Security Program Research Articles

ROLES OF TRADITIONAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN SUPPORTING RICE FARMING DEVELOPMENT: Lessons Learned from Bali Province, Indonesia

Agricultural development has still had significant roles on economic development in Indonesia. Rice farming is addressed to increase the productivity and quality of product by using improved agricultural practices including irrigation water management. In Bali province (Indonesia), the existence of subak as traditional irrigation system with socio-agrarian-religious in nature, could be a one of the local cultural institutions for supporting government in the food security program. The main functions of subak are distributing and allocating irrigation water among the subak’s members and between or among the subaks which are getting water from the separated dams on a similar river. These functions are supported by the implementation of internal by-laws own by each subak governing the mechanism of planting schedule, cropping patterns, water borrowing, including ritual ceremonies conducted in the relation to phases of rice planting. Subak system as social capital, therefore, could ensure the availability of irrigation water over the year. Thus, the rice farming development programmed by government could be achived by the effective subak system.

Associations between a cash voucher intervention, food consumption, and coping strategies in Somali food-insecure populations

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association between cash voucher assistance on building community resiliency and improving food security among 1371 households (HH) living in northern and southern regions of Somalia. The secondary data analysis used endline data from participants in World Vision’s Emergency Food Security Program from May 2018 to May 2019. The participants received unconditional cash vouchers, conditional cash for work vouchers, and nutrition and livelihood trainings. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between program interventions and food consumption score (FCS, borderline/poor: 0–35, acceptable: > 35) and reduced coping strategy index (rCSI, acceptable: 0–3, emergency/crisis: 4–56).ResultsA total of 41.5% of all HH that received cash vouchers reported borderline/poor FCS and 71.1% had emergency/crisis rCSI. Utilization of vouchers for food purchase (0.34; 0.23, 0.51) and purchase of more types of food for greater dietary diversity (0.70; 0.55, 0.89) were negatively associated with acceptable FCS. Participants who redeemed cash vouchers were less likely to have an emergency/crisis rCSI (0.68; 0.61, 0.76). Utilization of cash vouchers had a positive association with increased conflict within the HH (2.90; 1.29, 6.48). Participants reporting benefits from improved community rehabilitation through increased check dams were more likely to have acceptable rCSI (2.37; 1.45, 3.89).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that interventions utilizing cash vouchers have to consider contextual factors in calculations of voucher entitlements, increase investment in water management and livelihood skills training, and expand nutrition and livelihood trainings to men and boys to foster women empowerment and improve food security outcomes.

The evolution and scope of Medicaid Section 1115 demonstrations to address nutrition: a US survey.

Poor nutrition and food insecurity are drivers of poor health, diet-related diseases, and health disparities in the U.S. State Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration waivers offer opportunities to pilot food-based initiatives to address health outcomes and disparities. Several states are now leveraging 1115 demonstrations, but the scope and types of utilization remain undefined. To fill this gap, we conducted a systematic analysis of state Medicaid Section 1115 applications and approvals available on Medicaid.gov through July 1, 2023. We found that 19 approved and pending 1115 waivers address nutrition, with 11 submitted or approved since 2021. Fifteen states provide or propose to provide screening for food insecurity, referral to food security programs, and/or reporting on food security as an evaluation metric. Thirteen provide or propose to provide coverage of nutrition education services. Ten provide or propose to provide direct intervention with healthy food. The primary target populations of these demonstrations are individuals with chronic diet-sensitive conditions, mental health or substance use disorders, and/or who are pregnant or post-partum. Since 2021, state utilization of Medicaid 1115 demonstrations to address nutrition has accelerated in pace, scope, and population coverage. These findings and trends have major implications for addressing diet-related health and healthy equity in the United States.

LGBTQI+ Addendum No. 4 to the Justice Rights and Security Program (USAID)

LGBTQI+ Addendum No. 4 to the Justice Rights and Security Program (USAID)

LEADING SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE: CURRENT TRENDS AND ESSENTIAL ABILITIES

On November 15, 2023, Ms. Jennifer Irish, Associate and Program Director of the Executive Security and Intelligence Leadership Certificate program at, Telfer Executive Programs of the University of Ottawa, presented Leading Security and Intelligence: Current Trends and Essential Abilities at the West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The presentation was informed by structural interviews she conducted with senior leaders across Canada’s Security and Intelligence community to inform a refresh of the leadership program offered by uOttawa’s Telfer Executive Programs for federal government executives having security and intelligence responsibilities. The key points focussed on the key competencies and skills required of contemporary S&I leaders as they navigate through changes in the community, the evolving global threatscape, and as result of emerging technologies and increased expectations for public accountability.
 
