Local Food Research Articles

Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practise of Healthy Eating Among Lactating Mothers in a Poor Rural Setting in North‐Western Ghana

ABSTRACTIntroductionRecognised as one of the most effective ways to guarantee positive maternal and child health outcomes, optimal nutrition for lactating mothers has received significant attention and investment both globally and locally. Despite this recognition, studies on maternal and child nutrition in Ghana have revealed that adherence to prescribed healthy eating regimens among lactating mothers in deprived settings has not received adequate scholarly attention. Thus, this study explores lactating mothers knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding healthy eating to better understand the barriers to optimal nutritional outcomes for mothers and children, especially when chronic poverty is widespread.MethodsThis was a case study to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practise of healthy eating among lactating mothers in the Wa West District. Convenience and purposive sampling procedures were followed to select lactating mothers and healthcare providers, respectively. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect the data. The data were analysed using Anderson's behavioural model. The model offers a comprehensive analysis of factors—predisposition, enabling factors, and need for care—potentially influencing lactating mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and practise of healthy eating.ResultsThe findings show that while lactating mothers in the district were aware of the importance of optimal nutrition for their health and wellbeing; food insecurity and pervasive poverty limit their opportunities to adhere to a balanced eating regimen.ConclusionAn integrated development approach is needed to expand and sustain awareness of the importance of optimal nutrition for maternal and child health, improve local food production, and promote household economic empowerment.

Local food procurement behavior and overall diet quality among adults in Québec: results from the NutriQuébec project.

Consumption of locally produced foods is generally perceived as being part of a healthy dietary pattern. Accordingly, in 2020, the provincial government of Québec (Canada) promoted the purchase of local foods for economic and health benefits. The present cross-sectional study aimed to document the association between the behavior of local food procurement and overall diet quality in a sample of adults from the province of Québec. Data were collected in a sample of 834 adults (86.6% females) from the NutriQuébec project, a web-based longitudinal population study that aims to document the lifestyle and eating habits of adults in Québec, Canada. Dietary intakes were measured using a validated web-based 24-h recall tool and diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Food Index (HEFI-2019), which measures adherence to the 2019-Canada's Food Guide recommendations on healthy food choices. Local food procurement behavior was measured using the Locavore-I-SF score, which assesses the frequency of short food supply chain use as well as the geographical origin of three locally produced foods. The Locavore-I-SF score was weakly correlated with the HEFI-2019 score (r = 0.08, p < 0.02). Positive correlations were observed for the Vegetables and fruits (r = 0.09, p = 0.005), Beverages (r = 0.08, p = 0.04) and Free sugars (r = 0.14, p < 0.001) components of the HEFI-2019. Associations between the Locavore-I-SF and the HEFI-2019 scores were found in specific subgroups of participants: males (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), participants aged between 50 and 70 years (r = 0.16, p = 0.003), participants with a greater education level (r = 0.13, p = 0.003) and higher income (r = 0.12, p = 0.02), non-vegetarian participants (r = 0.10, p = 0.008) and participants living in Census Metropolitan Areas (r = 0.11, p = 0.004). These results suggest that the behavior of local food procurement is only weakly associated with better overall diet quality among a sample of adults from Québec, raising doubts on the relevance of promoting local food procurement as an effective public health measure for improving diet quality in Québec. NCT04140071.

Ragi Revolution: Enhancing Dietary Practices through Nutritional Education and Local Food Systems Implementation

Ragi (Eleusine coracana), commonly known as finger millet, is a nutrient-rich cereal that remains underutilized in modern diets despite its high calcium, iron, and dietary fiber content. This examines how ready-to-eat ragi-based supplementary foods, combined with effective nutrition education, can drive behavioral changes to incorporate ragi into daily diets and local food systems. The increasing availability of ready-to-eat ragi products offers an accessible solution for improving nutrition, but challenges remain in terms of consumer acceptance due to unfamiliarity and taste preferences. This paper focuses on the role of nutrition education in reshaping dietary behaviour, emphasizing case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted interventions in promoting ragi consumption. Additionally, it explores strategies for integrating ragi into public nutrition programs and sustainable food systems, highlighting the importance of community-driven efforts and public-private partnerships. The review also discusses the role of policy support and multi-stakeholder collaboration in fostering ragi’s cultivation and incorporation into local food systems. By examining behavioural change strategies such as social marketing and culturally sensitive approaches, this paper presents a roadmap for promoting ragi as a key component of sustainable diets and public health interventions.

