Adequate Food Research Articles

Importance-Performance Analysis of Factors Affecting the Sustainability and Development of Poultry Farms (Evidence from Broiler Farms in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan)

Ensuring adequate food supplies has become a critical issue with a rapidly growing global population and increasing demand for protein-rich foods. In Baghlan province, Afghanistan, many poultry farms have been forced to cease operations due to insufficient infrastructure and resources, leaving a significant gap in meeting the region's growing demand for poultry products. This study aims to identify the key factors affecting the sustainability and development of broiler farms in Baghlan province as perceived by farm owners. The primary research tool was a researcher-developed questionnaire, whose validity and reliability were confirmed. The study population comprised all broiler farm owners in Baghlan Province, from which a sample of 91 was selected using the Morgan table and complete enumeration sampling method. The findings revealed that approximately 54% of respondents expressed moderate satisfaction with their farms. Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) was conducted to assess the relative importance and performance of various factors affecting the development and sustainability of the farms. The results indicated that having a qualified expert, the farmer's educational level, the poultry house ventilation system, and being a local resident were considered highly important factors for farm success but were underperforming. Based on limited existing research in the region, these findings provide valuable insights for enhancing poultry farm development and food security in Baghlan province and throughout Afghanistan. The study offers specific recommendations for addressing the identified challenges and improving the sustainability of poultry farming in the region.

The global food security conundrum through the lens of the right to food

Working through the complexities of food insecurity with the intention to address issues requires taking a step back to the drawing board to firm up the understanding of food security through the principles that inform the governance framework of the right to food in the context of the current global food security crisis. Considering the multi-dimensional nature of food security in relation to the right to food alongside concepts such as food sovereignty, and issues such as climate change, food loss and food waste, economic and political turmoil is paramount in determining exactly why all people at all times do not have access to adequate food, or the means for its procurement. This commentary delves into the intricacies of the concept of food security, and the hindrances to realising food security for all by considering what food security is, and where, therefore, the challenges in effecting the right to food are. Through careful consideration of the components of the food security equation, this commentary seeks to show how the right to food comes down to more than ensuring that food is physically available. By connecting the right to food to the factors that affect food security and exploring the ways in which those factors can be broken down and addressed separately, this commentary ultimately advocates for the realisation of food security through collaboration. The consideration of the singular concepts that form the food security equation in solving the multi-dimensional food security problem through conjoined and synchronised efforts influenced by obligations of states and international organisations with mandates directly connected to, and influencing the different aspects of the food security equation. Using reports, statistics, theories and academic opinions, this commentary seeks to explore the different components, which form the concept of food security to draw conclusions and analyse existing systems in an attempt to determine what approaches could be considered in addressing the growing food security crisis and the concerns attached to it. Key words: Food security, right to food, climate change, crisis, malnutrition, food loss, food waste

Socioeconomic Backgrounds and the Relationship with Food Consumption Patterns and Food Adequacy Level among Low-Income Consumers in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia

Socioeconomic Backgrounds and the Relationship with Food Consumption Patterns and Food Adequacy Level among Low-Income Consumers in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia

Effect of Diet and Dietary Patterns on the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis: A Review

The link between diet and the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a topic of growing interest and investigation within the medical community. This review explored the mechanisms through which dietary interventions can impact the course of MS and shape the clinical outcomes and quality of life of individuals with the disease. By synthesizing current knowledge from clinical studies and observational research, the review aimed to provide insights into the role of diet in managing MS. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on the effect of diet and dietary patterns on the progression of MS. Key findings indicated that individuals with higher diet quality exhibit reduced disability levels and lower symptom severity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and adopting a holistic, healthy lifestyle in managing MS. The review also delved into the potential impact of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals on the progression of MS, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrient intake for optimal health outcomes. Additionally, the study explored the association between dietary intake variations and the severity of MS, suggesting that further investigation is needed to understand the potential implications of nutrient deficiencies in MS patients. Overall, the review serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and individuals living with MS, providing evidence-based dietary approaches that may help optimize health outcomes and mitigate the burden of the disease. It also calls for future research directions in the critical area of dietary management of MS to enhance our understanding and improve patient care.

Food retailer actions toward the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to promote nutrition security: Applicability of the Business Impact Assessment-Obesity as a monitoring tool.