 Received: 01-07-2024
 Revised: 01-29-2024

Associations between Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Increased Consumption of Diverse Legumes: A South African Food and Nutrition Security Programme Case Study.

The programme aimed to improve selected cardiometabolic risk (CMR) variables using a nutritional intervention among farmers who reported hypertensive disorders as hindrances during agricultural activities. The intervention had two case controls (n = 103) [experimental group-EG (n = 53) and control group-CG (n = 50)] which were tracked and whose blood pressure measurements, dietary intake, blood indices for cholesterol concentration and glucose levels from pre- and post-intervention surveys after the baseline survey (n = 112) were analysed. The interval for data collection was 12 weeks (±120 days) after five legume varieties were consumed between 3 and 5 times a day, and servings were not <125 g per at least three times per week. Sixty-five per cent of farmers were above 60 years old, with mean age ranges of 63.3 (SD ± 6.3) years for women and 67.2 (SD ± 6.7) for men. The post-intervention survey revealed that EG blood results indicated nutrient improvement with p <= 0.05 for blood glucose (p = 0.003) and cholesterol (p = 0.001) as opposed to the CG. A trend analysis revealed that cholesterol (p = 0.033) and systolic blood pressure (SBP); (p = 0.013) were statistically significant when comparing genders for all study phases. Interventions focusing on legumes can improve hypertension and cardiovascular disease and fast-track the achievement of SGDs 3 and 12 through community-based programmes.

Analisis Sikap Petani Padi Terhadap Atribut Pupuk Subsidi Di Kabupaten Jember

&lt;em&gt;Development in the agricultural sector in the context of supporting national food security is the main concern of the government. In this case the government has issued a policy to strengthen food security and anticipate extreme climate conditions that could disrupt national food production, namely by providing direct assistance policies in the form of distribution of subsidized fertilizers through farmer groups. The agricultural policy is contained in regulations and the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture No. 106/Kpts/SR.130/2/2004 regarding subsidized fertilizer policies. The policy states that the reason for providing subsidized fertilizers is in the context of realizing a national food security program through increasing production of agricultural commodities. Farmers immediately respond either in purchasing or using subsidized fertilizers directly or indirectly. Based on this, this study aims to analyze what factors influence rice farmers' decisions to buy subsidized fertilizers in Jember Regency. Location determination using purposive sampling method, and the data used is primary data with interview techniques using a questionnaire. The analytical method used is by using Logistic Regression Analysis. The sampling method used is multistage sampling with certain considerations, namely incidental sampling. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the independent variables had an influence on the dependent variable (the decision to buy subsidized fertilizer) in this study, namely income (X&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;), price of subsidized urea fertilizer (X&lt;sub&gt;6&lt;/sub&gt;), and place of purchase (D&lt;sub&gt;9&lt;/sub&gt;). While the variables Age (X&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;), Education (X2), Number of Family Members (X4), Land Area (X&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;), Price of Non-Subsidized Urea Fertilizer (X&lt;sub&gt;7&lt;/sub&gt;), Access to Information (D&lt;sub&gt;8&lt;/sub&gt;), Fertilizer Availability (D&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt;) have no effect on the variable dependent (decision to buy subsidized fertilizer). The results of the analysis also show that the Nagelkerke R Square value is 0.533 or it can mean that the variability of the dependent variable can be explained by the variability of the independent variables of 53.3% and the remaining 46.7% is explained by the diversity of other variables outside the model. The conclusions of the research results are: 1) Factors that partially have a significant influence on farmers' decisions in buying subsidized fertilizer in Jember Regency based on the Wald test with a confidence level of 90% are income, price of subsidized urea fertilizer and place of purchase. Meanwhile, the factors that partially have an insignificant effect based on the Wald test are age, education, number of family members, land area, price of non-subsidized urea fertilizer, access to information and availability of fertilizer.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keyword&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;s: Attitude, Rice Farmer, Logistic Regression Analysis&lt;/em&gt;

PELATIHAN DIVERSIFIKASI PRODUK OLAHAN IKAN BAGI KADER PKK DESA KUTALIMAN, BANYUMAS SEBAGAI UPAYA MENINGKATKAN PEREKONOMIAN MASYARAKAT