Unveiling an asymmetric relationship between global crude oil and local food prices in an oil-importing economy

AbstractRecent swift comovements of local food and global crude oil prices have attracted the attention of policymakers and researchers. To evaluate this relationship, many studies have used time series models to explore global crude oil and local food prices. However, robust research based on advanced nonlinear time series models that incorporate control variables for their formation is lacking. In this paper, nonlinear techniques are applied to assess the asymmetric nexus between Brent oil prices and local retail food prices in Slovakia. To estimate this value, we extend the single-threshold NARDL approach to the MTNARDL model. The nominal exchange rate and industrial production index are used as the control variables. Compared with conventional NARDL models, the MTNARDL model provides a more detailed representation of global oil‒local food price linkages and detects the asymmetric effect of global oil prices on food prices from both long- and short-term perspectives. Interestingly, with respect to long- and short-term food price volatility, changes in response to oil price fluctuations are greatest under a regime with rather a small number of positive and moderate changes.

Ethics and Aesthetics in Food Tourism in Belém/PA (Brazil)

Objective: The aim of the study is to reflect on the local gastronomy of the city of Belém, in the Brazilian state of Pará, from its postmodern condition. Theoretical Framework: Belém, capital of the state of Pará, has been, since 2015, the Creative City of Gastronomy. This title granted by UNESCO is due to traditional and local food, which has strong indigenous roots and, at the same time, African and Portuguese influence. Furthermore, the postmodern condition puts emphasis on aesthetics, considering that today everything is reduced to criteria of image, appearance and spectacle. Method: The methodology adopted in the investigation has a qualitative and documentary character, as we seek to deepen knowledge about our scientific object. We also look to debate both theory and empirical data obtained mainly on Tripadvisor. Here we seek to analyze the gastronomic offer of the 50 best restaurants in the city of Belém. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that tourists seek authentic and typical experiences, but also innovative ones. In terms of discussion, it is assumed that the presentation of the meals to the customer has aesthetic importance. This study needs to be complemented with other research about the preparation of meals by Chefs and cooks. Research Implications: The research contributes to understand food heritage, offering a basis for thinking about the field of food tourism. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature on food tourism. Its relevance and value are evident in understanding and thinking about the importance of food tourism.

Antioxidant Activity of Hotong (Setaria italica) Seeds from Buru and its Implications for Biochemistry Learning

Hotong Buru seeds (Setaria italica) are a local wisdom food ingredient in South Buru Regency, Maluku Province, Indonesia. These hotong seeds are widely consumed by the people of South Buru as a staple food substitute for rice. Hotong Buru seeds contain bioactive components that have antioxidant properties, including tannins and Vitamin E. Tannins are polyphenols, one of the anti-nutrients found in food ingredients. These components are mostly contained in the epidermis. This research aims to analyze the antioxidant activity of Hotong Buru (Setaria italica) seeds and their implication for Biochemistry Learning. Antioxidant analysis was conducted using 1,1-dephenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) as a free radical. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the chemical composition and quality of Hotong Buru seeds in tables and graphs. Inferential analysis was done using one way ANOVA technique to analyze the effect of food quality. All data were presented descriptively, and antioxidant activity was calculated using the SPSS Program. The results showed that Hotong seeds from Buru Island positively contain secondary metabolite compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins, and saponins. The content of these secondary metabolites can act as antioxidants for the human body. Antioxidants are very important to delay or inhibit damage to molecular compounds. In addition, the results of this study are implicated in biology learning, especially biochemistry, food science, and nutrition courses. The phytochemical test showed that there were antioxidants in Hotong Buru seeds ingredients, there are alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins. The implications of research results for biology learning have been made clear in the form of practical instructions that have been applied to students of the Pattimura University Biology Education Study Program. Keywords: Hotong buru, antioxidants, culinary ingredients, biochemistry learning

Food insecurity in a diverse community pediatric gastroenterology clinic: Screening strategies and insights.

