Food Security Research Articles

Climate change and food security nexus in Ghana: The role of renewable energy.

Climate change is aggravating hunger, which is miserable in Sub-Saharan African nations like Ghana. Yet evidence of the effect of climatic variables on hunger, particularly multidimensional food security, is less illuminated in Ghana. Moreover, the decoupling effect of renewable energy on emissions and food security is rare in the Ghanaian context. Therefore, we fill this gap using time series data from 1990 to 2022. The autoregressive distributed lag model was used to analyse the data, while the dynamic ordinary least squares and fully modified ordinary least squares were employed for robustness. Additionally, the seemingly unrelated regression was used to evaluate the effect of climate change on tomatoes, rice, cocoa, cashews, maize, cassava, and yam output. We discovered a long-run co-integration between climatic factors and food security. Moreover, rising temperatures worsen food security in the short run but eventually improve in the long run. Again, temperature improves the production of the studied crops. In the short term, precipitation disturbs food security but suddenly improves in the future. Similarly, rainfall increases the production of the studied crops. Moreover, CO2 stifles long-term food security and reduces rice production. However, renewable energy counteract the deleterious consequence of CO2 on food security in the future. Theoretically, the effect of climate change on food security follows the assumption of the Environmental Kuznets Curve to some extent in Ghana. Therefore, adopting irrigation, greenhouses, agricultural insurance, and improved crop varieties will help farmers manage the wrath of climate change. Also, policies like carbon credits, tax incentives for renewable energy, investment funds, and solar panel subsidies can further promote sustainability and climate change mitigation.

A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Role of Social Isolation in the Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Depressive Symptoms, and Resource Use Among Midwestern Rural Veterans in the U.S.

The study's objective was to determine whether social isolation serves as a mediator in the cross-sectional relationship between food insecurity, both as a short-term and longer-term situation, with resource use and depressive symptoms as outcomes. This cross-sectional design study utilized secondary survey data, including 30-day and 12-month food security measured by the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. The Baron-Kenny mediation approach was used to determine whether social isolation mediated the relationship between food security, depressive symptoms, and resource use (p ≤ 0.05). Social isolation mediates the association between both 30-day and 12-month food security with depressive symptoms but not resource use. Acknowledging and targeting social isolation, policies, and interventions that integrate peer support and community outreach to promote food security could support rural veterans food security and mental health.

Chasing a Mirage? A Quest for Food Security through Commercial Farming Schemes in the Pandamatenga Region of Botswana, 1983–2000

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the efforts of the Botswana government to support commercial grain farming as a strategy to achieve long-term food security, largely through increased agricultural productivity. It examines the possibilities for achieving greater food security between 1983 and 2000 through a state-sponsored model of large-scale capitalist production of grain crops at Pandamatenga village, a borderland hamlet in Chobe District in north-western Botswana. The article traces the development of the first attempt at commercial farming by selected indigenous farmers and how the project later collapsed, necessitating recruitment of experienced white expatriate farmers. It argues that, although commercial farming provided possibilities for improved productivity and a modicum of food security as well as expanded employment and the transfer of skills, it was limited by the fact that it was dominated by expatriate growers, excluding indigenous farmers in the area, and the fact that food insecurity is itself the result of inequality and constrained purchasing household levels.

Cultivation constrains of Bambara groundnut in Sub-Saharan Africa: Impact of Rhizobial Inoculants

Abstract Background The Sub-Saharan African food system is facing multiple threats, including soil nutrient depletion, monoculture cereal farming, population expansion, and climate change. These factors collectively pose a risk to agricultural productivity and food security in the region. Scope Bambara groundnut (BGN) (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc) yield has been in decline due to various abiotic factors such as high temperature, drought, and salinity, as well as biotic factors like nitrogen-fixing symbiont host specificity. These challenges have negatively impacted crop productivity and food security. This review highlights the significance of BGN in addressing food insecurity and explores its potential advantages for small-scale farmers. BGN provides a good example for strong effects of the microbiome, particularly specific symbionts for nitrogen-fixing root nodules, on production systems. A focus of this review is to highlight the potential applications of nitrogen-fixing symbionts as biofertilizers for Bambara groundnut. Conclusion The review emphasizes the potential of BGN to improve agricultural production and soil fertility, particularly using inoculation technology, which could benefit small-scale farmers and contribute to enhancing food security. Bradyrhizobium inoculants may have to be designed specifically for the cultivar level of BGN.