Kutaliman Village is one of 25 extremely poor villages in Banyumas Regency. As an anticipatory step, the Kutaliman Village Government is implementing a village food security program that comes from animal sources. The fisheries potential of Kutaliman Village is abundant, but its utilization is not optimal. So far there has been no business skills training for PKK cadres to manage village fisheries products, which can be a source of additional income for the community. This activity aims to assist in the entrepreneurial skills of Kutaliman Village PKK cadres through training in the diversification of processed freshwater fish. It is hoped that the results of the training will become entrepreneurial ideas and improve the local economy. The method of implementing the activity is the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method which is carried out by directly practicing making fish nuggets and meatballs. At the end of the activity, participants were also asked to fill out a liking (hedonic) test questionnaire. The result of this training activity is to increase the skills and knowledge of PKK cadres in processing fishery products so that they have high selling value and can become an opportunity for entrepreneurship. The results of the liking test showed that all participants liked the fish nuggets and meatballs including the aroma, appearance, taste, and texture. PKK cadres who participated in the training revealed that this activity was very useful and could be a business idea to improve the household economy. The entire series of activities was received enthusiastically by the participants. This training provides household-scale business ideas by exploiting the potential of freshwater fish in Kutaliman Village.

Impacts of the social security programs on the employment status of informal labor in rural Vietnam

Impacts of the social security programs on the employment status of informal labor in rural Vietnam

The contribution of productive safety net program for households food security and asset building in drought prone woredas of northeast Ethiopia

Many developing countries are using various forms of social protection strategies to combat food insecurity. The Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) is a major policy initiative launched by the Ethiopian government and partners to help millions of chronically food insecured rural people. The main objective of this research is to assess the contributions of PSNP to households’ food security and asset building in the selected drought prone woreda (district) of northeast Ethiopia. The research applied a cross sectional research design and a mixed research approach. The data was collected from 142 randomly selected household heads of three selected Kebeles (a small administrative unit) clustered into three agro-climatic zones of the woreda, using key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. The methods used in the analysis were descriptive statistics (percentage and mean) and inferential statistics (chi-square, t-test, and binary logistic regression model). Twelve variables were selected to explain factors affecting the food security level of the PSNP beneficiary households. Out of these nine variables were identified as significant. The result revealed that the sample households that joined the PSNP have improved in food consumption status, livestock holding, housing conditions, and agricultural input utilization. The binary regression model depicted that household age, household size, education, farmland size, agricultural inputs and livestock as the main determinants. The result also revealed a lack of community participation in the decision-making, payment delays, a low level of gender awareness, and poor planning processes as the main challenges. Therefore, improving the management, revising the strategies particularly; the tools, guidelines and manuals of the PSNP is essential for best performance to address the food security challenges in general and the beneficiaries in particular.

Edukasi Teknologi Bioflok Ikan Lele Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Gizi Siswa Pondok Pesantren Darul Khuldi

Islamic boarding schools currently have many activities, apart from teaching and learning activities but also utilize other activities such as in the agricultural, plantation and fisheries sectors in order to utilize school land and as an effort to meet students' food needs. Catfish Biofloc Technology Education is one method used to teach students about how to cultivate fish in biofloc ponds. With this cultivation, it is hoped that it will become an additional source of income for the school. This service was carried out at the Darul Khuldi Islamic Boarding School, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. Community service method carried out through education regarding raising catfish in biofloc ponds. Ultimately, with this activity, it is hoped that it will function as a food security program and increase sources of income for Islamic boarding schools.

Interpol activities against environmental crime

The article focuses on describing the main areas of Interpol’s activities in combating environmental crime. It is indicated that Interpol’s activities in combating environmental crime include the following areas: crimes against wildlife, crimes in the field of fisheries, crimes in the field of forestry, pollution and related crimes. It is noted that an extensive structure has been created within the Organization to combat these crimes. In particular, a group responsible for combating environmental crimes was created - the Environmental Security Programme (ENS). The ENS aims to assist member states in effectively enforcing national legislation and international environmental law, as well as to ensure law enforcement cooperation, combine the efforts of various government agencies and encourage coordinated cross­border actions to maintain environmental security. It is noted that the activities of ENS are closely interrelated and supported by the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Committee (ECEC). The ECEC helps INTERPOL to identify emerging patterns and trends in environmental crime and develop law enforcement responses to address identified threats; it acts as a strategic advisory group of INTERPOL on policy development and project implementation related to the prevention and suppression of environmental crime and law violations. It is emphasised that the ECEC has four working groups on crimes: Fisheries (FCWG), Forestry (FoCWG), Wildlife (WCWG) and Pollution (PCWG). Each group brings together forensic scientists and experts from around the world who work on threat-based activities and provide the Committee and INTERPOL with expert advice on how to respond to various threats. It is noted that INTERPOL also provides a range of other tools and services in the field of combating environmental crime: the I-24/7 system, notices, ecomessages, Regional Investigative and Analytical Case Meetings (RIACMs), Investigative Support Teams (ISTs), operations, National Environmental Security Task Forces (NeSts) etc.

