Improve Food Security Research Articles

Aproximación al conocimiento de las estructuras de almacenaje en el asentamiento semiurbano de la Antigua Ciudad de Quilmes (Tucumán-Argentina)

The role of storage strategies throughout history is unquestionable. The old city of Quilmes offers features that indicate a possible emphasis placed on the construction of structures oriented to that end. The objectives of this research are: (1) to carry out the first systematic survey of the semi-urban system of the Old City of Quilmes; (2) differentiate between structures of diverse function through morphological clues; (3) identify and record structures traditionally associated with storage; and (4) estimate the area occupied by the aforementioned structures and their volumetric capacity. For this, a non-invasive geoarchaeological approach is proposed through the use of remote sensors and digital models, accompanied by statistical analysis. The set of information has made it possible to establish that the structures similar to storage use would cover a total area estimated at 26,146 m2 with an estimated volume of 43,761 m3 and probably contributed to improving food security during the period of indigenous resistance (1535-1667). This constitutes the first systematic approach to this subject.

Effects of vegetable commercialization on household food security: a generalized propensity score matching approach

ABSTRACT The commercialization of smallholder farmers is seen as the most significant driver of improved food security and household welfare in most countries with low-agricultural economies. This study used a Generalized Propensity Score Matching (GPSM) approach to evaluate the average causal effects of vegetable commercialization levels on the food security status of households in Sabbata Hawas Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Data were collected through surveys of 385 farm households, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The results revealed that vegetable commercialization had both positive and negative effects on households’ food security. The MAHFP increased steadily as the levels of commercialization increased. However, the lower levels of commercialization are associated with negative outcomes for calorie intake, food consumption scores, and household dietary diversity scores. The caloric intake, HDDS, and FCS were improved after commercialization levels reached 50%, 40%, and 25% respectively. The findings indicate that an increase in commercialization may not always lead to consistent increases across all indicators of food security and it has heterogeneous effects on households with different levels of commercialization. The subsequent policy recommendations of the study results are that, even though smallholder commercialization strategies are crucial for ensuring increased food production, productivity, and incomes for food security, it still requires taking into account the heterogeneous food security effects of vegetable commercialization levels.

The economic, social, and environmental impact of ecologically centered integrated pest management practices in East Africa

Agricultural pest management faces mounting challenges with increasing pressure to reduce chemical pesticide use while ensuring food security, and environmental sustainability. Ecologically centered approaches, such as integrated pest management (IPM), offer promising sustainable agroecological crop protection alternative solutions to pesticides. This study assesses the investment viability and environmental sustainability of two IPM interventions—mango fruit fly IPM (FF-IPM) and push-pull technology (PPT) in Kenya and Uganda, using project investment and adoption data from 2007 to 2021. The study also evaluates these technologies contribution to food security and poverty reduction. FF-IPM integrates biological control, cultural practices, and targeted bait traps to manage fruit flies in mango production, while PPT employs Desmodium and Brachiaria grass to control stemborers and striga weed. The findings highlight that these IPM interventions achieved a combined net present value of $500 million, with a benefit-cost ratio of about 8:1, and an internal rate of return of 21%, comparable to returns from improved crop varieties. These technologies also improved food security for 641,000 people, lifted 445,349 people above the poverty line, representing 2% of the poor population in both countries, and generated an average income increase of $5 per capita in Kenya and Uganda annually. Environmentally, they sequestered 2.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent, valued at $12.2 million, and are reducing pesticide use by 86,000 to 204,000 L per year. These results demonstrate the potential of IPM approaches to simultaneously enhance livelihoods, local economies, and generate global environmental public goods, suggesting that addressing adoption barriers could further amplify these positive outcomes.

A Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Blockchain Technology for Food Security

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces obstacles in guaranteeing food security because of its desert climate, restricted arable land, and significant reliance on food imports. Establishing a robust and transparent food supply chain is crucial. This study investigates the crucial functions of blockchain technology in protecting and improving food security in the UAE. Using bibliographic and co-citation network analyses, this study examines 143 research articles that provide a thorough review of the current status of blockchain technology in relation to food security. We examine the interrelationships among studies, highlighting significant themes and identifying three emerging food security patterns in the incorporation of blockchain into the food security domain. This study enhances the understanding of how blockchain technology can transform the food security dimensions of availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability in the UAE and worldwide.