Benefits Of Omega-3 In Peruvian Anchoveta: A Review Of Its Impact On Health

Objectives: The objective of the research was to analyze the current state of knowledge about Omega-3 in the Peruvian anchovy to understand its positive effects on health and promote its adequate consumption. Theoretical framework: The Omega-3 fatty acid present in the Peruvian anchovy is widely known by the scientific community, but its information has not been disseminated enough to know its positive effects in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Method: The positive effects of Omega-3 fatty acid on health were explored from various perspectives, highlighting its anti-inflammatory action and potential in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Results and discussion: The anchovy, abundant in the Peruvian sea and economic for its availability of catch by the fishing fleet, offers an accessible alternative without compromising the nutritional content, especially relevant in regions with low economy where other sources of Omega-3 are unreachable. It is concluded that anchovy is an accessible source of Omega-3 with considerable nutritional and economic value. Consumption improves public health by preventing chronic and autoimmune diseases. Implications of research: Promote public health policies that include anchovy to maximize its benefits to society, especially in vulnerable populations by ensuring food security and access to low-cost animal protein. Originality/Value: It is essential to promote public health policies that include anchovy in accordance with the ecosystem approach applied to fisheries, food security and sustainable development goals. a rethinking of dietary recommendations is suggested, especially in vulnerable populations in Peru.

Comparative Performance of Zinc Sources on Productivity of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Zinc Stressed Soils of Cauvery Delta Zone

Rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation is a cornerstone of India's economy and food security, with the nation ranking second only to China in annual production. Despite considerable advancements in recent years, rice yields remain below their maximum potential. Enhancing rice productivity through precise and advanced mineral nutrition techniques offers a promising solution for overcoming nutrient deficiencies in soils and improving crop yields. Zinc, an essential micronutrient, plays a crucial role in enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and overall plant metabolism. However, zinc deficiency is a widespread issue in many agricultural soils, particularly affecting rice crops, leading to reduced growth and yield. Addressing this deficiency through the application of appropriate zinc formulations is vital for improving rice productivity in zinc-deficient soils. A pot experiment was carried out in department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu during kharif of 2023 and included four sources of zinc and four levels of zinc levels to study their comparative performances and improve the yield of rice. Growth characters viz., plant height, number of tillers hill-1, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, dry matter production, yield characters viz., no of panicles pot-1, no. of grains panicle-1, panicle length and test weight and grain and straw yield were recorded. The results indicated that the application of zinc lysinate at 5 kg ha-1, either individually or in combination, produced the highest growth and yield parameters, with grain (43.01 g pot-1) and straw (58.87 g pot-1) yields surpassing those of other treatments, demonstrating its potential to improve rice productivity in zinc-deficient soils.

A Sustainable Approach Toward Food Security: Investigating the Effect of Intercropping on Soil Rhizospheric Activity, Weed Flora and Yield Attributes of Maize (Zea mays)

A Sustainable Approach Toward Food Security: Investigating the Effect of Intercropping on Soil Rhizospheric Activity, Weed Flora and Yield Attributes of Maize (Zea mays)

Food Security in India: A Comprehensive Examination of Progress, Challenges, and Pathways to Sustainable Development

Food Security in India: A Comprehensive Examination of Progress, Challenges, and Pathways to Sustainable Development

Adoption of Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) Technologies in Southern Ethiopia

