National Food Security Research Articles

Agribusiness in the UAE: Challenges and Technological Advancements, A Review

This review comprehensively analyses the agribusiness landscape in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting the challenges and strategic responses that shape the sector. The UAE’s agribusiness is pivotal for economic diversification and reducing oil dependency. However, it faces significant obstacles due to the harsh desert climate, limited arable land, and freshwater scarcity. Soil salinity and water constraints necessitate innovative agricultural practices. Technological innovations such as vertical farming and hydroponics, alongside government initiatives like the ‘National Food Security Strategy 2051’, are crucial for sustainable agriculture. The paper examined the UAE’s reliance on food imports and the associated risks, including supply chain disruptions and market volatility. It outlines resilience strategies such as crop diversification, supply chain improvements, and continuous innovation. Through case studies of pioneering enterprises like Pure Harvest Smart Farms and Al Dahra, the paper showcases successful applications of climate-resilient crops and advanced farming techniques. These firms demonstrate the potential for successful agribusiness despite environmental challenges. The paper concludes that addressing these challenges is vital for the UAE’s food security, ensuring a stable food supply, and supporting a diversified, sustainable economy. Investment in AgriTech, research, innovation, and strategic policy implementation are key to the future of agriculture in the UAE.

AQUAPONICS: A SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR AQUACULTURE AND AGRICULTURE FOOD SECURITY

Aquaponics are one of green technologies and that would allow for the production of multiple food products like fish and vegetables in one complete system. Aquaponic systems also have potential as a sustainable food security practice as the production of vegetables and fish can be done simultaneously. The process also supports global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); SDG 1 (no poverty) and SDG 2 (zero hunger), with the implementation of aquaponic systema by local communities. The aquaponic concept is characterised by the recycling of fish waste into beneficial products and as a source of nutrients and natural fertilisers for plant growth. The synergy between the plants, fish and bacteria in the soil and fish waste benefits all components in the system and promotes a circular economy. This review emphasises the types of aquaponic systems, the fish that are suitable for aquaponic cultivation, the types of vegetables that are suitable for aquaponic cultivation and the benefits of the application of aquaponic systems. Aquaponic systems, help promote a sustainable environment, for the recycling of fish and plant waste into fertilisers that maximise resources use and production yields. In this manner, the system helps the local community improve socioeconomic and income generation as well as supports national and global food security agenda.

The socio-economic impacts of the floriculture industries on the smallholders in Ethiopia: the case of Sululta District in Oromia National Regional State

Floriculture industries produce non-edible agricultural products for the global market. Whereas, the smallholder farmers produce edible agricultural products for domestic consumption and they contribute to national food security. The purpose of this article is to uncover the impact of the floriculture industry on the socioeconomic sustainability of the smallholder farmers and associated conflicts in Sululta district, Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. A qualitative research approach and grounded theory research design were used to carry out the study. Data was collected using document analysis, non-participant observation, and interviews conducted with twenty five research participants, 2 FGDs, and 3 key informants from the local elders. The major findings of the study indicated that floriculture industries have controlled lands in various forms that affect the smallholder farmers’ access to land and water resources. The study highlights the socioeconomic non-sustainability of smallholder farmers in the study area due to social insecurity, agricultural product damage, arable land and water resource access restrictions, resulting in the smallholder farmers shift to daily laborers. The article recommends that the government should balance the foreign exchange earnings from the floriculture industries with the sustainability of the smallholder farmers. The article also recommends government in Ethiopia should promote participatory resource management environmental and social impact assessments to mitigate potential negative impacts of industries on the smallholder farmers’ socioeconomic sustainability.

Literature Review on Malaysia National Food Security: Challenge And Strategy in Meeting Population Rise

This research examines Malaysia's national food security, focusing on the challenges posed by rising population, global disruptions, and the need for sustainable strategies. The primary objective is to analyze the effectiveness of Malaysia's current food security measures in light of the growing population and increasing demand for food. Through qualitative methodologies, including document analysis and case studies, the study investigates the role of government policies, agricultural productivity, and technological adoption in ensuring food sustainability. The findings highlight Malaysia's dependency on food imports, aging farmer demographics, and the lack of investment in agricultural research and development as key factors threatening food security. Additionally, disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, exacerbate vulnerabilities. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies, enhanced private investment, and technological advancements to build resilience in the nation's food systems.