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) in the community pediatric gastroenterology(GI) subspecialty clinic at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) West Campus and to assess the utilization of services through our partnership with a local food bank. From July 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, all patients seen in the pediatric GI clinic at TCH West Campus were screened for FI using the validated Hunger Vital Sign tool and given the opportunity to consult with a local food bank representative. A retrospective chart review was then performed on patients who completed the implemented FI screening process. 13.4% of the total patients screened positive for FI. Hispanic patients (p < 0.0001), patients with the preferred language of Spanish (p < 0.0001), those enrolled in Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (p < 0.0001), and patients with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30.0, p = 0.0003) were more likely to screen positive for FI. Poor weight gain/failure to thrive and steatotic liver disease were significantly more common in those with FI (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively), while celiac disease, abdominal pain, and blood in stool were more common in those without FI (p = 0.0003, 0.0475, and 0.0404, respectively). As a result of our implemented FI screening process, 68.4% of those screening positive opted for resource referral, with 50.7% successfully receiving assistance in combating FI. Identifying the potential impact of FI in common pediatric GI conditions calls for proactive screening and more holistic, patient-centered approaches in clinical practice.

Culinary Tourism and its Role in Diversifying Punjab Tourism Offerings

Culinary tourism, a rapidly growing niche within the tourism industry, encompasses travel experiences focused on exploring local food and drink, connecting visitors with a region’s unique culinary traditions. This paper examines culinary tourism in Punjab, India, a region known for its rich flavors, traditional cooking techniques, and vibrant food culture. Punjab’s culinary offerings, especially in cities like Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala, have the potential to diversify and enhance its tourism appeal beyond religious and cultural tourism, attracting food enthusiasts and promoting cultural exchange. Through a descriptive analytical approach, this study explores how culinary tourism can serve as a driver for local economic development, supporting small businesses and local farmers while preserving Punjab’s cultural heritage. By highlighting local food festivals, traditional dishes, and farm-to-table experiences, the paper addresses how Punjab can leverage its culinary heritage to position itself as a premier destination for food tourism. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the role of culinary tourism in supporting sustainable economic development, underlining its potential to create jobs, preserve traditions, and diversify Punjab’s tourism market. The findings suggest that a robust culinary tourism strategy in Punjab can not only elevate the region's tourism profile but also contribute to a more resilient local economy. Keywords: Culinary Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Sustainable Economic Development, Food Tourism Punjab

A Systematic Literature Review on Ichthyofaunal Diversity in Fresh Water Ecosystem, with Special Reference to Maharashtra

The study highlights a review of ichthyofaunal diversity across major rivers in Maharashtra such as the Godavari, Krishna, Tapti, Bhima, and Wainganga etc. Secondary data from various sources, research publications, were analysed. River Godavari had the most studied River. The scope of fish and fisheries in Maharashtra holds significant economic importance, particularly for local livelihoods and food security. Freshwater fish diversity in the state, as studied between 2009 and 2024, The current study deals with the freshwater ichthyofauna recorded and confirmed by different author shows a rich variety with 160 species recorded, spanning 9 orders, 25 families, and 80 genera. The most dominant order was Cypriniform followed by Siluridae. This diversity not only supports the fishing communities but also plays a critical role in meeting the demand for fish, which is a key source of protein for consumers. The review of this data provides valuable insights for fishermen. It also aids the fish industry by offering guidance on sustainable practices, as overfishing and habitat destruction can threaten these species.