Addressing malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in Ethiopia necessitates innovative, food-based solutions such as biofortified crops. This study assesses the adoption rates of Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) and examines the factors influencing adoption among project participants, non-participants, and counterfactual households in the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ (SNNPs) region. Primary data were collected in 2023 through a survey of 990 households across six districts, and logistic regression was employed to identify key determinants of adoption. The findings reveal OFSP adoption rates of 53% among participants, 56% among non-participants, and 42% among counterfactual households, with significant variation across regions. Factors positively influencing adoption include household education, proximity to health centers and OFSP multiplication sites, frequent extension contact, and access to agricultural services. This study underscores the potential of newly released OFSP varieties to enhance food security and resilience in malnutrition-prone areas. The comparable adoption rates between participants and non-participants highlight significant spillover effects from long-term interventions, suggesting widespread community benefits. However, the limited adoption of complementary OFSP package components points to the need for enhanced training programs and streamlined technology dissemination strategies. These findings contribute to understanding how biofortified crops can be scaled effectively to improve food security and nutrition, offering valuable insights for policy and program design.

A Large-Scale Agricultural Land Classification Method Based on Synergistic Integration of Time Series Red-Edge Vegetation Index and Phenological Features.

Agricultural land classification plays a pivotal role in food security and ecological sustainability, yet achieving accurate large-scale mapping remains challenging. This study presents methodological innovations through a multi-level feature enhancement framework that transcends traditional time series analysis. Using Shandong Province, northern China's agricultural heartland, as a case study, we first established a foundation with time series red-edge vegetation indices (REVI) from Sentinel-2 imagery, uniquely combining the normalized difference red edge index (NDRE705) and plant senescence reflectance index (PSRI). Moving beyond conventional time series analysis, we innovatively amplified key temporal characteristics through newly designed spatial feature parameters (SFPs) and phenological feature parameters (PFPs). This strategic enhancement of critical temporal points significantly improved classification performance by capturing subtle spatial patterns and phenological transitions that are often overlooked in traditional approaches. The study yielded three significant findings: (1) The synergistic application of NDRE705 and PSRI significantly outperformed single-index approaches, demonstrating the effectiveness of our dual-index strategy; (2) The integration of SFPs and PFPs with time series REVI markedly enhanced feature discrimination at crucial growth stages, with PFPs showing superior capability in distinguishing agricultural land types through amplified phenological signatures; (3) Our optimal classification scheme (FC6), leveraging both enhanced spatial and phenological features, achieved remarkable accuracy (93.21%) with a Kappa coefficient of 0.9159, representing improvements of 4.83% and 0.0538, respectively, over the baseline approach. This comprehensive framework successfully mapped 120,996 km2 of agricultural land, differentiating winter wheat-summer maize rotation areas (39.44%), single-season crop fields (36.16%), orchards (14.49%), and facility vegetable fields (9.91%). Our approach advances the field by introducing a robust, scalable methodology that not only utilizes the full potential of time series data but also strategically enhances critical temporal features for improved classification accuracy, particularly valuable for regions with complex farming systems and diverse crop patterns.

Yield Gap, Yield Performance and Farmer Economics Analysis of High Yielding Biofortified Wheat Variety DBW-187 with the Special Reference to the Adoption in District Bijnor (U.P.) India

This research investigated the yield differences, yield efficacy, economic consequences, technology index and adoption rates of the high-yielding biofortified wheat variety DBW-187 and high-yielding wheat variety enriched with essential nutrients. It addresses crucial aspects of food security and nutrition by analyzing the gap between potential and actual farm yields. Being biofortified, DBW-187 contributes to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in populations dependent on wheat as a staple food. Frontline demonstrations were executed in 128 farmers' fields in 11 blocks from 2019-20 to 2023-24, contrasting DBW-187 with conventional farming practices. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating field tests, economic analysis, and surveys of farmers. The results indicated that DBW-187 regularly surpassed local varieties, achieving an average yield of 58.74 qt/ha, in contrast to 42.65 qt/ha for conventional farming practices, signifying a 37.72% enhancement. The technological gap averaged 38.10 qt/ha, however the extension gap was 16.09 qt/ha, signifying possibility for enhancement in achieving the varieties complete potential. The average adoption rate of DBW-187 across the district was 54.73%, exhibiting considerable heterogeneity among blocks, ranging from 47.61% to 65.21%.