Land policy and land reforms in 1990-2024 taking into account the orders of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin made on 18.04.2024 based on the results of the visit to Stavropol Krai on 5 March 2024

On May 11, 2012, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations approved the Guidelines on "Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security." These guidelines serve as a reference material and provide recommendations for improving resource management to ensure food security. The management of tenure and resource use systems is a key element in determining the rights and obligations of users. Ineffective management leads to social instability, environmental problems, economic losses, and conflicts due to corruption or the inability of authorities to protect people's rights. Responsible management, on the other hand, promotes sustainable social and economic development and creates favorable conditions for investment.

The Effectiveness and Mechanisms of China's Grain Support Policies in Relation to Grain Yield-An Evaluation of a Wide Range of Policies.

Objective evaluation and in-depth systematic analysis of the effectiveness of implementing a grain support policy series represent an important entry point for improving incentives to grow food, improving grain production support and protection systems, and guaranteeing national food security. Thus, we collected and organized grain support policies during the study period according to the government work reports of 31 provinces in China from 2001 to 2022 and applied a two-way fixed-effects model based on the variables constructed using textual analysis to further explore the effects of a range of grain support policies on grain production gains. The conclusions are as follows: (1) grain support policies significantly contributed to an increase in grain production; (2) grain production gains from grain support policies are more pronounced in less industrialized and disaster-affected areas; (3) a mechanism analysis showed that grain support policies enhanced grain production by expanding the scale of food cultivation, upgrading agricultural mechanization, and strengthening soil erosion control; and (4) further analysis showed that grain support policies increased pesticide use. These conclusions are of great significance for improving grain production support and protection systems, enhancing incentives for farmers to grow food and for local governments to control food, and achieving the goal of food security.

Confronting food insecurity through agricultural interventions: the Farmer FIRST program in India.

Nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions are crucial in addressing malnutrition and promoting food security. The Farmer, Farm, Innovation, Resources, Science, and Technology (FIRST) Program is a national-level agricultural intervention program that was started in 2016 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Its primary objective is to transform the lives and livelihoods of Indian farmers, with a focus on income and livelihood security. This program envisages agricultural interventions ensuring national food security goals, with improved agricultural practices, enhanced food production, and increased access to nutritious food, especially for vulnerable populations. This study aims to investigate the food security improvement resulting from implementing nutrition-sensitive interventions introduced under the Farmer FIRST Program (FFP) in 15 agroecological zones. Four key indicators were employed to assess food security in the technology-focused field intervention: food availability, purchasing power, food gap, and food diversity. Food availability was measured at the macro level (state or national) using per capita food availability. However, at the micro level, particularly for farmers who produce their food and are secure in terms of availability, yield increases from the selected interventions under FFP served as an alternative measure. Purchasing power was assessed by the additional income generated to buy food during the off-season. The food gap was assessed using the cereal equivalent quantity (CEQ), which captures an aspect of consumers' nutritional security. Its impact in India was evaluated using the propensity score matching technique with difference-in-difference (D-i-D) measure to estimate the unbiased overall effect on food security. Food diversity was captured using Barry's index. A sample of 2,282 respondents were interviewed from 2016 to 2020 to elicit data on the prevalence of undernutrition in India, which is 16.3%. The results revealed that post-intervention of the FFP, cereal availability increased by 147.74% in the Northern Plain, while pulses recorded over 200% growth in three regions. The incremental per capita farm income exceeded INR 20,000 in several zones, with the Northern Plain showing an increase of over 21 times. Food diversity improved marginally, supported by the integrated farming system. Overall, FFP interventions transformed nutritional security, benefiting 1,915 households, particularly in regions with historically low calorie intake, thereby demonstrating substantial gains in food security and living standards. The Farmer FIRST Program (FFP) has significantly improved dietary intake among participating households, enhancing food security. Nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions under the FFP have reduced undernutrition by increasing food availability, boosting purchasing power, and narrowing the food gap.

In What Ways Might Physical Tipping Points in the Climate System Pose Security Problems Now and in the Future?

This paper analyzes physical tipping points in the climate system and their implications for national security, food security and social stability. Physical tipping points are critical states in the climate system that, once passed, lead to irreversible, rapid, and self-accelerating changes. Major tipping points include melting glaciers and rising sea levels, the collapse of terrestrial ecosystems, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate extremes. The paper explores the far-reaching impact of these tipping points on security issues, proposes countermeasures and policy recommendations by analyzing the case of Arctic climate change on Russian security, and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and policy responses to reduce the risks posed by climate change.

