National Food Security Research Articles

Study on the implementation of the Internet of Things in the sustainable agricultural revolution from upstream to downstream

This study employs a review-based methodology to explore the utilization of Internet of Things (IoT) technology within the agricultural industrial revolution, encompassing processes from upstream to downstream. IoT technology plays a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of regenerative agriculture principles by enabling the integration of sensors, communication devices, and digital platforms into a unified system. This system facilitates the monitoring and optimization of sustainable agricultural practices, covering stages from planting to the distribution of agricultural products. The bidirectional digital communication established between human-to-system and system-to-human interactions ensures seamless information exchange. The research introduces a conceptual framework for smart regenerative agriculture, comprising smart farming (upstream), smart harvesting and packing, and smart marketing (downstream). By leveraging IoT technology, this framework aims to create an agricultural system that is not only more efficient and environmentally sustainable but also capable of addressing the challenges of national food security. Furthermore, the study examines various case studies of IoT implementation in other countries, providing valuable insights and benchmarks for its potential application in Indonesia.

Developing the Desert: How Qatar Achieved Dairy Self-Sufficiency Through Baladna

This case study analyzes how Qatar rapidly achieved dairy self-sufficiency through public–private partnerships following the 2017–2021 blockade. Specifically, it examines the role of Baladna, Qatar’s leading dairy company, in scaling up its domestic production through alignment with government policies. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from the Qatari government and Baladna and a review of Baladna’s internal documents and reports. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key themes, and data from Baladna’s reports were triangulated to validate the findings. Collaboration between Qatar’s government and Baladna ensured the self-sufficiency of domestic dairy demand, expanding operations with new products and exports, and strengthening supply chains. However, reliance on government support raises sustainability concerns, highlighting the need for efficiency and diversification. This partnership aligns with national policies, such as the Qatar National Food Security Strategy 2018–2023, and offers insights into how public–private collaborations can promote growth and supply security while balancing state support with market dynamics. This case study highlights how the blockade crisis catalyzed effective public–private collaboration, driving rapid growth in Qatar’s dairy sector to meet domestic demand. The lessons from Qatar’s developmental approach can provide insights for resource-rich countries struggling with food insecurity.

Volatile Byproducts of Carotenoid Degradation as Biomarkers of Maize Infestation by the Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) (Motsch.).

Maize (Zea mays) is a major global food crop and a source of industrial raw materials. Effective postharvest storage is important for national food security programs, international trade, and global agriculture economics. The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) is a primary postharvest insect pest that infests maize during storage and leads to significant losses. Using multivariate discriminant analysis of volatile profiles collected from intact and infested maize, we identified two volatile apocarotenoids, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol, as indicators of maize weevil infestation in stored maize. Emission of these biomarker compounds rapidly signaled maize weevil infestation and showed a significant correlation with oviposition damage to the stored kernels. The pattern of elevated biomarker emission after weevil exposure was consistent across all seven maize lines examined. These volatile biomarkers can be used for early detection and removal of infested maize and can aid in the control of this pest.

Factors affecting rice domestic production output in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia: A study using OLS regression model

This study explores the attitudes of domestic farmers toward rice production practices and identifies factors affecting rice yields in Preah Vihear Province. Cambodia's economy is heavily reliant on rice cultivation. Rice is a staple food and a major export, significantly contributing to the nation's food security. However, rice production in the entire country faces challenges such as limited irrigation, small farm sizes, and geographical constraints. Preah Vihear province, a remote, mountainous area in northern Cambodia bordering Thailand and Laos, is a key rice-producing region characterized by hilly terrain and small-scale farming. Known for its stunning natural beauty and the famous Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the province offers unique opportunities for farmers to increase their income and gain access to international markets through distinctive and renowned rice seeds. To better understand factors affecting rice domestic production in Preah Vihear, a primary statistical ordinary least squares (OLS) model will be applied to analyze rice output and related variables. The findings of this study are instrumental in developing targeted strategies that aim to enhance rice yields and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers. By identifying key controllable factors, farmers can make informed decisions to increase their profits, ensure sustainable rice production, and contribute to the overall economic growth of farming communities.