The White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health (National Strategy) encourages actions across government and society to promote nutrition security. Nutrition security includes adequate food, diet quality, and equity, and food retail settings can promote these major concepts. Of all National Strategy whole-of-society calls to action, food retailers can contribute to 15 calls as key actors. However, there is currently no standardized monitoring tool to track food retailers' commitments and actions toward the National Strategy to promote nutrition security. The Business Impact Assessment-Obesity and population-level nutrition (BIA-Obesity), a tool originally developed for corporate accountability monitoring, can be tailored for the National Strategy and nutrition security, given its standardized indicators and process to assess food company policies and commitments across six domains. We discuss the fit of the BIA-Obesity indicators for tracking food retailers' commitments and actions across four pillars of the National Strategy. Existing indicators are appropriate to monitor components of Pillar 1: Improve Food Access and Affordability; Pillar 2: Integrate Nutrition and Health; Pillar 3: Empower All Consumers to Make and Have Access to Healthy Choices; and Pillar 5: Enhance Nutrition and Food Security Research. We suggest expanding current indicators to include equity, local foods, the digital food environment, and food waste reduction to improve alignment of the BIA-Obesity with the National Strategy. Application of the BIA-Obesity as an existing tool can facilitate data cohesion and more rapid assessment of the food retailer landscape to mutually meet nutrition security goals by 2030.

An integrated food management framework: A preventive measure for food scarcity during the Prabowo Subianto administration

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported in 2024 that Indonesia is at risk of facing a future food crisis if adequate food supply is not ensured. A critical aspect of food management in Indonesia lies in its management systems. Thus, this study aims to review the extent to which food management under the Joko Widodo administration has been integrated to address food shortages. Further, this study will develop an integrated food management system as an alternative to prevent food scarcity during the Prabowo Subianto administration. The methodology involves a literature review and in-depth interviews with stakeholders involved in managing the national food reserve. Findings indicate that food management in Indonesia remains fragmented and lacks integration between central and local governments, hindering effective food management during periods of scarcity. Based on an online website, the proposed integrated food management framework aims to simplify national food management and prevent food shortages.

Personalized Nutrition in the Pediatric ICU: Steering the Shift from Acute Stress to Metabolic Recovery and Rehabilitation.

Nutrition significantly impacts the outcomes of critically ill children in intensive care units (ICUs). Due to the evolving metabolic, neuroendocrine, and immunological disorders associated with severe illness or trauma, there are dynamically changing phases of energy needs requiring tailored macronutrient intake. This study aims to assess the changing dietary needs from the acute phase through recovery, provide recommendations for implementing evidence-based strategies to ensure adequate energy and nutrient provision in pediatric ICUs, and optimize patient outcomes. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE-PubMed database was conducted, focusing on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews related to the nutrition of critically ill children. The study highlights recent guidelines using the GRADE approach, supplemented by relevant adult studies, current clinical practices, challenges, gaps in knowledge, and future directions for research aimed at improving nutritional interventions. Early personalized, incremental enteral feeding helps mitigate the negative energy balance during the acute phase, aids organ function restoration in the stabilization phase, and supports growth during the recovery phase and beyond. Conversely, early full nutritional support, high protein doses, or isolated micronutrient administration have not demonstrated benefits due to anabolic resistance in these patients. Moreover, early parenteral nutrition during the acute phase may suppress autophagy and lead to worse outcomes. Accurate assessment of nutritional status and monitoring of daily energy and protein needs are crucial. Strong evidence supports the establishment of a dedicated nutritional team and the implementation of individualized nutritional protocols in the ICU to reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill children.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF FOOD INSECURITY AMONG WOMEN AFFECTED BY HIV AND AIDS IN MUFAKOSE SUBURBS IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE

Food insecurity and HIV/AIDS are two intertwined pandemics ravaging Zimbabwe, disproportionately affecting women. The triple challenges such as unemployment, poverty and inequality steeped in unethical leadership and misgovernance exacerbate the preceding twin pandemic of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity in Zimbabwe. To mitigate the abovementioned challenge, the multilateral and the bilateral stakeholders in health and food security introduced the multisectoral governance systems in all the United Nations member countries. Notwithstanding the international, regional and local efforts to mitigate both the impact of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity among the women in Zimbabwe, the effects of these twin pandemics have continued to rise among the women and girls in the country. This study investigates the impact of food insecurity on women living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, shedding light on the complex relationships between poverty, nutrition and health. This qualitative study seeks to understand the complexities of human behaviour, experiences and social phenomena in the Mufakose Urban community of Zimbabwe. Women and girls who live with HIV/AIDS between the ages 15 and 49 residing in this community between 2015 and 2017 under antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment were selected as information sources for this study. Twenty (20) informant interviews were conducted, with guided questions aimed at eliciting responses from participants, focusing on household food security. The study established that women living with HIV and AIDS face a plethora of challenges in terms of food insecurity and antiretroviral therapy. This has led to non-adherence for many of them. Most of the women fail to get adequate food and a consistent supply of ARV. Consequently, the study recommends taking a holistic approach to support women living with HIV and AIDS, both medically and nutritionally, without political or undue interference. The study further suggests exploring ways to enable policymakers and government officials to adopt a factual and non-stereotypical tone in supporting people living with HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe.

Circular Utilization of Coffee Grounds as a Bio-Nutrient through Microbial Transformation for Leafy Vegetables

This study explores the production of bio-nutrients from bioactive compound-rich spent coffee grounds (SCG) and biochar (BC) through composting after inoculation with a biological agent and its impact on the growth performance of garden cress and spinach. The SCG was composted with six doses of BC (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%). The compost with 10% BC exhibited the best maturity, humification, and phytotoxicity index values of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), humification index (E4/E6), and germination index (GI). A metagenome analysis showed that compost starter enhanced the bacterial community’s relative abundance, richness, and diversity in SCG and BC treatments. This improvement included increased Patescibacteria, which can break down noxious phenolic compounds found in SCG and BC. The BC enriched the compost with phosphorus and potassium while preserving the nitrogen. In plant growth experiments, the total chlorophyll content in compost-treated garden cress and spinach was 2.47 and 4.88 mg g−1, respectively, which was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) than in unfertilized plants and similar to the plants treated with traditional fertilizer. Overall, the results show that the compost of SCG + BC was well-suited for promoting the growth of garden cress and spinach, providing adequate nutrients as a fertilizer for these leafy vegetables.

Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in exclusively breastfed infants after a 5-month iron supplementation

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is prevalent in exclusively breastfed (EBF) Thai infants. However, in Thailand, iron supplementation guidelines for EBF infants are not available. This prospective open-label study aimed to estimate the prevalence of IDA in 9-month-old EBF infants after receiving iron supplementation from 4 months of age until they consumed adequate iron-rich food. Forty-seven healthy, 4-month-old EBF infants were prescribed 1 mg/kg/day ferrous sulfate. Their complementary food records from 6 to 9 months were calculated for daily iron intake. Complete blood count and iron study were performed at 9 months of age. The results showed that the prevalence of IDA at 9 months was 6.4%. An employed caregiver and the male sex of the baby were significantly associated with iron deficiency. The food record revealed that the median daily iron intake was less than the Thai dietary reference intake recommendation. In summary, the prevalence of IDA in infants with 9 months of exclusive breastfeeding who received iron supplementation was lower than the background rate (25.7%) when iron was not prescribed. Most infants did not have adequate iron in complementary foods. Iron supplementation should be prescribed routinely during 4–9 months of age in healthy Thai EBF infants.

The association between early postoperative food intake and postoperative hospital length of stay in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A retrospective observational single-center study

Background & AimsPerioperative nutritional status is critical during the postoperative recovery process in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Several studies on patients undergoing cardiac surgery have reported low energy intake in early postoperative food intake via oral nutrition; however, no study has shown an association of low energy intake with postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS). This study aimed to determine whether early postoperative low food intake was associated with prolonged postoperative hospital LOS in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational, single-center study conducted in patients aged ≥18 years undergoing elective cardiac surgery from January 1, 2020, to May 31, 2023. Patients were categorized by food intake as food intake < 50% (low food intake group) and ≥ 50% (adequate food intake group) at lunch on postoperative day (POD) 3. The primary outcome of this study was the postoperative hospital LOS. A generalized linear model was used to examine the association between food intake and postoperative hospital LOS using the following explanatory variables: age, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II value, preoperative risk of malnutrition, activities of daily living status, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and C-reactive protein level. ResultsOf the 315 patients, 104 (33.0%) had a food intake of <50% on POD3. There were no significant differences in age, sex, EuroSCORE II value, and comorbidities between the two groups. Patients in the low-food intake group had a significantly lower Barthel Index (6.7% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.017) and a higher malnutrition risk according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form score (40.4% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.043). Food intake of <50% on POD3 was associated with prolonged postoperative hospital LOS (β = 1.135 [95% confidence interval: 1.004–1.262], p = 0.018). ConclusionsLow food intake on POD3 is associated with prolonged postoperative hospital LOS in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Early postoperative food intake should be closely monitored in patients after elective cardiac surgery.