Smart Hydroponics Innovation: Blyink IoT Application for Sustainable Food Security

The rapid development of technology has a significant impact on various fields, one of which is technology in agriculture. The use of technology in agriculture, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), aims to make it easier for farmers to monitor, manage and carry out agricultural activities. The solution for farmers to utilize technology in monitoring agricultural land to get more effective and efficient harvests so that they can increase productivity and yields is by using IoT technology. The application of IoT technology in hydroponic farming systems can be done to determine the parts per million (ppm) content in water and water levels in real-time. The method used in this community service is socialization and training for farmers in Medalkrisna Village, as well as testing using the prototyping method connected to the Blynk application. This tool allows farmers to monitor parts per million of water and water levels online and makes it easier for farmers to monitor. The managerial implications of implementing Blyink’s Internet of Things-based hydroponic system to improve food security include increasing the efficiency of resource management and optimizing agricultural production.

Integrated Fertilizers for Sustainable Wheat Production to Improve Food Security—A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACTWheat is a key cereal crop that is substantial to global food security. Fertilizers are crucial in wheat production and significantly impact the yield. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of inorganic, organic, and integrated fertilizers in terms of sustainable wheat production and economic and environmental benefits. For this review, we thoroughly examined 133 previous research findings. The results indicate that inorganic fertilizers play a vital role in improving wheat yield. However, continuous use of inorganic fertilizers pollutes the environment, affects beneficial microorganisms in the soil, and increases the emissions of greenhouse gases, consequently decreasing crop yield. Organic fertilizers enhance soil quality, which is critical for crop growth and development. However, a high concentration of methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted from organic fertilizers, but the CO2 emission rate is less than the sequestration rate. Integrated fertilizers trade off the drawbacks of both inorganic and organic fertilizers. Integrated fertilizers decrease nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) emissions and carbon loss by 11%–24%, 13%–27%, and 18%, respectively, compared to the sole use of fertilizers. From the review analysis, the highest grain yield (4855 kg ha−1) and net benefit ($2836.66) are achieved by using a combination of 75% organic and 25% inorganic fertilizers at a rate of 120 kg N ha−1. Therefore, this combination is recommended for the users. Furthermore, a site‐specific approach research is needed on integrated fertilizers that simultaneously focus on economic and environmental profits. Also, there must be a policy that supports the farmers in teaching, training, and subsidizing them to adopt integrated fertilizers for sustainable wheat production and improving food security.

Battling for food security in Africa: Is climate finance the missing bullet?

AbstractAs climate change increasingly threatens food production and distribution in Africa, understanding how climate finance programs can effectively improve food security in the region has become a critical research priority. In this light, the present study investigates the effect of climate finance on food security across 37 African countries from 2012 to 2021, utilizing secondary data and employing the system generalized method of moments. Our findings consistently demonstrate that climate finance plays a significant role in reducing food insecurity in Africa. This effect remains robust across various alternative food insecurity and climate finance metrics. Furthermore, through analyses of transmission channels, we confirm the indirect pathways through which climate finance contributes to improved food security outcomes in the region. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening and expanding climate finance initiatives focusing on enhancing accessibility, equity, and targeted support for farmers to reduce food insecurity.

Making it on the breadline – improving food security on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, Central Australia