Peran Kebijakan Lokal dalam Mendukung Keberlanjutan Usaha Perikanan Tradisional

Traditional fisheries play a crucial role in supporting local economies, especially in coastal areas, and contribute to national food security. However, this sector faces numerous challenges, such as climate change, overfishing, and limited market access. This study aims to identify the role of local policies in supporting the sustainability of traditional fisheries and provide strategic recommendations. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document studies in coastal communities. The results reveal that inclusive local policies, technical support, and fishermen empowerment can enhance the sustainability of this sector. However, challenges such as limited resources, weak oversight, and low community participation need to be addressed through multi-stakeholder collaboration. This study recommends enhancing fishermen's capacities, strengthening market access, and implementing community-based marine resource management to achieve long-term sustainability.

Are Genetically-Modified Foods Made for the Common Good? The Perspectives of the Victoria Islanders

This research investigated the depth of public knowledge on genetically modified food products, and further explored their understanding of the underlining socio-environmental and public health benefits of GM food products within the socio-demographic indices. To achieve this goal, 369 respondents were recruited through a convenience sampling method in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria and data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The target population for this study comprised "employed adults either residing or working" on Victoria Island, Lagos. The results showed that the majority of respondents (n=232, 62.9%) were knowledgeable about GM foods and their associated issues. However, many believed that people in their neighborhood or community were not well-informed on the topic. However, awareness on GM foods and associated concerns may be associated with sociodemographic factors such as marital status and education (P<0.01). The majority of respondents were well-informed and had an understanding of the environmental and health advantages of GM foods. In fact, about 61.8% believed that GM food production could sustainably decrease the reliance on chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and other energy inputs, along with their ecological impacts. Most respondents did not feel that purchasing or consuming GM foods conflicted with their beliefs or would affect their food choices. This study recommends that the government should actively educate the public on the ecological and health benefits of GM foods and address any safety concerns. Furthermore, the government should implement strict border controls and food labeling for GM products to safeguard consumer rights arising from the preference for the consumption of organic foods. Additionally, sufficient technical and financial assistance should be provided to farmers who subscribe to the organic seeds program for bolstering national food security.

Fiscal viability of pulses cultivation in Punjab: An economic analysis

Punjab being a pioneer state in early adoption of green revolution technology resulted in making India self-sufficient in foodgrains production. The drastic change in cropping pattern during seventies in the state resulted in relegating pulses and coarse cereals to marginal and sub-marginal lands. India is dependent on pulses import to feed its ever growing population. To augment the production of pulses in India, National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - pulses was started in 2007-08 in some of the selected districts of various states which was later extended to the other districts of the country also. This study was conducted with the objective to see the relative profitability of pulses vis-à-vis their major competing crops. The selected districts of the study included one NFSM district- Ferozepur and non-NFSM district- Moga. The results of the study indicated that the returns per hectare from summer moong in Ferozepur and Moga districts increased after the initiation of NFSM- pulses programme. In case of Kharif moong and gram also, the returns per hectare increased in Ferozepur district but this increase was not much sharp. The profitability from total pulses vis-à-vis total major competing crops was little less despite additional returns from summer moong crop in total pulse production. The study highlighted that pulse crops are risky in terms of yield and thereby profitability, therefore, for promotion of these crops in the state, insurance cover to the growers should be provided to compensate the damage to the crop in case of severe incidence of insect-pest and diseases, unseasonal rainfalls and natural calamities. The study emphasised the need for development of efficient marketing mechanism as in case of wheat and paddy for pulse crops also in order to establish them as more lucrative and alternative enterprise to augment the farmers income.

Plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services in rainforest, traditional and industrial oil palm cultivation systems in Liberia, West Africa

Societal Impact StatementOil palm is native to the west African forest, where industrial production is expanding. We assessed differences in plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services across 54 forest, community agriculture and oil palm plots in Sinoe County, Liberia. Traditional cultivation systems have lower ecological impacts in terms of species richness, composition, canopy height and structural complexity compared with industrial production, though yields per hectare are likely to be lower. Traditional systems can inspire improved management of industrial plantations, including choice of cover crop, intercropping with locally valued species and reduced clearance and pesticide regimes, increasing biodiversity and local food security.Summary Tropical agriculture contributes to national and global food security, but the conversion of natural habitats to agriculture has severe consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and society. Significant research efforts have focussed on improving the sustainability of palm oil production in Asia, but less research has been conducted in the African forest zone, where oil palm is native and production is expanding. Working within the Sustainable Oil Palm in West Africa (SOPWA) Project (Sinoe County, Liberia), we surveyed canopy trees and understorey plants in 54 plots distributed equally across three ecological systems ‐ rainforest, traditionally‐cultivated oil palm (“country palm”) and industrially‐managed oil palm ‐ to assess differences in plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services. Traditionally‐cultivated oil palm systems had intermediate plant biodiversity (species richness, weighted endemism) and structure (canopy height, complexity) compared with industrial production or rainforest. Provisioning services (proportion of species supplying non‐timber forest products) did not differ by the system on average, though the absolute number of useful species recorded was highest for the forest. Of surveyed plant species, 81% had a local name (Sapo or Kru); a smaller proportion of forest species were named compared with either traditional or industrial oil palm systems. Our study emphasises the higher ecological value per hectare of traditional oil palm production compared with industrial production methods, though yields are likely to be lower, leading to implications for industrial management such as growing alternative cover crop species, intercropping with non‐timber forest products or locally valued crops and implementing reduced clearance and pesticide regimes.

Maize Yield and Quality Response to Lepidoptera Pest Control in Different Periods in South China

Maize is a major cereal crop worldwide, and its stable production is essential for national and global food security. Pests are among the key factors affecting the yield and quality of maize. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the yield recovery and quality losses after implementing control measures against pests during different periods. In this study, we investigated the population dynamics of the main maize pests in South China and assessed the yield and quality of maize treated with measures for the effective control of these pests during different periods. The results showed that the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, was the most severe pest of autumn maize. There was a 10.02% decrease in ear weight when no control measures were taken at the fourth-leaf stage, and there were 80.45% and 76.09% increases in the damage index when no control measures were taken at the tasseling and blister stages, respectively. Additionally, the tannin content in maize kernels increased by 26.28% when no pest control measures were taken throughout the entire growing period. These findings will increase farmers’ knowledge regarding the detrimental effects of the FAW and provide a theoretical basis for the reasonable and timely control of maize pests.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Climate Change Perception of the Farmers in the Hiran Region of Somalia

The accomplishment of sustainable development goals in Somalia remains severely hampered by changes in the climate, particularly when it comes to food security. It jeopardizes national food security by threatening agricultural productivity. Designing practical strategies and policies for agricultural development and food security requires an understanding of farmers’ perceptions and the factors that influence their perception of climate change. Therefore, this study was designed to, (i) Evaluate farmers' perceptions of climate change, and (ii) identify the socioeconomic factors that influence farmers' perceptions of climate change in the Hiran region of Somalia. The study encompassed 222 respondents from six villages within two districts in the Hiran region. Gender, family size, farm size, and ownership of communication devices, significantly influenced farmers' perception of climate change. Therefore, the study recommended that the federal government of Somalia, and local/international NGOs, should design and implement intervention strategies for climate change cognizance of these factors

The Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Driving Factors of Soil Degradation in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China