A step toward the modern and sustainable agriculture: Evaluating the impact of information and communication technology on cereal production in China

AbstractAchieving food security has become a critical concern for many nations. China has also made significant efforts to ensure domestic food security. In order to provide an adequate food supply in the future, this research explores the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) on grain production. Pool Mean Group (PMG) method is used to estimate a panel dataset for 31 Chinese province administrative regions from 2005 to 2021. To ensure that the panel dataset is suitable for use with the PMG model, cross‐sectional independence tests, unit root tests, and co‐integration tests are performed. The empirical analysis shows that ICT boosts cereal crops yields over time. In particular, a 1% increase in fixed broadband users and cell phones boosts cereal production by 0.03% and 0.06%, respectively, in the long run. As a result, in order to increase yields, China must expand its use of ICT in agricultural production.

Social and seasonal variation in dwarf mongoose home-range size, daily movements, and burrow use.

When making decisions about resource use, social species must integrate not only environmental factors but also the influence of opportunities and costs associated with group living. Bigger groups are expected to move further and to need access to larger areas for adequate food acquisition, but the relationships with group size can vary seasonally and with reproductive stage. Shelters are often more consistent in availability than food, but their use relates to factors such as predator defense and parasite transmission that are themselves influenced by group size and seasonality. Here, we used long-term data to investigate resource use and associated movement in a wild population of dwarf mongooses (Helogale parvula). We found that bigger groups occupied larger home ranges, moved larger daily distances and covered more daily area than smaller ones, while environmental greenness (measured by normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) influenced daily movements in the breeding season but not the non-breeding season. Both assessed axes of seasonality also had pronounced effects on shelter use: mongoose groups used more unique sleeping burrows, and switched between burrows more often, in the breeding season, but also switched more when environmental greenness was higher. By investigating specific periods within the breeding season, we revealed the constraints that vulnerable, poorly mobile offspring impose on both group movements and burrow use, highlighting a potentially overlooked cost of reproduction. Our results show how both social and environmental factors can affect key resource-use decisions, demonstrating potential costs and benefits to group living within distinctly seasonal geographic areas.

Cross-context equivalence and agreement of healthy diet metrics for national and global monitoring: a multicountry analysis of cross-sectional quantitative 24-hour dietary intake studies

BackgroundDespite national and global commitments to improve nutrition, there are no universally accepted indicators for at-scale monitoring of diets. Several metrics have been proposed and used, but they vary in their comprehensiveness and validity in capturing the properties of healthy diets and, potentially, their interpretability across contexts. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the cross-context equivalence and agreement of healthy diet metrics. DesignQuantitative 24-h dietary intake data from 57,456 nonpregnant females (15–49 y) in 21 countries were used to construct the food group diversity score (FGDS) and Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women indicator; the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and its submetrics: GDQS+ and GDQS−; the Global Dietary Recommendations (GDR) score and its submetrics: noncommunicable disease (NCD)-Protect and NCD-Risk scores; and the All-5 indicator. Associations between (standardized) measures and indicators were quantified by fitting linear and logistic mixed-effect models across World Bank country income classifications, respectively. The levels of agreement between measures were assessed using Bland–Altman plots of z-scores, whereas rank correlations were assessed using Spearman’s ρ. ResultsThe consumption of healthy food groups was positively associated with concurrent intakes of unhealthy food groups, in particular in high-income countries. Hence, metrics constructed using both healthy and unhealthy food groups (i.e., GDR score and GDQS) showed relatively less discriminatory capacity across country income classifications than their respective submetrics or FGDS. Standardized metrics of healthy (e.g., FGDS and GDQS+) and unhealthy food group consumption (i.e., NCD-Risk and GDQS−) exhibited strong agreement and correlations. ConclusionComposite metrics weighting both healthy and unhealthy food groups have limited cross-context equivalence, because a wide range of diets can theoretically return similar scores. Healthy food group (sub)metrics performed comparably, likely indicating strong underlying construct validity (i.e., dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy). For national and global monitoring, refinement and validation of unhealthy food group metrics (i.e., moderation) is recommended to complement healthy food group metrics.