Analysis of Paddy Field Changes (1989–2021) Using Landsat Images and Flooding-Assisted MLC in an Urbanizing Tropical Watershed, Vientiane, Lao PDR

Paddy fields are essential for food security and sustaining global dietary needs, yet urban expansion often encroaches on agricultural lands. Analyzing paddy fields and land use/land cover changes over time using satellite images provides critical insights for sustainable food production and balanced urban growth. However, mapping the paddy fields in tropical monsoon areas presents challenges due to persistent weather interference, monsoon-submerged fields, and a lack of training data. To address these challenges, this study proposed a flooding-assisted maximum likelihood classification (F-MLC) method. This approach utilizes accurate training datasets from intersecting flooded paddy field maps from the rainy and dry seasons, combined with the Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI) to distinguish natural water bodies. The F-MLC method offers a robust solution for accurately mapping paddy fields and land use changes in challenging tropical monsoon climates. The classified images for 1989, 2000, 2013, and 2021 were produced and categorized into the following five major classes: urban areas, vegetation, paddy fields, water bodies, and other lands. The paddy field class derived for each year was validated using samples from various sources, contributing to the overall accuracies ranging from 83.6% to 90.4%, with a Kappa coefficient of between 0.80 and 0.88. The study highlights a significant decrease in paddy fields, while urban areas rapidly increased, replacing 23% of paddy fields between 1989 and 2021 in the watershed. This study demonstrates the potential of the F-MLC method for analyzing paddy fields and other land use changes over time in the tropical watershed. These findings underscore the urgent need for robust policy measures to protect paddy fields by clearly defining urban expansion boundaries, prioritizing paddy field preservation, and integrating these green spaces into urban development plans. Such measures are vital for ensuring a sustainable local food supply, promoting balanced urban growth, and maintaining ecological balance within the watershed.

Use of a humidity adsorbent derived from cockleshell waste in Thai fried fish crackers (Keropok)

Abstract In this research, cockleshell waste from food processing is developed into a humidity adsorbent using a simple technique. Cockleshells were first heated at 1,000°C. The crystal structure, functional group, and morphology of cockleshells before and after heat treatment were investigated. Cockleshells before heat treatment had the aragonite phase of CaCO3 compound, but it transformed into the CaO phase after heat treatment. Next, fried fish crackers, Keropok, were selected for humidity testing. The behavior of the humidity adsorbent and fried fish crackers was investigated for 0–180 days. After humidity testing, the CaO phase of the humidity adsorbent reacted with the humidity or water molecules and transformed into the Ca(OH)2 phase. The amount of crack and roughness on the humidity adsorbent surface increased with the increase in humidity testing time. The humidity adsorbent underwent a high humidity reaction and transformed into Ca(OH)2 after 30 days. The water activity, crispness, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) of fried fish crackers were analyzed. The water activity of fried fish crackers rapidly decreased, whereas the crispness slowly decreased in the range of 0–30 days. The humidity adsorbent controlled the TBARS value by increasing slowly. Based on these results, cockleshell waste can be developed as a humidity adsorbent and used to prolong the shelf-life of local food products to at least 90 days.

Exploring young consumer's understanding of local food through proximity and social representations

The ever-changing nature of consumers' understanding of local food highlights the need for in-depth research. This study explores how Gen-Z consumers define, perceive and experience local food. Through the analysis, we extend the existing conceptualization of local food by differentiating three aspects of proximity: geographical, value, and relational proximity. We contribute novel insights into the differentiation of proximity to the established understanding for this specific consumer group. Methodologically, we use a free association game played with Gen-Z consumers in Hungary. Theoretical frameworks, including social representation, central core and proximity theories, are used to uncover implicit knowledge about local food. The results reveal a consumer understanding that associates health, freshness, taste, quality and trustworthiness as the central core of the local food concept. Surprisingly, value and relational proximity gain importance, while geographical proximity takes a peripheral role. This study facilitates a re-evaluation of the local food concept in light of evolving consumer understanding, while also establishing a link between proximity theories and social representation theory. The findings provide practical implications that distinguish different aspects of proximity that are relevant to farmers and policy makers in light of evolving consumer understandings.