The Northeastern Black Soil Region in China is recognized as one of the three major black soil regions globally and is often regarded as a cornerstone of national food security. However, prolonged agricultural practices have led to increasingly severe soil degradation, and the mechanisms and driving factors behind the degradation of soil quality remain unclear. Therefore, this study examines the historical and current characteristics of soil quality, focusing on major influencing factors, such as the 70-year history of reclamation and climate change. By accessing different databases, reviewing the relevant literature, and performing Pearson correlation and redundancy analyses (RDA), this study investigated the variation patterns of significant soil quality indicators and their driving factors in the 0–20 cm soil layer along the latitudinal direction (Nenjiang, Beian, Hailun, and Harbin) in the typical black soil region of Northeast China. The main conclusions are as follows: the soil organic matter (SOM) content experienced a rapid decline in the 30 years preceding cultivation (1950~1980), with the greatest decline rate in the Beian area (about 1.10 g/kg per year). The SOM in the Beian, Hailun, and Harbin areas decreased from north to south, changing at rates of 9.40–21.67 g/kg/degree and 0.15–0.34 g/kg/m with latitude and elevation, respectively. Elevation impacts the annual rate of change in soil quality indicators through its influence on the annual mean maximum temperature (AMXT) and annual atmospheric pressure (AP). AMXT and AP exhibit a linear relationship with elevation, based on which regression models were established. The key factors influencing soil quality indicators in the black soil region include cultivation years (Y), annual mean maximum and minimum temperatures (AMXT and AMNT), annual relative humidity (ARH), and AP. An increase in chemical fertilizer application is among the critical factors affecting soil pH. Additionally, the extensive use of agricultural machinery can reduce soil porosity and cause water and salt accumulation, ultimately leading to a decline in soil pH. This study offers theoretical support for mitigating soil degradation in Northeast China’s black soil region, thereby contributing to national food security and promoting sustainable development.

The ethnic diversity of farmer groups in environmental management of lowland rice farming in Rias Village, Toboali District, South Bangka Regency

Abstract An increase in population quantity and community cultural diversity drives the need for the Bangka Belitung Islands Province to increase the productivity of the agricultural sector, especially rice as the main source of staple food. Not only is increasing the quantity of lowland rice production a measure of guaranteeing food security, but managing a healthy agricultural environment is also very important in achieving the sustainability target of national food security. What is unique is that the group of farmers in the rice production center of Bangka Belitung, namely Rias Village, Toboali District, South Bangka Regency, has a variety of cultures whose domicile is grouped based on ethnicity. This research was carried out to map the locus of lowland rice farmer groups based on ethnicity and describe the character of environmental management of lowland rice farming in the context of sustainable food security. The research method used was a survey of 60 rice farmers, mapping farmer group loci, and quantitative descriptive methods. The research results are depicted in a locus map of farmer groups of Bangka ethnic, Javanese, Bugis, and Sundanese ethnic groups. It was found that differences in the environmental management characteristics of lowland rice farming include: the selection of rice varieties, different agricultural practices, such as the use of organic fertilizer, traditional-based irrigation, crop rotation, cooperation patterns, and land ownership systems.

Comparing Pixel-based and Object-based Classification for Mapping Smallholders Rice Field Types Using Planetscope Imagery in Sekampung District, East Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract It is imperative to obtain precise and up-to-date information on the area of rice fields, as the yield of rice is a fundamental indicator of national food security. The mapping of rice fields based on water supply is still limited, particularly in Indonesia, which is characterised by ecological and management diversity. The launch of Planetscope imagery, which offers high temporal and spatial resolution, provides the opportunity to map the types of rice fields occupied by people. The objective of this study is to compare the accuracy of land use mapping using pixel-based (maximum likelihood) and object-based (SNIC segmentation) classification using random forest classification in order to generate a rice field map. The results of the object-based classification showed a total accuracy of 92.8% and a kappa coefficient of 0.82. In contrast, the pixel-based maximum likelihood classification showed an accuracy of 74.34% and a low kappa coefficient of 0.43. The mapping of rice field types relies on remote sensing data and field interview data, with an accuracy of 88.05% and 91.09% in planting season 1 and planting season 2, respectively.