Temporal–Spatial Dynamics and Collaborative Effects of Cropland Resilience in China

Cropland resilience is the ability of cropland systems to adapt and rebound from multiple stresses and disturbances. Cropland resilience is vital for ensuring national food security, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and adapting to global climate change. This study measures cropland resilience in China using the entropy method within the PSR framework. Additionally, it employs quantitative analysis methods, including kernel density estimation, the standard deviation ellipse, the Theil Index, and the geographical detector, to systematically examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of cropland resilience and its driving factors in China. The findings reveal the evolving trends of cropland resilience over time and space, highlighting regional differences and the spatial distribution of resilience. The study found the following: (1) The overall cropland resilience in China shows an upward trend, but there is uneven development among regions, particularly in the relatively lagging western areas. (2) There is a notable spatial imbalance in cropland resilience, primarily driven by intra-regional differences. (3) Stability of Grain Production; Total Grain Production; Fiscal Expenditure on Agriculture, Forestry, and Water; Soil–Water Harmony; and the Cropland Disaster Resistance Index are identified as key driving factors, with the influence of the Cropland Disaster Resistance Index notably increasing over time. (4) The study highlights the critical role of synergistic effects among these factors in enhancing cropland resilience, noting a significant strengthening of these synergies over time. The research results offer a fresh perspective on the role of cropland resilience in dynamic environments. They enhance our understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of cropland resilience, reveal its underlying dynamic processes, and provide a scientific basis for policymaking aimed at promoting the sustainable use and management of cropland.

Understanding Farmers' Use of Improved Maize Seeds in Uganda

While maize is a key crop for national food security and employment, most maize-growing households have small overall average farm sizes and remain highly vulnerable. The overall cultivated area of maize has been increasing, although such growth has not seen a commensurate gain in yields. The government of Uganda is concerned with this situation and has supported farmers with policies and projects to improve maize yields and, thereby, farm incomes. These projects have generated solid evidence showing that the use of improved seed generates higher productivity and financial returns compared with the use of traditional seeds. In spite of this, the use of improved seeds remains low in Uganda. This paper examines the key factors that influence farmers’ decisions to adopt the use of improved maize seeds. To address this objective, a large sample of more than 3,600 maize farmers was analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. We found that maize farmers tend to use improved seeds when they also use fertilizers and pesticides, when improved seeds are obtained from the government and/or purchased from reputable agro-input dealers, and when credit services are readily available. However, a key factor that prevents small maize farmers from using improved seeds is their overall level of vulnerability. For the majority the risk is too high; rather than embarking on investing in seeds with a promise of higher net returns, they prefer to continue using the relatively cheaper traditional seeds that reduce the risk of family members experiencing hunger and poverty. The government needs to provide an enabling environment to make agricultural insurance available to small farmers if the use of improved seeds is to be expanded significantly.

IoT (internet of things) microclimate monitoring system using node-red platform at plant factory

Abstract Indonesia faces significant challenges in the agricultural sector, such as limited productive land and climate change, which threaten food security. The plant factory emerges as a relevant solution by integrating hydroponic technology and automation to enable year-round controlled food production. This study aimed to develop an IoT-based microclimate monitoring system using the Node-RED platform within a plant factory. The system allowed for real-time temperature, humidity, and light intensity monitoring. The methodology involves designing a system utilizing an Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller, DHT22 and GY-49 sensors, and an ESP01S WiFi module. The collected data was transmitted via the MQTT protocol and displayed on the Node-RED dashboard. The results demonstrated that this system effectively monitored climate parameters and could enhance the efficiency and productivity of the plant factory, represented by all sensors functioning correctly. The DHT22 sensor has been calibrated with a standard Thermohigrometer measuring instrument with a temperature RMSE value of 1.01 and a humidity RMSE of 5.88. Likewise, the GY-49 sensor has been calibrated with a standard lux meter. In calibrating the GY-49, the equation entered in the coding is 0.978 * sensor reading + 0.891, and the resulting RMSE value is 57.91. During the testing phase, the datalogger hardware system can run 100%. Consequently, this system significantly supports sustainable modern agriculture and national food security.