BackgroundThis longitudinal case study describes the efforts and impacts of community-controlled service organisations on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in Central Australia to tackle food security since the 1980s, with a focus on the last decade, particularly during a year of concerted action from mid-2018.MethodsThe co-designed study comprised an interrupted time series with controls. Availability, affordability, accessibility and sales of foods in the community retail stores on the APY Lands were monitored regularly from 2014 to mid-2022, including by local research teams. Store nutrition policy was updated early 2018. For a year from mid-2018, of the eight communities with stores: (i) two were the focus for concerted intervention, including support from a locally based project officer to help implement the policy and action 105 community requests for nutrition activities (ii) three received usual support to implement the policy; and (iii) three were subject to ‘business as usual’. From mid-2019, all communities/stores received usual service, from 2020 with some restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results were compared over time, across different community/store groups and with controls.ResultsIn the 12 months from mid-2018, all food security metrics improved most in the two focus communities. Impacts were less marked in the communities without additional support to implement the revised nutrition policy, and even less apparent, although more varied, in the other three communities/stores. Dietary intake improved only in the two focus communities.In all communities from early 2020 most gains eroded due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other external stressors. Food security metrics, including price of healthy food, appeared more resilient in the focus communities, although diet quality worsened. At all times assessed, healthy diets were unaffordable for welfare-dependant households.ConclusionsThis co-designed study demonstrates the effectiveness of community-led approaches, confirming that it is possible to improve food security and diet in remote Aboriginal communities. However, sustained action and monitoring, dedicated resources and employment of local people are critical for success. Results also highlight that low incomes are a major barrier to food security.

Editorial: Sustainable aquaculture production for improved food security

Editorial: Sustainable aquaculture production for improved food security

Agricultural Drones in Africa: Exploring Adoption, Applications, and Barriers

The adoption of drone technology in agriculture is transforming farming practices across Africa by enhancing resource efficiency, reducing operational costs, and promoting environmental sustainability. This paper explores the various applications of drones in African agriculture, including precision farming, crop monitoring, pest control, and livestock management. Drones enable farmers to optimize the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to increased yields and improved profitability. Despite the potential benefits, the deployment of drones faces challenges such as high costs, lack of technical expertise, and regulatory barriers. This study highlights the importance of addressing these obstacles to facilitate the widespread adoption of drone technology among both small and large-scale farmers. By leveraging drones, African agriculture can improve food security, scale up operations, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development goals. The findings of the review include case studies from Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria which show that government intervention and private-sector partnerships are crucial for overcoming these barriers. This paper highlights the need for targeted training programs and policy reforms to enhance accessibility for smallholder farmers. By leveraging drones, African agriculture can improve food security, scale up operations, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development goals.

Enhancing Food Security in an Era of Rising Fertilizer Prices: Evaluation of an Intervention Promoting Mungbean Adoption in Nepal

The improved food security in Asia that has facilitated the region’s development progress depends on nitrogenous fertilizers. Rising prices and shortages of imported fertilizer have prompted countries to explore alternative sources of crop nitrogen, including diversification with legumes. We evaluate an intervention in Nepal that promoted mungbean adoption. Our doubly robust impact evaluation approach accounts for nonrandom patterns of adoption related to livestock rearing, participation in agricultural cooperatives and training, and greater irrigated land use. Adopters growing mungbean for the 2-year study period showed an average increase of 20 kilograms (kg) in their annual consumption of mungbean-based foods, applied almost 40[Formula: see text]kg per hectare (ha) less fertilizers to their rice crops, and obtained an additional 280[Formula: see text]kg in rice yield per ha. Hence, agricultural innovations that use legumes such as mungbean can help promote sustainable intensification of cereal-based production systems, while enhancing food security and reducing balance-of-payments issues for the countries dependent on fertilizer imports.

A mixed-method approach to designing an entrepreneurial behavior development model in agricultural cooperatives of Kermanshah Province