Riparian Methylmercury Production Increases Riverine Mercury Flux and Food Web Concentrations.

The production and uptake of toxic methylmercury (MeHg) impacts aquatic ecosystems globally. Rivers can be dynamic and difficult systems to study for MeHg production and bioaccumulation, hence identifying sources of MeHg to these systems is both challenging and important for resource management within rivers and main-stem reservoirs. Riparian zones, which are known biogeochemical hotspots for MeHg production, are understudied as potential sources of MeHg to rivers. Here, we present a comprehensive quantification of the hydrologic and biogeochemical processes governing MeHg concentrations, loads, and bioaccumulation at 16 locations along 164 km of the agriculturally intensive Snake River (Idaho, Oregon USA) during summer baseflow conditions, with emphasis on riparian production of MeHg. Approximately one-third of the MeHg load of the Snake River could not be attributed to inflowing waters (upgradient, tributaries, or irrigation drains). Across the study reach, increases in MeHg loads in surface waters were significantly correlated with MeHg concentrations in riparian porewaters, suggesting riparian zones were likely an important source of MeHg to the Snake River. Across all locations, MeHg concentrations in surface waters positively correlated with MeHg concentrations in benthic snails and clams, supporting that riparian produced MeHg was assimilated into local aquatic food webs. This study contributes new insights into riparian MeHg production within rivers which can inform mitigation efforts to reduce MeHg bioaccumulation in fish.

Emergy-based evaluation of production efficiency and sustainability of diversified multi-cropping systems in the Yangtze River Basin

Excessive agricultural investment brought about by increased multiple-cropping index may compromise environmental sustainability. There are few studies on the sustainability of diversified multi-cropping systems in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB). Therefore, this study selected five representative locations in the YRB. According to the local climate characteristics and food demand, diversified multi-cropping systems were designed, and the main local winter crops were selected as the previous crops of the corn–soybean strip compound cropping system, with the local traditional double-cropping model as the control (CK). The emergy evaluation method was introduced to quantitatively compare the efficiency and sustainability of diversified multi-cropping systems in the YRB. The results showed that by incorporating soybean by intercropping with corn, compared with the CK, the total energy input, annual energy output, and annual economic output increased by 15.80%, 9.78%, and 33.12% on average, respectively. The unit emergy value (UEV) and unit non-renewable value (UNV) increased by 6.03% and 5.98%, respectively; the emergy yield ratio (EYR) and environmental loading ratio (ELR) decreased by 0.91% and 0.44%, respectively; the emergy sustainability index (ESI) was the same. In the third mature crop selection, compared with that of corn, the ELR of soybean decreased by 14.32%, and the ESI increased by 18.55%. In addition, the choice of winter crops plays a vital role in the system’s efficiency and sustainability. Compared with those of other winter crops, the annual economic outputs of potato (upper reaches of the YRB), potato or forage rape (middle reaches of the YRB), and wheat (lower reaches of the YRB) increased by 51.02%, 32.27%, and 0.94%, respectively; their ESI increased by 71.21%, 47.72%, and 12.07%, respectively. Potato–corn/soybean or potato/corn/soybean (upper reaches of the YRB), forage rape–corn/soybean or potato/corn/soybean (middle reaches of the YRB), and wheat–corn/soybean (lower reaches of the YRB) were chosen to facilitate the coexistence of high economic benefits and environmental sustainability. Additionally, promoting mechanization and reducing labor input were essential to improve the efficiency and sustainability of multi-cropping systems. This study would provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for the development of efficient and sustainable multiple-cropping systems in the dryland of the YRB.

Sustainable Marketing of Agro-Tourism: The Socio-cultural Perspective

Agricultural tourism has emerged as a niche tourism phenomenon and its demand has soared across the globe. This paper focuses on the socio-cultural sustainability of agro-tourism. Key socio-cultural dimensions, social capital and authenticity, are examined based on a purposeful sample of spatially dispersed farms in the US. The study results illustrate that agrotourism holds tremendous potential to strengthen and promote local food systems by promoting traditional ways of farming, particularly objective and negotiated dimensions of authenticity, social cohesion, trust and reciprocity. Marketing strategies promoting socio-cultural consumption of agro-tourism are suggested.