Socioeconomic Drivers of Food Insecurity Among Rural Households: Evidence from Participating Farmers in the Integrated Rice-Fish System in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Nigeria has been facing a food crisis problem, with most of the poor population having limited access to adequate quantity and quality food. Food security reflects the stability of food supply, availability of, and access to food, and affects the amount of food consumed, which has implications for the population’s health. Thus, this study examined the socio-economic drivers of food security among smallholder rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected under the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish (Integrated rice-fish farming system) funded by USAID through a three-stage sampling technique. Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) and the Endogenous Switching Regression model were applied in the data analysis. The mean per capita household food expenditure is N 2,456.42, and the food security line is N 1,026.43. The food security measure shows that 46.67 percent of the households experience the incidence of food insecurity, 24.6 percent point is the food insecurity depth, and 17.2 percent point is the severity of food insecurity. The ESR model shows that the drivers of food security are access to credit, marital status, farming experience, primary occupation, education, and farm size. The study proposed implementing more developmental programmes that focus on poverty alleviation, which should be gender inclusive with an option of credit support to the rice farmers.

Cachexia in tuberculosis in South-East Asian and African regions: knowledge gaps and untapped opportunities.

Tuberculosis (TB) and cachexia are clinical entities that have a defined relationship, making them often found together. TB can lead to cachexia, while cachexia is a risk factor for TB. This article reviews cachexia in Tuberculosis patients in Southeast Asian and African regions by conducting a comprehensive literature search across electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate between 2013 and 2024 using keywords including 'Africa', 'cachexia', 'prevalence', 'implications', 'tuberculosis', and 'Southeast Asia. This article utilized only studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria, revealing knowledge gaps and untapped opportunities for cachexia in TB across Southeast Asian and African regions. Many Southeast Asian and Western Pacific patients initially receive a tuberculosis diagnosis. Sub-Saharan African countries are among the 30 high TB burden nations, according to the WHO. Food inadequacy and heightened energy expenditure can impair the immune system, leading to latent TB and subsequently, active infection. Symptoms needing attention: shortness of breath, productive cough, hyponatremia at 131mmol/l, hypoalbuminemia at 2.1g/dl, elevated aspartate transaminase at 75U/l, increased lactate dehydrogenase at 654, and normocytic anemia. Comorbidities, such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and asthma, can influence the nutritional status of individuals with TB. While efforts like screening, contact tracing, and utilizing gene Xpert to detect TB cases were implemented, only a few proved effective. It is essential to conduct further studies, including RCTs, in Southeast Asia and Africa to evaluate and manage cachexia in TB patients.

Food Records Show Daily Variation in Diet During Pregnancy: Results From the Temporal Research in Eating, Nutrition, and Diet during Pregnancy (TREND-P) Study

BackgroundDiet is critical for pregnant individuals and their offspring, but insight into diet during pregnancy mainly comes from questionnaires and recalls. ObjectiveObtain detailed real-time dietary data during pregnancy to evaluate intra- and inter-individual variation in intakes. MethodsPregnant individuals were recruited from a New York City health system December 2020–June 2023. Participants collected dietary intakes for 14 days (mean gestational weeks = 17.6) and again roughly 4 weeks later (mean gestational weeks = 24.5). Participants logged each eating occasion using a smartphone and study-developed app, and wore a smartwatch capturing physiologic data. ResultsIn total 150 individuals completed at least one data collection round, with 134 completing both rounds. Mean daily eating window was 10.82 hours, with weekends having a significantly shorter window than weekdays (p<0.001). Eating window was correlated with energy intake (r = 0.401, p<0.001), driven by later last eating occasions. There was high intraindividual variation in macro- and micro-nutrient intakes (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC, range 0.11-0.40) and food type (ICC range: 0.08-0.34), and differences between weekdays and weekends (less protein and micronutrients on weekends). Few participants’ mean intakes met daily recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for key micronutrients (under 15% for iron, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin E; under 30% for calcium, folate, zinc, and vitamin A). ConclusionsDietary intakes varied substantially within and between individuals, and mean nutrient intake estimates did not capture nutrient adequacy for individuals or populations. Future work that examines individual daily dietary intakes throughout pregnancy among diverse populations is needed.

