households was N12, 684.21 while the mean per capita expenditure for food secure and food insecure households were N9000 and N3684.20 respectively. The estimated regression model gave a pseudo of 0.7304. Food security and Poverty status of the households were negatively correlated. The odd ratio in favour of household food security decreased by 0.03% for every unit increase in poverty (P>0.05%). It is recommended that more of the young and energetic youth population, and more women and the vulnerable be encouraged to engage themselves more in cassava and other crops’ enterprises; that household sizes be controlled to manageable numbers, and sizes of their farm lands optimally expanded. Finally, sources of farmers’ income should be diversified and cassava farmers should be encouraged to form and/or join cooperative societies so as to build and benefit from ensuing “social capital”, as well as be in positions to benefit from possible incentives of government(s).

Assessing Gender Inequality in Food Security among Small-holder Farm Households in urban and rural South Africa

Summary With the ongoing changes in climate, household food insecurity is likely to be more widespread in most small-holder and subsistence farm households in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the existence and extent of gendered household food security—or lack thereof—remains unclear. This study extends existing knowledge by assessing gender inequality in household food (in) security among small-holder farm households in urban and rural areas of South Africa. In doing-so, we use the gender of the head of household and treatment effects framework. Our results show that male-headed households are more food secure compared to female-headed households, with the latter depending more on agriculture to increase household food levels. We further find that the household food security gap between male- and female-headed households is wider in rural than in urban areas, where rural male- and female-headed households are more likely to report chronic food insecurity, i.e., are more likely than their urban counterparts to experience hunger. Interestingly, the effects of climatic characteristics on household food security are more apparent in rural than in urban areas. Our findings suggest that household food security initiatives are likely to be more effective, in closing the gender gap in household food security, if aligned with policies on urban and rural agriculture and development.

Food Security Challenge of Climate Change: An Analysis for Policy Selection

Food security and the ability to meet this fundamental need is without a doubt an important objective to all nations. This study deals with climate change adaptation and its costs-benefits with an empirical analysis optimizing food security related adaptation strategy over a 50-year time frame. An Empirical Dynamic Commutable General Equilibrium Model for Climate and the Economy (EDCGECE) is applied to describe the potential effects of climate change on food security and examine the implications of future strategies for Malaysia. Specifically, this study considers the potential effects of climate change on food security and explores the prioritizing of mitigation options. Different scenarios show a baseline scenario without adaptation action followed by introduction of adaptation actions. The analysis reveals important contrasts from baseline to future options over time. The results indicate that food sustainability gap in Malaysia is about 30–35% below the national targets in 2015 (baseline) and the gap is rising over time due to climatic effects in agriculture. However, applying different levels of adaptation actions, (e.g. 5–20%) food security gaps are reduced over time considerably. The projected adaptation strategies applied in this study would be effective and helpful to support sustainable food security related strategies in Malaysia.

Gendered food security in rural Malawi: why is women’s food security status lower?

Gendered food security gaps between female- and male-headed households (FHHs and MHHs) can be decomposed into two sets of components: those explained by observable differences in levels of resource use, and those due to unobserved differences affecting the returns to the resources used. Employing exogenous switching ordered probit and binary probit regression models, this paper examines the gendered food security gap and its causes in rural Malawi. We conducted a counterfactual analysis and found that the food security of FHHs would improve significantly if they had the same levels of resource use as MHHs. However, even if FHHs had the same levels of resource use as MHHs, the gendered food security gap would not be closed because of the differences in the returns to those resources. Such differences in returns to resources explain 40 % (45 %) of the observed gendered chronic (transitory) food insecurity gap and 54 % (19 %) of the food break-even (surplus) gap. Further analysis suggests that the intensity with which sustainable agricultural practices have been adopted has a greater impact on the food security of FHHs than on MHHs.

What Determines Gender Inequality in Household Food Security in Kenya? Application of Exogenous Switching Treatment Regression

This paper explores the link between the gender of a household head and food security in rural Kenya. The results show that the food security gap between male-headed households (MHHs) and female-headed households (FHHs) is explained by their differences in observable and unobservable characteristics. FHHs’ food security status would have been higher than it is now if the returns (coefficients) on their observed characteristics had been the same as the returns on the MHHs’ characteristics. Even if that had been the case, however, results indicate that FHHs would still have been less food-secure than the MHHs due to unobservable characteristics.