Pemanfaatan Pangan Lokal Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Ketahanan Pangan Nasional : Dodol Tomat di Desa Margaluyu Kecamatan Pangalengan Kab. Bandung

The utilization of local food resources to enhance national food security has become a primary focus in addressing global challenges such as climate change and international market fluctuations. This outreach activity focuses on the production of tomato dodol in Margaluyu Village, Pangalengan District, Bandung Regency, as a solution to strengthen national food security. Tomato dodol was chosen due to the abundant and nutritionally valuable local tomatoes, which can be processed into healthy and nutritious food products. The goal of this activity is to introduce tomato dodol as a beneficial alternative to broaden the choices of nutritious food consumption while supporting public health. Utilizing a (Community Based Participatory Research) CBPR approach, the activity ensures active community involvement at every stage, improving production and marketing skills. The evaluation and sustainability of the program support local economic development and public health in a sustainable manner. The outcomes of this activity include increased community knowledge about the benefits of tomato dodol, reduced reliance on food imports, and contributions to strengthening national food security through the optimal use of local resources.

Barriers to Smallholder Farmers in Production and Marketing of Wheat in Karatu District, North Tanzania

Smallholder farmers are central to the development of the agriculture sector and they are crucial in contributing to the food security of the majority. Wheat is the fourth most consumed crop in Tanzania. However, the country’s production is only 20% of the consumption demand regardless of the suitable resources for crop productivity. This study aimed to explore the main barriers to smallholder wheat production as the driver in securing national food security and economic development. More specifically, the objectives of this paper were to identify the challenges of Karatu smallholder farmers in the production and marketing of wheat, the extent of the wheat market and the factors that determine farmers' market decisions. Simple random sampling was used to select household respondents from five villages. The collected data from the field, households, and institutions was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences tool. Estimation of the average yields was done by considering the recorded harvest of farmers and weighing them to a randomly selected number of harvest units. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the level of influence of independent variables on wheat production and marketing by smallholder farmers. The paper derives a significant level of contribution of numerous variables to the farmers’ production and marketing of wheat in the Karatu district. It was found that smallholder wheat production in Karatu is hindered by various challenges while capital and abiotic variables play the most roles. The findings revealed that the amount of yields was less than one tonne per hectare which indicates below average production. Low yields were a result of the intensity of production challenges and constraints. Additionally, wheat price advantage, capital support, and technical and market assurance emerge as the dominant influences on smallholder farmers' market participation. This paper provides useful information for economic development, specifically information for making relevant decisions on the use of scarce agricultural resources in wheat production and reformulation of agricultural development policies through updated wheat production and marketing information

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

The agricultural and allied sectors of many countries have experienced the impacts of climate change in one way or the other. This study highlights the impacts of climate change on agriculture, water resources, health, and economy of sub-Sahara African countries. The study reveals its significant threats to gross domestic product (GDP) and economic sustainability at the national level, and livelihoods, food security, and well-being of citizens at individual level. The study explored research reports on adaptation, mitigation, and integrated approaches to solving climate change issues. Meta AI was found useful in generating data for the study. Though climate change is a global issue, impacts on the countries of the global north are quite different from those of the global south, with impacts being more severe in sub-Sahara Africa. GDP, GDP/capital, contribution of agriculture to GDP, and water availability will decline while numbers of people living below poverty line, people displaced and occasions of deceases will increase due to climate change. Policy and practice interventions with consideration for local factors are recommended to enhance adaptation capacity, promote sustainable development, and support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This study provides policy insight to the growing discussions on climate change issues globally, especially as it focuses on how its impacts alter the economic situations and daily expectations of the already indigent farmers in the countries of the global south. These countries contribute very little to causation of climate change, yet are at the receiving end of the impacts with extremely high Climate Change Vulnerability Index values recorded.