ABLE account use among supplemental security income recipients

BACKGROUND: The Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (ABLE Act) authorized state-administered tax-preferred savings programs for individuals with a disability called ABLE accounts. OBJECTIVE: Examine ABLE account participation rates and amounts held by Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are eligible for ABLE accounts and use the findings to identify methods to improve ABLE account participation. METHODS: Descriptive analysis using Social Security program data on the population of SSI recipients eligible for ABLE accounts to quantify: the prevalence of ABLE account use; participation rates among those eligible for ABLE accounts by demographic and socio-economic characteristics, state of residence, and state-level tax incentives; and amounts accumulated in ABLE accounts. RESULTS: As of December 2021, 36,610 SSI recipients owned ABLE accounts with a median value of $3,222, and the participation rate is 1.1 percent among SSI recipients whose disability occurred before age 26. We document substantial differences in participation rates by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, across states, and by the availability of state-level tax incentives. CONCLUSION: ABLE account use among SSI recipients is relatively low. Differences in participation rates indicate that evidence-based methods to increase participation can improve savings and economic well-being.

The Retirement Consumption Puzzle Effect in Indonesia: Evidence from IFLS 4 and 5

Introduction/Main Objectives: This study aims to see whether the retirement consumption puzzle occurs in Indonesia. The retirement consumption puzzle refers to when there is a decline in consumption in retirement which is not in line with the life-cycle hypothesis. Background Problems: Previous studies have revealed that consump­tion shifts when entering retirement due to efficient spending. This research analyzes the consumption pattern of the Indonesian elderly peculiarly in the frame of the retirement consumption puzzle. Novelty: There is a lack of studies on the effect of retirement on consumption by Indonesian retirees and prior research has focused on the impact of retirement on household expenditure. Research Methods: This study uses data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) wave 4 and 5 from the years 2007 and 2014. It uses panel data and the total sample is 2,556. It also uses the difference in differences (DiD) method to see whether the change in labor status toward retirement causes a decrease in consumption in households in Indonesia. Then, this study also uses the division of age categories as the robustness check. Finding/Results: The results of this study show that there is a retirement consumption puzzle in Indonesia indicated by a decrease of 19.9% in total expenditure per capita. Conclusion: The consumption decrease in retirement demons­trates that the government should consider pension funds and create social security programs to maintain the welfare of elderly people.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food systems in Manitoba, Canada and ways forward for resilience: a scoping review

Various studies over the past 3 years have synthesized trends and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s national food system. However, less research has characterized the effects of COVID-19 within regional and provincial food system contexts. This article presents results from a scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature published from March 2020 until end of March 2023 examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food systems in the province of Manitoba, Canada. Findings are presented according to the categories of food security funding, policy, and programming; individual and household food security; and food systems. In each area we synthesize key findings and discuss their significance in relation to existing food systems scholarship and national trends. Using review results, we propose priority areas for research and practice to support equitable and resilient food systems in Manitoba, including: (1) undertaking evaluation of food system policies, programs, and funding implemented during the pandemic (2) enhancing food security monitoring for vulnerable populations (3) further exploring community experiences and responses to food security, and (4) examining opportunities for local food systems development.