Survey and Identification of Fusarium Head Blight Pathogens of Wheat in the Western Cape Region of South Africa.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major disease affecting wheat production worldwide, caused by multiple Fusarium species. In this study, seven Fusarium strains were isolated from wheat fields across the Western Cape region of South Africa and identified through phylogenetic analysis. The strains were classified into three species complexes: the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC), and Fusarium tricinctum species complex (FTSC). Disease severity was highest in the South coast regions of Swellendam (42.73%) and Caledon (38.00%), with the dough stage of wheat development showing the highest disease rate (0.3 in Swellendam and Caledon). The phylogenetic analysis showed distinct clustering of these isolates with known species from the NCBI database, confirming their classification. F. ipomoeae was uniquely found in Swellendam and Caledon, while F. tricinctum occurred only in Klipheuwel and Caledon, highlighting geographical variation in species distribution. Mycotoxin profiling revealed that F. culmorum and F. pseudograminearum produced zearalenone, F. culmorum and F. tricinctum produced 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON), while F. pseudograminearum produced nivalenol (NIV). These findings provide significant insights into the distribution of Fusarium species and their associated trichothecene chemotypes in the Western Cape, which is crucial for developing effective FHB management strategies and ensuring food security and safety.

Evaluating UN peacekeeping deployment problems: the case of the United Nations Emergency Force, 1956–1967

Since the end of the Cold War, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations have expanded significantly not just in the number of missions, but also in size and mandate. Alongside, both scholarly and media attention has focused on the increasingly visible systemic problems linked to UN operations, which range from the internationalization of political decision-making, accountability issues, and racism towards local communities to violence committed by UN staff, sexual exploitation and abuse of members of the local communities, and economic inequalities created by the international presence. Although such critical perspectives are prevalent in the broader research landscape of postcolonial studies, scholars have only just started to explore these problems within UN “mission areas” during decolonization. This essay addresses this gap in two ways. First, it explores the geopolitical space of the first UN peacekeeping operation in the Middle East between 1956 and 1967. Second, it focuses on the everyday spaces in which the Palestinian communities in the “mission area” of the Gaza Strip reacted to the problems of food security, labour, and insecurity engendered by the presence of UN peacekeepers. Within the framework of this special issue on foreign interventions and crisis management, the aim is to reflect more broadly on the long-term and short-term impact of UN operations, both “locally” and “internationally”, by connecting historical research with social sciences approaches. Using the UN operation in the Gaza Strip as its lens, the essay argues that the current systemic problems of UN interventions have their roots in the legacies of Western imperial policies and mindsets. It consequently invites both scholars and practitioners to reflect on the imperial roots and imprints of postcolonial international conflict management as an epistemic basis both for the way UN peacekeeping operations are carried out and the way we have come to assess their impact and “success”.

Development of sensitive and rapid immunoassays for Moniliformin (MON) detection based on nanomaterials labeled monoclonal antibodies.

Moniliformin (MON) is a toxic secondary metabolite from Fusarium species. The natural contamination of MON in cereals and cereal by-products, poses a risk of exposure to MON. However, so far, no immunoassay method has been reported to detect MON in field samples. In this study, anti-MON monoclonal antibody (mAb) with high affinity (1×108) and isotype of IgG1 was subjected to establish indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA) and immunochromatographic test strips (ICTS). The optimized ic-ELISA resulted in the lowest detection limit (LOD) of 1.55μg/mL. The LOD value for gold nanoparticles (AuNP) -based test strip was 0.83μg/mL. The multi branched gold nano-flower particles (AuNFs) reported higher sensitivity with LOD of 0.38μg/mL. Moreover, the developed test strips exhibited a high specificity without cross-reactivity to related competitive toxins. In conclusion, immunoassay methods were successfully developed to detect MON in field samples with a short detection time to ensure food security.