An analytical hierarchical process approach to assessing local food preferences among foreign tourists

An analytical hierarchical process approach to assessing local food preferences among foreign tourists

Alternativizing markets: the framing of moral commerce

Abstract How are moral markets organized? While previous research has shown that moral markets combine conventional and alternative elements, it has failed to explain how these hybridizations can ensure the organization of moral markets. To this end, we take an economic-sociological approach using ethnographic materials from a study of Swedish Reko-rings, a direct-to-customer market for local foods, to analyse how actors address the key coordination problems of value, competition and cooperation. The analysis shows how participants of these markets enact an ‘alternative framing’, emphasizing economic certainty as instrumental for moral certainty, which enables them to develop and implement ‘alternativized’ solutions to market coordination problems. Thereby, participants make economic and moral values certain by making the former instrumental for the latter. We advance previous research by showing that moral markets require not just hybridization, but hybridization guided by a specific economic-moral framing that enables these markets to avoid co-option.

Valuing Sustainability Impacts and Food Security Effects of Local Mariculture

Global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and regional events like the wars in Ukraine and in Gaza have affected and still affect global supply chains, including those for food. This has increased awareness of the importance of local food production, including aquaculture and mariculture. In this study, we point out and calculate the economic values of environmental sustainability and food security inherent in local production versus import alternatives. We present a case study involving the environmental effects and food security of supplying sea fish to the Israeli market from local production versus imports. The results show that increasing the consumption of seabream in Israel from imports, rather than local production, causes substantial external costs by increasing environmental damage due to increased transport and increasing potential food insecurity. Decision-makers should take these costs into account when deciding on a policy to support local aquaculture.

Assistance in Creating a Collective Brand "One Village One Brand" for the Development of Tangkil Cracker SMEs

Intellectual property has an important role in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Small and Medium Industry Entrepreneurs in Cipete Village, Curug District, Serang City produce Kerupuk Tangkil (Krutang) from melinjo fruit, but they do not yet have an official brand. The Community Partnership Program activities carried out aim to provide assistance in making collective trademark through One Village One Brand (OVOB) for local food small and medium industry in Serang City, especially Krutang small and medium industry. This program was conducted through three stages: preparation, implementation, and evaluation. The preparation stage involved visits to Cipete Village and small and medium industry of Krutang. The implementation stage included socialization on collective trademark and One Village One Brand program. The evaluation stage focused on collective trademark registration and its utilization for business development. The result of the program is the association with the collective trademark name and logo that has been agreed upon. The results show that collective trademark registration is very important to protect products and increase competitiveness. The service contributes significantly to the development of small and medium industry by providing practical guidance to utilize intellectual property.

REIMAGINING SOUTH AFRICA’S URBAN FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION THROUGH THE LENS OF INFORMAL FOOD SECTOR: THE CASE OF BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY

The African Food Security Urban Network (AFSUN)survey found that over 70% of low-income households in South Africa sourced their food from informal outlets. Despite the importance that the informal food retail sector plays in food security, it remains neglected by policy support and institutional funding. The paper focused on the role of local informal food markets in addressing urban household food security in Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), South Africa. This paper argued that informal food markets including food vendors have a potential to improve household food insecurity levels but face many barriers. The study sought to identify these barriers and make an understanding of how these local food markets adopt coping mechanisms in meeting their basic needs including addressing household food insecurity. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study. Data was collected from 40 food vendors, particualrly street vendors and home-based enterprises in the township of Duncan, through interviews, observations, and archival research. Interviews included semi structured interviews to gather insights from street vendors, while interviews with city officials provided key informant perspectives. This study’s findings show that households without access to networked infrastructure use informal food markets as: (i) a food source, (ii) a food kitchen and a cookstove and (iii) a refrigerator, to purchase their foodstuff and other ready-to-eat meals.