IntroductionOne of the main problems of agricultural cooperatives in Kermanshah province is the weakness in developing entrepreneurial behaviors. If these entrepreneurial behaviors are developed in agricultural cooperatives, it can be expected that their innovative products and services will be developed and expanded, and the field of improving food security and advancing rural and agricultural development programs in Kermanshah province will be provided. So, the present study aimed to design an entrepreneurial behavior development model in agricultural cooperatives in Kermanshah province using an exploratory mixed-method approach.MethodsIn the qualitative part of the study, the participating team included all key informed individuals in the entrepreneurship area in the cooperatives of Kermanshah province. Thirty participants were selected by snowball purposive sampling. The statistical population of the quantitative phase involved 530 managers and members of the active agricultural cooperatives in Kermanshah province. Among them, 223 were selected by the stratified sampling method and the use of Krejcie and Morgan's table. The data collected in the qualitative phase were analyzed by the Nvivo8 software, and the grounded theory was developed in the form of a conceptual model. In the model analysis, the research hypotheses were first compiled and then analyzed by the path analysis method in SPSS 23 and SmartPLS3 software.ResultsThe results of the quantitative phase showed that the causal conditions impacting entrepreneurial behavior development in agricultural cooperatives encompassed the acquisition of economic profits, personal incentives, enjoyment of human and financial credits, internal disputes, insufficient knowledge of the members, and managerial supports. The intervening factors consisted of sanctions, market fluctuations, and climatic changes, and contextual factors comprised cultural factors, diverse working areas, insufficient financial supports, the development of new markets, the institutions' rate of participation in and cooperation with cooperatives, and administrative bureaucracy. Likewise, the proposed strategies embraced promotional-educational practices, the constant modernization of cooperatives, reduction in administrative bureaucracy, supporting entrepreneurship, developing marketing, transparency in the cooperative, eliminating the intermediates, and supportive-financial policies, all of which gave rise to some consequences such as self-sufficiency in production, prevention from cooperative's depression, the development of producing capacities, an increase in job creation, and improvement in the livings of people. The mentioned model was also evaluated in the quantitative section and subsequently approved.DiscussionBased on the results, it can be said that for the development of entrepreneurial behaviors in agricultural cooperatives, a set of factors must be considered in interaction with each other. Based on the results, it is recommended to increase the information and awareness of cooperative members in the field of improving entrepreneurial behavior.

AI-Driven Precision Agriculture: Optimizing Crop Yield and Resource Efficiency

This article explores the multifaceted applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in precision agriculture, focusing on their potential to significantly enhance crop yields while optimizing resource utilization. The article examines five key areas where AI is making substantial impacts: predictive analytics for crop management, intelligent irrigation systems, automated pest and disease detection, precision fertilizer application, and robotic harvesting. By integrating data from various sources and employing advanced machine learning algorithms, these AI-driven systems demonstrate remarkable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. The article highlights significant advancements, such as a 15% improvement in yield prediction accuracy, up to 30% reduction in water usage, and a 20% decrease in fertilizer use without compromising crop yields. While acknowledging challenges such as data privacy concerns and initial investment costs, the article underscores the long-term benefits of AI adoption in agriculture, including increased profitability, environmental sustainability, and improved food security. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into how AI-driven precision agriculture is reshaping modern farming practices and its potential to address global food production challenges while reducing agriculture's environmental footprint.

A Farming System Approach to Exploring Drivers of Food Insecurity Among Farm Households in Developing Countries: The Case Study of Mozambique

Farm households, especially in developing countries, are among the most vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty. A farming system approach is largely recognized to play an important role in supporting strategies to improve food security and alleviate poverty among farm households. This paper aims at exploring the drivers of food insecurity among farm households in developing countries, using a farming system approach. It also aims to explore farm households’ perceptions regarding the causes of food shortages and the adopted coping strategies, and how these vary across farming systems. This analysis was based on data extracted from an agricultural census, which were analyzed through scatter plots and plot means with 95% confidence intervals. The results indicate that the factors analyzed (level of specialization, market integration, use of yield-raising and labor-saving inputs, farm size, population density, and rainfall) are important drivers explaining food insecurity among farm households, highlighting important differences across farming systems. The analysis also showed that farm households’ perceptions regarding the causes of food shortages are related with the abovementioned drivers of food insecurity. Our findings suggest that less specialized farming systems with better access to markets, using yield-raising and/or labor-saving inputs, are more likely to be food secure. The farming system approach proved to be a useful approach to explore food insecurity drivers and coping strategies as well as to support policymaking. Moreover, the use of an agricultural census data provides an easily attainable tool to access and analyze farm-level data for policy analysis and to explore and understand a range of issues affecting farm households in developing countries.