Factors Related To Compliance With The Consumption Of Iron Tablets In Adolescent Females

Background : Anemia is a condition characterized by decreased hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, and impaired oxygen requirements. One type of anemia that is often experienced by adolescents is iron deficiency anemia, due to the high iron requirements for adolescent growth which is inversely proportional to the amount of iron intake of adolescents. Many factors cause adolescent girls not to consume or still low consumption of Iron Supplement Tablets in Adolescent Girls. This study aims to determine the factors that influence compliance in taking iron tablets in adolescent girls at SMP Negeri 1 Kotabunan. Materials and Methods: This type of research uses quantitative observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach conducted on 74 female students taken from total sampling. Data collection was obtained from a research instrument in the form of a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out by univariate analysis carried out on each variable and bivariate using the Charles Spearman Correlation Test or Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient with a confidence level (alpha) of 0.05. Results:of the study showed that respondents started menstruating at the age of 11-12 years by 35%, adolescent girls were obedient in consuming iron tablets by 57 people (77%), knowledge of adolescent girls by 67 people (90.5%) with a good category, Teacher Support 82.4%, Family 66.2% and Peers 77% supported adolescent girls consuming iron tablets, the correlation coefficient value with the Spearman's Rank test. for knowledge with compliance in consuming iron tablets 0.000, teacher support 0.003, family support 0.000 and peer support 0.007. There is a relationship between the level of knowledge, teacher support, family support and peer support with compliance in consuming iron tablets with a correlation coefficient value (sig.2-tailed) &lt;0.05. Conclusion: Adolescents in the growth and development period require adequate nutrient intake including the consumption of iron tablets to avoid anaemia. This study shows that factors associated with adherence to iron tablet consumption in adolescent girls are knowledge, attitude, parental support and teacher support.

Evolution of food deserts and food swamps in a Brazilian metropolis between 2008 and 2020.

The aim of the current ecological study is to assess the evolution of food deserts and food swamps in the metropolitan city of Belo Horizonte between 2008 and 2020. Food deserts were determined based on the density of healthy establishments per 10,000 inhabitants, whereas food swamps were set based on the density of ultra-processed food procurement establishments per 10,000 inhabitants. The rate of census tracts classified as food deserts has decreased between 2008 and 2020, whereas that of census tracts classified as food swamps has increased within this same period. Furthermore, despite the reduced number of food deserts, these areas have increased in census tracts living under lower socioeconomic vulnerability condition. Food swamps recorded sharp increase in census tracts living under higher vulnerability condition. The population living in the herein investigated city has been increasingly exposed to an unhealthy community food environment over 12 years. Monitoring changes in community food environment is key strategy to enable tracking the effectiveness and efficiency of actions taken in food environments to ensure the human right to adequate food.

Productive efficiency of feeding weaner rabbits with yellow maize hydroponic fodder

Ever-increasing trends in the human population warrant having nutritional security, economic sustainability and food adequacy. Thus, this study aimed at determining the herbage yield of Hydroponic Yellow Maize Fodder (HYMF) as well as its impact on growth performance, carcass characteristic and organ proportion of weaner rabbit. Maize seeds procured from Ubani market were cleaned, sterilized using hydrogen peroxide and soaked in clean water for 4hrs before planting in a nutrient solution. A total number of eighteen weaned rabbits were distributed into 3 treatments of 6 animals per treatment and replicated three times with 2 animals per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The animals were placed on three different diets (T1: 100% concentrate, T2: 50% concentrate and 50% HYMF and T3: 100% HYMF). The experiment lasted for 42 days. The result of the study showed that the herbage yield of HYMF was 306%. The final and total body weight gain of rabbits in T1 was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than rabbits in T3. Rabbits on T1 had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher values in all the parameters with exception of backcut and % dressed weight in comparison to other treatments in both the carcass characteristics and organ proportions. It was concluded that Hydroponic Yellow Maize Fodder in high (100%) inclusion levels is not favourable in weaner rabbit, but have a very high herbage yield.