Achieving National Food Security in Sub‐Saharan African Countries: The Role of Foreign Agricultural Aid

ABSTRACTAfrican policymakers have astutely prioritized agricultural expenditure as a crucial strategy to address food insecurity in the continent. However, the available financial resources are insufficient to achieve this objective. Foreign agricultural aid has been proposed as a viable supplement to domestic resource mobilization efforts in bridging the resource deficit. This article investigates the food security implications of sector‐specific aid (agricultural aid) between 1990 and 2020, thus broadening the current understanding. By considering the heterogeneous nature of SSA, this study delves deeper into the relationship between foreign agricultural aid and food security in the region. It investigates both panel and country‐specific causal relationships, providing a more nuanced understanding of the subject. Quantile panel‐type regressions are employed. Coefficients from the fixed effects and random effects with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors are also reported. Additionally, causal linkages between foreign agricultural aid and food security are examined through panel causality testing with bootstrapping. Findings show that agricultural aid contributes to closing the resource gap and improving food security. Also, the effectiveness of agricultural aid is greater when food security is relatively poor, and its impact diminishes as food security improves. Causal relationships suggest that agricultural aid is a determinant of food security. The level of food security is also an indicator of agricultural aid inflows. Thus, strategies such as population control, poverty reduction, and increased access to agricultural land can enhance food security.

ASSESSMENT OF THE WAR IMPACT ON ENSURING NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY

In the modern conditions of society development, which are characterized by the increase not only of internal problems of the state but also of external extraordinary challenges, the importance of issues of diagnosing the impact of war on the agricultural development of Ukraine in the direction of ensuring the national food security is growing. The article is aimed at assessing the war's impact on the agriculture development of Ukraine, diagnosing development prospects of food security in a war period; providing proposals and recommendations, post-war recovery measures in order to ensure an appropriate level of food security and solve current food crisis situations in a war and post-war period, which are actual and important issue that needs an urgent solution. In the direction of achieving the main purpose, in the research have been applied several general and special scientific methods, namely: the methods of scientific abstraction, analytical diagnostics, statistical and comparative analysis, the method of end-to-end analytics, and regulatory and index criteria etc.The article examines and presents the regional distribution of losses to Ukrainian agriculture in a war period, the structure of agricultural losses from the war by main categories and its detailed description; the structure of indirect financial losses in agriculture from the impact of war and its detailed description, that declared the existence of urgent need for the full restoration of the potential of the industry and requires significant financial and investment resources; recommendations for reconstruction of agricultural resources provision and development of international trade activity in a war and post-war period.The article has defined the key features of food safety regulation at the state level, which made it possible to prove the existence of significant deficiencies in the work of state risk management, and mechanisms for ensuring the country's food and environmental safety. Actual problems of food security ensuring the conditions of the war in Ukraine are identified. The results of a detailed analysis of the state and trends of agricultural sector development in the conditions of the war proved the existence of risk situations that can cause unforeseen and irreversible consequences in the near future.

Optimizing Irrigation Infrastructure Management with Web-Based Technologies and OpenStreetMap Integration

Irrigation is essential for increasing agricultural productivity in Indonesia, directly impacting national food security and farmer welfare by ensuring the sustainability of irrigation systems. Despite its importance, significant challenges persist, including damage to 46% of the irrigation infrastructure across 7.1 million hectares, with responsibilities divided among central, provincial, and city governments. These challenges are compounded by issues such as inadequate information access, limitations in real-time monitoring, and poor stakeholder coordination. To address these issues, integrating technological tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and platforms such as OpenStreetMap (OSM) is essential. These technologies offer real-time information, facilitate land change tracking, and enable spatial mapping, which supports proactive management and planning while improving decision making through data-driven insights. The adoption of Rapid Application Development (RAD) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) further enhances the efficiency of irrigation system management. The RAD methodology ensures swift development cycles with user interaction, while DSS provides structured decision-making capabilities. This approach supports robust system design, user interface development, and geographic data visualization. In practice, efficient data collection and stakeholder participation enable the system to effectively report and track irrigation conditions, promoting public participation, and fostering long-term infrastructure sustainability. The developed online monitoring system demonstrates its effectiveness by providing interactive map features and transparent reporting platforms, verified through successful implementation of testing scenarios. This system not only improves infrastructure management in areas like Batu City, but also sets a precedent for scalable participatory irrigation solutions, creating a foundation for future enhancements.