Greener Production and Application of Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Using Plasma and Nanotechnology: A Review

The potential of both plasma and nanotechnology in producing slow-release fertilizer is immense. These technologies, when combined, may offer green and inexpensive nitrogen fertilizers, from rich renewable resources available in local areas. Together, these technologies may overcome some limitations of conventional synthetic fertilizers, which are currently expensive and associated with low nitrogen use efficiency and significant environmental concerns. This review explores the utilization of recent advances in plasma and nanotechnology, which can be leveraged to create new slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. It emphasizes their crucial role in addressing nitrogen depletion and improving crop production. Despite the lack of attempts to develop slow-release nanofertilizers from low-cost liquid nitrate generated by emission-free nonthermal plasma, the effectiveness of plasma nitrate matches that of conventional fertilizer for crop production. We propose a more efficient electrocatalytic conversion of plasma nitrate to ammonium salt, then coating it with plant-based cellulose nanoparticles to create a slow-release form. This set of processes would synchronize nutrient release with the dynamic N requirements of plants. Formulations using agro-based, low-cost cellulose nanomaterials could replace high-cost carrier hydrogels associated with low mechanical strength. This review also highlights the isolation of nanocellulose from various plant materials and its characterization in different formulations of slow-release nanoplasma N fertilizer. Additionally, we discuss mechanisms of N loss, slow-release, and retention in the soil that can contribute to the production and use of efficient, sustainable fertilizers to improve food security and, consequently, the health of our planet.

Food Security Achievement through Women Empowerment: A Study of Informal Sector in Lahore

Background: Women empowerment (WE) in food security is one of the global issues faced by women in all the countries of the world. Achievement of zero-hunger goal of Sustainable Development Goals in 2030 (SDG) still seems to be unachievable because of this food insecurity. This research aims to study the achievement of food security by enhancing WE in the informal sector in Lahore, Pakistan. Moreover, the analysis goals are to determine the contribution of microcredit facilities and management skills in the enhancement of WE which improves food security. Method: This study was quantitative and descriptive. Using a primary survey questionnaire on cross-sectional data source by simple random sampling, 495 women borrowers in the informal sector of Lahore, Pakistan were investigated. Data analysis was done using SMART PLS3. Results: The results of the study revealed a positive relationship between WE and food security through the active participation of women in production decisions. The utilization of resources within the households is strengthened by familial rights, social support, and the removal of gender disparity. Conclusion: Women's capacity to contribute more to the daily household expenditure is increased by the higher income, and eventually, it increases their empowerment and food security.

Does escaping the multidimensional poverty line improve family food security? Evidence from rural Vietnam

BackgroundReducing poverty and ensuring food security are critical sustainable development goals for countries like Vietnam. However, research investigating the relationship between these goals remains limited. This study seeks to explore the correlation between poverty alleviation and food security in Vietnam's rural areas, offering insights for policymakers to address both objectives simultaneously.MethodsWe applied Vietnam's multidimensional poverty standard to determine if households classified as poor in 2016 had managed to escape poverty by 2018. We utilized the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and per capita food expenditure to examine the consumption patterns and food security levels within these households. Panel data encompassing 407 low-income households, gathered from the 2016 and 2018 Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS), constituted the dataset for this study.ResultsAmong the 407 impoverished households in 2016, 244 achieved poverty alleviation by 2018. Their average monthly per capita income increased by 416.9 thousand Vietnamese Dong (17.8 USD) during this period, with wage income contributing significantly, rising by approximately 315.9 thousand Vietnamese Dong (13.4 USD) per person. Regression analysis reveals that as households escaped the multidimensional poverty line, they diversified food consumption and increased per capita food expenditure. However, the household dietary diversity score only increased by 0.166. Meanwhile, monthly per capita food expenditure surged by 85,600 Vietnamese Dong (3.63 USD) per person.Conclusions and policy recommendationsImplementing poverty eradication policies could achieve both poverty reduction and improved food security. Policymakers should focus on creating stable wage employment for poor households, as this income source significantly aids in poverty alleviation.