A transdisciplinary, comparative analysis reveals key risks from Arctic permafrost thaw

Permafrost thaw poses diverse risks to Arctic environments and livelihoods. Understanding the effects of permafrost thaw is vital for informed policymaking and adaptation efforts. Here, we present the consolidated findings of a risk analysis spanning four study regions: Longyearbyen (Svalbard, Norway), the Avannaata municipality (Greenland), the Beaufort Sea region and the Mackenzie River Delta (Canada) and the Bulunskiy District of the Sakha Republic (Russia). Local stakeholders’ and scientists’ perceptions shaped our understanding of the risks as dynamic, socionatural phenomena involving physical processes, key hazards, and societal consequences. Through an inter- and transdisciplinary risk analysis based on multidirectional knowledge exchanges and thematic network analysis, we identified five key hazards of permafrost thaw. These include infrastructure failure, disruption of mobility and supplies, decreased water quality, challenges for food security, and exposure to diseases and contaminants. The study’s novelty resides in the comparative approach spanning different disciplines, environmental and societal contexts, and the transdisciplinary synthesis considering various risk perceptions.

Winter Wheat Yield Prediction Using Satellite Remote Sensing Data and Deep Learning Models

Accurate crop yield prediction is crucial for formulating agricultural policies, guiding agricultural management, and optimizing resource allocation. This study proposes a method for predicting yields in China’s major winter wheat-producing regions using MOD13A1 data and a deep learning model which incorporates an Improved Gray Wolf Optimization (IGWO) algorithm. By adjusting the key parameters of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with IGWO, the prediction accuracy is significantly enhanced. Additionally, the study explores the potential of the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) in yield prediction. The research utilizes data collected from March to May between 2001 and 2010, encompassing vegetation indices, environmental variables, and yield statistics. The results indicate that the IGWO-CNN model outperforms traditional machine learning approaches and standalone CNN models in terms of prediction accuracy, achieving the highest performance with an R2 of 0.7587, an RMSE of 593.6 kg/ha, an MAE of 486.5577 kg/ha, and an MAPE of 11.39%. The study finds that April is the optimal period for early yield prediction of winter wheat. This research validates the effectiveness of combining deep learning with remote sensing data in crop yield prediction, providing technical support for precision agriculture and contributing to global food security and sustainable agricultural development.

The Global Food System and Its Environmental Impact: A Call for Sustainable Transformation

The modern global food system—spanning production, processing, distribution, and consumption—has emerged as a significant contributor to environmental degradation. It drives greenhouse gas emissions, land and water degradation, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Sustainable nutrition, which integrates environmental considerations into dietary choices, has become a key concern, emphasizing plant-based proteins, seasonal food consumption, and minimal ecological impact. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, ensuring food security while minimizing environmental harm is crucial. Agriculture accounts for about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers. Land use changes for agriculture contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation, exacerbating climate change. Water use in agriculture, the largest consumer of freshwater, further strains ecosystems, while pollution from agricultural runoff causes eutrophication. Effective strategies for sustainable transformation include agroecology, regenerative agriculture, dietary shifts, reducing food waste, and technological innovations. Practices like crop rotation and managed grazing improve soil health and sequester carbon. Transitioning to plant-based diets and reducing food waste could significantly lower emissions. Precision agriculture and alternative protein sources offer promising advancements. Holistic approaches involving policy reform, innovation, and behavioral change are needed to create a resilient, environmentally friendly food system that sustains both human and planetary health.