Response of Different Phosphorus Levels on Growth and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Under Agro- Climatic Conditions in Kabul

Agriculture is a major contributor to the national economy and food security of developing countries especially in Afghanistan. Wheat is a crucial crop for ensuring food security. It is among the most significant crops grown in Afghanistan. It is the leading source of carbohydrates for humans. To fine the effect of fertilizer especially (P) on enhancing this crop productivity, the study was conducted at the agricultural research farm of agriculture faculty of Kabul University over two years (March 17, 2020, and March 4, 2021). The experimental design was a simple randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications and five phosphorus levels (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg P ha-1) and a constant dose of 120 kg N ha-1. Each sub-plot measured 3m x 2m. The row spacing was maintained at 30 cm, and the Maqawim-09 wheat variety was sown at a seed rate of 140 kg ha-1. Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) was used as the phosphorus source and urea for nitrogen. Agronomical practices were uniform across all plots. Data were collected on various parameters during the study, including plant height (cm), stem number per m2, leaf number per plant, spike number per m2, spike length (cm), grain number per spike, spikelet number per spike, grain number per spikelet, grain yield (ton/ha), thousand grain weight, and dry matter (ton/ha). The results indicated that applying phosphorus in the form of DAP at a rate of 90 kg ha-1, along with 120 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, significantly improved the growth and productivity of the Maqawim-09 wheat variety. All parameters were significantly affected by the phosphorus rates. Thus, it is recommended that phosphorus in the form of DAP at a rate of 90 kg ha-1 and nitrogen in the form of urea at a rate of 120 kg ha-1 should be applied to maximize wheat crop yield.

The Impact of Protective Policies on Farmers’ Black Soil Conservation Behaviors: Empirical Insights from Sanjiang Plain, China

Understanding the logic of farmers’ black soil conservation behaviors and promoting these actions are crucial measures for enhancing soil quality and ensuring national food security. This article uses survey data from 676 farmers in typical black soil areas of the Sanjiang Plain, China, employing binary logistic regression and mediation effect models to empirically examine the impact of protective policies on farmers’ black soil conservation behaviors and the mediating effect of their perceptions. The results indicate: (1) Protective policies have a significant positive effect on farmers’ black soil conservation behaviors. (2) Farmers’ perception of black soil conservation plays a crucial mediating role in the impact of policy guidance on conservation behaviors. Protective policy not only directly influences farmers’ behaviors but also indirectly promotes conservation actions by shaping farmers’ sense of responsibility and awareness of obligations. (3) There are variations in the mediating effects of farmers’ cognition based on different types of cultivated land and operational scales. Therefore, efforts should be made to strengthen the promotion and implementation of black soil protection policies and subsidies to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of conservation practices. Greater emphasis should be placed on policy advocacy to raise farmers’ sense of responsibility and awareness of the importance of black soil conservation. Additionally, the diverse needs of different types of farming households should be considered, and a range of measures should be implemented to encourage active participation in black soil conservation.

Study on the Impact of Import Source Diversification on China's Wheat Import Risk from a Correlation Perspective

Food security is an important foundation for economic development, social stability and national prosperity, and General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that "guaranteeing national food security is an eternal issue that cannot be relaxed at any time".China's food in the import scale continues to expand at the same time, food imports from the layout of the high concentration of the problem is also becoming more and more prominent, the food import risk is rapidly rising, is not conducive to food security. Therefore, this paper empirically examines the impact of diversification of wheat import sources on China's wheat import risk from the perspective of diversification of wheat import sources, taking the minimization of import risk of importing countries as a starting point, and using China's monthly wheat import data from 2015 to 2021. It is found that: the increase in the level of diversification of China's wheat import sources helps to reduce the volatility of China's wheat import risk, the increase in the level of domestic residents' consumption can reduce the volatility of China's wheat import risk to a certain extent, and the fluctuation of domestic wheat production does not have a significant impact on China's wheat import risk.

Nei 6 You 7075, a hybrid rice cultivar, exhibits enhanced disease resistance and drought tolerance traits