Microplastics influence nutrient content and quality of salt-affected agricultural soil under plastic mulch

Northeast China is an important food production base and plays a crucial role in national food security. However, the increase in salt-affected soils poses a challenge to agricultural production in this region. Plastic mulching is an effective technique for saline cropland improvement, and although it has increased crop yields in the short term, its long-term application may have introduced the problem of contamination by microplastics (MPs). The distribution of MPs in salt-affected cropland, along with the effects on soil nutrients, remains largely unknown. Accordingly, the presented research selected salt-affected cropland as the research object, after which MPs were quantified from 46 soil samples from currently mulched and unmulched fields. MPs abundance in the sampled soils ranging from 4.10 × 103∼1.50 × 104 particles per kilogram of dry soil. The detected MP polymers were mainly high-density polyethylene (46%), polypropylene (22%) and polyvinyl chloride (20%). The MP particles most commonly fell under the size ranges of 50∼100 μm (35%) and 100–200 μm (28%), both of which are small particle sizes. The most commonly detected MP shapes were film (34%) and fragment (31%). The mulched samples from salt-affected cropland generally showed higher soil nutrient contents than the unmulched samples. Moreover, MP abundance, type, size, and shape all demonstrated strong correlations with soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. MP type is a major factor determining soil nutrient content. Plastic mulching serves as an important source of MPs in salt-affected cropland, with these contaminants affecting nutrient content. Future research should be broader in scope and include ecological benefits and policy implications, with a view to optimizing the problem of MPs contamination due to mulching.

The trajectory of a transnational right to land norm

Abstract In conflicts around land usage, vulnerable groups are often threatened by dispossession of their land. Governance structures that protect both individual and collective land rights are thus necessary. To counter such risks, social movements engaged towards the establishment of a right to land norm in transnational governance. Building on literature on norm emergence, this paper exemplifies the involvement of activists in the creation process of two transnational regulations that address land: The Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention No. 169 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 1989 and the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries, and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT) of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations in 2012. Both documents emerged in response to increasing global awareness of each specific issue. In the case of ILO 169, rising awareness of social inequality and discrimination of indigenous peoples and in the case of the VGGT the rapidly growing global land market. The paper reflects on the importance of timing, engagement, and discourse in creating norms and embedding them in global governance.

OsABT Negatively Regulates the Abscisic Acid Signal Transduction Pathway in Rice Seedling Roots

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a main food crop in China and is crucial for the maintenance of national food security. The growth of rice seedling roots is regulated by a variety of genes and is closely related to abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism and ABA signaling pathways. In this study, we found that OsABT could increase the length of rice root tip meristem cells and upregulate root development-related genes, thereby alleviating ABA’s inhibitory effects on rice root growth and seed germination. The overexpression of OsABT reduced the ABA content by downregulating ABA synthesis genes (OsNCED3 and OsNCED5) and upregulating the ABA catabolic gene (OsABA8ox2). In addition, OsABT interacted with OsPYL4, OsPYL10, and OsABIL2 via the ABA signal transduction pathway. By inhibiting the expression of positive regulatory genes (OsPYL9 and Rab16a) and increasing the expression of a negative regulatory gene (OsABIL1), OsABT negatively regulates the ABA signal transduction pathway. Transcriptome analysis revealed that OsABT inhibited the activity of Gene Ontology entries in response to ABA. Thus, OsABT increased the length of the rice root meristem, reduced the accumulation of ABA in the roots, and negatively regulated the ABA signal transduction pathway by interacting with key proteins in this pathway, ultimately relieving the inhibitory effect of ABA on rice root length and seed germination.

New E-commerce Boosts Marketing and Branding of Rural Agricultural Products

Rural revitalization is an important initiative to guarantee national food security and the supply of important agricultural products, and a key initiative to promote the high-quality development of agriculture. Under the development trend of new e-commerce day by day, this paper selects Mayang, Hunan Province as the object of investigation, aiming to study the way of new e-commerce to boost the marketing of rural agricultural products and brand dissemination and promotion, and to help rural revitalization. The article starts the research from the development status quo of agricultural products industry in Mayang, Hunan, the feasibility of new e-commerce-enabled development of agricultural products in Mayang, new e-commerce-enabled branding and marketing strategy of agricultural products in Mayang, and finally summarizes the project experience and revelation, which provides new ideas and strategies for the marketing and branding of rural agricultural products and empowers the comprehensive development of rural revitalization.