Climate Smart Agriculture in Food Insecurity Mitigation in Nigeria: A Conceptual Evaluation

Climate-Smart agriculture and its impact on food security have been topical issues in policy and food security discusses by successive governments in Nigeria however, the extent of its awareness among the farmers as a food insecurity mitigation measure has not been adequately represented in contemporary local literature hence the need for this research to ascertain the extent of awareness through: an examination of literary works by scholars in the field, assessing the extent of climate-smart procedures in agriculture and suggest where possible ideas to enhance its adoption. The study therefore evaluated secondary data and studies on the impacts of climate change on agriculture and how it can be mitigated through the adoption of climate smart approaches. Climate-Smart Agriculture is an emerging agricultural strategy initiated to tackle the consequences of climate change in food security and sustain agriculture. It involves the combination of approaches in the management of agricultural lands, forests, fisheries and livestock. The study in this regard took a holistic view of the adoption of climate smart agriculture by the farmers, its benefits and approaches and considered objectives such as accessing and assessing other scholars works and views on climate smart agricultural practices utilized by rural farmers in parts of Nigeria, discussing climate smart agriculture and food security, deliberating on climate smart agriculture and resource use efficiency and, viewing the constraining factors hampering the adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural practices in Nigeria. This is because climate change presently is one of the challenges and problems facing the world and an important factor in agricultural productivity. Variations in climatic factors will have ripple effects on crop yield and animal production. Farmers may have been facing weather variability and uncertainty patterns, however, the increasing pace of these uncertainties caused by climate change exacerbate food insecurity and hunger incidences and will require some degree of flexibility and rapid response capacity that climate smart agriculture offers. Building resilience in agricultural and farming practices will reduce the risk of food insecurity outside increasing the adaptive capacity and coping capabilities of the farmers.

Implications of Climate Change and Food Crisis on Women Farmers in Contemporary Nigeria

Agriculture and food security are two important components of a sustainable future and wellbeing of the people that are adversely affected by climate change and global warming, especially in the growing economies of the world. While agriculture is the mainstay of most of such economies, it serves as an important employer of labour and source of income for the people, and provides the foundation for food security which is the state of having reliable access to sufficient, affordable, safe and nutritious food supply that adequately meets the needs of its users. Climate change and global warming are two important challenges adversely affecting the people (especially the poor and the highly vulnerable female-headed farming households in Africa and particular in Nigeria), as a result of which their livelihoods and wellbeing are increasingly endangered by the scourge and related challenges of low disposable income; poor soil quality (nutrients); high levels of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment; feminization of agriculture; and lack of opportunities for meaningful development. This study examines the inter-links between climate change and food crisis, which breeds food insecurity among the people, especially female-headed farming households in Nasarawa State. The study is a descriptive survey which utilized primary and secondary sources of data, using questionnaires, FGD (Focus Group Discussion), and elite interviews. It posits that climate change is an important driver of socio-economic challenges that affects female-headed farming households more disproportionately than their male counterparts. The study suggests that though climate change is an important global challenge, it is more so among resource-poor farmers that must be appropriately responded to, especially in Africa where its effects are most harsh. The study recommends that gender friendly policies and practices will ensure effective and equitable gender participation in sustainable agriculture essential in food security and wellbeing of the people.

Ensuring Africa's Food Security by 2050: The Role of Population Growth, Climate-Resilient Strategies, and Putative Pathways to Resilience.

Africa is grappling with severe food security challenges driven by population growth, climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and socio-economic factors such as poverty and inequality. Climate variability and extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves, are intensifying food insecurity by reducing agricultural productivity, water availability, and livelihoods. This study examines the projected threats to food security in Africa, focusing on changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events. Using an Exponential Growth Model, we estimated the population from 2020 to 2050 across Africa's five sub-regions. The analysis assumes a 5% reduction in crop yields for every degree of warming above historical levels, with a minimum requirement of 225 kg of cereals per person per year. Climate change is a critical factor in Africa's food systems, with an average temperature increase of approximately +0.3 °C per decade. By 2050, the total food required to meet the 2100-kilocalorie per adult equivalent per day will rise to 558.7 million tons annually, up from 438.3 million tons in 2020. We conclude that Africa's current food systems are unsustainable, lacking resilience to climate shocks and relying heavily on rain-fed agriculture with inadequate infrastructure and technology. We call for a transformation in food systems through policy reform, technological and structural changes, solutions to land degradation, and proven methods of increasing crop yields that take the needs of communities into account.