BackgroundRice is the main food crop for much of the population in China. Therefore, selecting and breeding new disease resistance and drought tolerance in rice is essential to ensure national food security. The utilization of heterosis has significantly enhanced rice productivity, yet many of the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain largely unexplored. ‘Nei 6 You 7075’ (‘N6Y7075’) is a novel hybrid rice cultivar with exceptional quality, developed through the crossbreeding of ‘Fuhui 7075’ (‘FH7075’) and ‘Neixiang 6 A’ (‘NX6A’). However, the precise mechanisms underlying the disease resistance and drought tolerance in ‘N6Y7075’ are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the resistance of hybrid rice ‘N6Y7075’ to bacterial blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae), rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae), and drought and identified differentially expressed genes between hybrid rice ‘N6Y7075’ and its parents through RNA-seq analysis.ResultsOur research found that the hybrid ‘N6Y7075’ and its female parent ‘NX6A’ were less susceptible to bacterial blight and rice blast than the male parent ‘FH7075’, while ‘FH7075’ showed better drought tolerance than ‘NX6A’. The hybrid ‘N6Y7075’ exhibited heterosis. Clustering results revealed that the expression profiles of the F1 hybrid closely resembled those of its parental lines rather than exhibiting an intermediate profile between the two parental lines. The disease resistance of hybrid rice ‘N6Y7075’ may be attributed to the plant-pathogen interaction pathways involving Xa21, CDPK, and RPM1-mediated hypersensitive response and WRKY1-induced defense-related gene expression and programmed cell death. The MAPK signaling pathway PR1 could also be associated with plant defense responses. Hybrid rice ‘N6Y7075’ may enhance drought tolerance by regulating MAPKKK17 and WAK60 in the MAPK signaling pathway. These proteins affect ABA stress adaptation and stomatal development in plants, respectively.ConclusionsOur results provide a preliminary exploration of ‘N6Y7075’ disease resistance and drought tolerance and provide a relevant theoretical basis for its further study and use. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of heterosis in hybrid rice and identifies potential associated genes.

CONSUMPTION FISH POLYCULTURE USING AQUAPONIC (POLYPONIC) SYSTEM AT UPR MANDIRI ABADI PALEMBANG CITY

Stunting, known as short toddlers, is a long-term nutritional problem caused by low food intake over a long period of time. Stunting can occur when the fetus is in the womb and only becomes visible when the child is two years old. One of the initiatives promoted by the government is the fish eating movement and the program to increase aquaculture production, which contributes greatly to national food security, employment and the Indonesian economy. Fish is very rich in nutrients and beneficial for the body because it contains 18% protein consisting of EPA, essential amino acids, DHA, vitamins A, B1, B2, and D, as well as minerals. Polyculture is cultivation with 2 types of fish, where in 1 cultivation container you can raise each type of fish. Polyculture of betok fish and tilapia using an aquaponic system for 30 days with a stocking density of 40 m-2 betok fish and 40 m-2 tilapia fish resulted in a survival of betok fish of 95%, a length growth of 0.92 cm, a weight growth of 0 .76 g and the feed efficiency value is 27.2%, while the survival rate for tilapia is 97.5%, length growth is 1.75 cm, weight growth is 1.61 g. The height of lettuce varies between 9-11 cm with 2-3 leaves per plant. The quality of maintenance water, whether control or maintenance with treatment, is still within the optimum range for polyculture aquaponic systems.

Zambia's Paradox: National Food Security Amidst Household-Level Food Insecurity

Zambia faces a paradoxical situation where the country achieves national food security through surplus agricultural production, yet significant portions of its population experience food insecurity at the household level. This disconnect arises from systemic issues such as socioeconomic disparities, inequities in food distribution, and climate vulnerabilities. Understanding and addressing this paradox is essential for ensuring that food security is both inclusive and sustainable. This study analyses the factors contributing to Zambia's national food security alongside the persistent household-level food insecurity. It seeks to identify the disconnects between policy and implementation, explore structural and social barriers, and propose actionable recommendations for bridging the gap. The study synthesizes data from academic literature, national reports, and global food security indices by adopting a review-based approach. Case studies from both rural and urban settings provide contextual insights, while comparative analysis with other countries offers a broader perspective. The analysis is guided by a framework encompassing the key dimensions of food security: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. The findings indicate that while robust agricultural outputs and strategic policies strengthen Zambia’s national food security, household-level food insecurity persists due to poverty, limited market access, and inadequate social protection measures. Structural inefficiencies, post-harvest losses, and climatic risks further exacerbate these challenges. There is a significant need to align national food security policies with grassroots realities to ensure equitable outcomes. To address this paradox, the study recommends promoting climate-resilient farming practices, enhancing food distribution systems, and prioritizing smallholder farmers in policy frameworks. Social protection programs must be expanded to cover the most vulnerable populations, while community-based initiatives can foster local solutions to food insecurity. Bridging the gap will require coordinated efforts among government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders. This study underscores the importance of inclusive food systems to achieve equitable and sustainable food security in Zambia.