Chitosan Based Edible Coatings: Enhancing Shelf Life and Quality in Fruits and Vegetables

Chitosan-based edible coatings have gained considerable attention as a sustainable solution for harvested fruits and vegetables which are highly prone to post harvest decay and quality deterioration during storage. Chitosan, derived from chitin exhibits biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial properties making it an ideal material for edible coatings. Edible coating act as effective barriers to moisture loss, gas exchange and microbial contamination thereby enhancing the quality and extending the shelf life of produce. Research has shown that chitosan coatings can significantly reduce respiration rates, inhibit enzymatic browning and preserve the sensory qualities of fruits and vegetables, contributing to a reduction in food waste and improved food security. The effectiveness of chitosan based coating is influenced by factors such as chitosan concentration, the addition of other natural additives and the methods of application. Studies have demonstrated that chitosan coatings alone or in combination with essential oils or plant extracts effectively reduce weight loss, maintain firmness and prevent spoilage in horticultural perishables. Additionally, nano-encapsulated chitosan formulations have been explored for their enhanced protective effects offering more uniform coatings with superior barrier properties. The application of chitosan coatings is expected to evolve with the integration of nanotechnology, the development of functionalized chitosan molecules and the use of biocompatible additives. Chitosan coatings have been successfully applied commercially, such as in the preservation of perishables illustrating their potential as a sustainable solution with practical benefits for both scientific advancement and industrial application These innovations will further improve the efficacy of coatings by enhancing their moisture and gas barrier properties along with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, sustainability concerns are driving research into eco-friendly sources of edible coating and chitosan is a promising alternative to synthetic or chemical ingredients or fungicides. As the technology advances, chitosan based edible coatings are likely to have increased commercial adoption due to its sustainable and biodegradable nature. However, Chitosan-based coatings face challenges with solubility, application consistency, scalability, cost, allergen concerns, and varying regulatory standards.

Exploring the Inclusivity and Gender Disparities in Accessing Critical Agriculture Resources in Rural Areas. Drawing Lessons From the Government of Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Policies

In order to determine how much rural women in Zimbabwe are aware of their rights, the essay compares their status to that of rural males in certain fields. According to research, the majority of women in the nation are not allowed to participate in national development efforts because of societal beliefs, gender-based violence (GBV), bias against women, gender inequality, and low economic position. According to research, women could boost yields between 20 to 30%, reducing poverty and improving food security, if they had equal control and access over productive assets as males. According to an analysis of poverty trends, women have historically and continue to be disproportionately affected by poverty in Zimbabwe. It is commonly known that the Zimbabwean Constitution is steadfastly committed to inclusiveness and gender equality. The Constitution's dedication to tackling gender inequality is upheld through the affirmative action clauses. Equal civil rights currently apply to both men and women. One of the objectives for the government, all institutions, and governmental organizations is gender parity. Men and women have a fundamental right to be treated equally, which includes the right to equal chances in the political, financial, cultural, and social arenas, as stated in the Bill of Rights found in Chapter 4 of the new Constitution.

Soil erosion assessment for prioritizing soil and water conservation interventions in Gotu watershed, Northeastern Ethiopia.

Soil erosion by water is a serious problem in Ethiopia, contributing to diminishing crop yields and food shortages. Apart from understanding the magnitude, risk, and spatial distribution of the problem, identifying erosion hotspot areas is essential for effectively reversing the problem. This study aims to identify erosion hotspots in the Gotu watershed, in northeastern Ethiopia, using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and incorporating local farmers' perspectives to prioritize conservation efforts. The RUSLE model reveals that 29,744.3 metric tons of soil is lost annually from the Gotu watershed, with an average loss of 65.3 to t ha⁻1year⁻1. The main contributing factors to soil erosion in the watershed include undulating topography, loss of plant cover, and continuous cultivation. The highest soil loss rates (> 80 t ha⁻1year⁻1) were found in the western, northern, and southern parts of the watershed, where cultivation occurs on moderate to steep slopes with sparse vegetation cover. These areas should be prioritized for conservation interventions. Farmers identified poor crop yields and damaged conservation structures as key indicators of soil erosion prevalence in the watershed. Increasing farmer's understanding of soil erosion and the importance of soil and water conservation is essential for effectively controlling soil erosion and improving food security in the area.