Association between water insecurity and antiretroviral therapy adherence among pregnant and postpartum women in Greater Accra region of Ghana.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) can substantially reduce morbidity and mortality among women living with HIV (WLWH) and prevent vertical transmission of HIV. However, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), more than 50% of new mothers discontinue ART and HIV care after childbirth. The role of water insecurity (WI) in ART adherence is not well-explored. We examined the relationship between WI and ART adherence among pregnant and postpartum WLWH in Greater Accra region of Ghana. Using a cross-sectional survey, we recruited 176 pregnant and postpartum WLWH on ART across 11 health facilities. We examined the association between WI (measured using the Household Water Insecurity Experience Scale, and categorized as moderate and severe WI compard to low WI) and poor ART adherence (defined as scoring a below average observed CASE index score). Bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square test followed by multivariate logistic regression models. We included all variables with p-values less than 0.20 in the multivariate analysis. Most (79.5%) of the pregnant and postpartum WLWH enrolled on ART, were urban residents. Over 2/3 were aged 30 years and older. Overall, 33.5% of respondents had poor ART adherence. Proportion of poor ART adherence was 19.4% among those with low WI, 44.4% in those with moderate WI, and 40.0% among those with high WI. Respondents with moderate household water insecurity had a greater odds of reporting poor ART adherence, as compared to those with low water insecurity (adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.14-6.66, p = 0.024), even after adjusting for food insecurity. Similarly, respondents with high WI had a greater odds of reporting poor ART adherence, as compared to those with low water insecurity (aOR = 1.49, 95%CI: 0.50-4.48, p = 0.479), even after adjusting for food insecurity. Water insecurity is prevalent among pregnant and postpartum WLWH and is a significant risk factor for poor ART adherence. Governments and other stakeholders working in HIV care provision should prioritize water security programming for WLWH along the HIV care continuum.

Global Supply Chains Made Visible through Logistics Security Management

Background: For several years, two of the major concerns of logistics managers are (i) the visibility of global supply chains and (ii) the uncertainty in deciding which existing logistics security program is the most appropriate according to the security levels for their organization. This last decision is needed to ensure traceability and visibility of the supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the main public and private supply chain security management programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods: A qualitative and quantitative research methodology based on thematic content analysis is followed. The four main existing security programs in Latin America and the Caribbean are systematically compared and a common general framework is developed. Results: The analysis shows a high degree of similarity between the levels of security contained in the selected programs. Conclusions: We found that there is little guidance available for companies interested in managing security risks in their supply chains through these logistics’ security programs. This article contributes to the literature on logistics security programs that is currently gaining momentum in managing security risks in global supply chains and provides academic insights into the choice and/or complementarity of one or more logistics security programs.

Government Policies in Implementing Social Welfare for National Development

This study evaluates the welfare state model applied in the development of Indonesia and the relevance of the welfare state concept in developing Indonesian policies. The method used is qualitative research, and the research object is government policies utilized in the application of the welfare state concept (welefar staat) in the forms of documents, books, and journals, as well as research results. Secondary data in the form of documents, laws and regulations, references/books, journals, and other supporting documents were obtained by researchers from existing sources in the literature. . Data were recorded and materials were systematically analyzed. Data analysis was done in the form of a clear and concrete description of the objects discussed qualitatively. Results show that the Indonesian government separates model categories in running a welfare state, namely the old-age security program and the healthcare program. This means that state administrators (government) must continuously strive to achieve the welfare of their citizens. This is a constitutional mandate that cannot be simply ignored, so it is impossible for state administrators to escape it.&#x0D; Keywords: government policy, social welfare, national development

An Investigation of the Factors That Influence Information Security Culture in Government Organizations in Bhutan

ABSTRACT Organizations make large investments to secure data and networks, but information security breaches as a result of insiders continue to rise. One possible contributor to this is poor information security culture. This study investigated the key factors that contribute to effective information security culture in government organizations in Bhutan and how information security culture influences employee security behavior. A research model was developed for the study based on an analysis of the information security literature. Data was collected using an online survey of 181 government employees. Senior management support, information security policy, training and awareness campaigns, interpersonal trust, and job- versus employee-oriented organizational culture were all found to influence information security culture, and information security culture contributed to information security behavior. The study extends understanding of the roles of trust and different dimensions of organizational culture in improving information security culture and behavior. The findings should help government policy makers and information security practitioners when developing information security strategies and programs.

Food security intervention mechanisms in the drought-prone rural areas of Tigray.

Tigray is one of the food-insecure regions with many people living under the condition of chronic hunger. Proper intervention mechanisms are vital for addressing food insecurity. Yet, food security intervention mechanisms of various levels are not researched well. Besides, previous studies have rarely addressed the objectives of food security intervention mechanisms in relation to the four pillars of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability. Thus, this study aims to investigate the food security intervention mechanisms in the drought-prone rural areas of Tigray in relation with the major components of food security. This study has employed a cross-sectional study design based on a mixed research approach with primary and secondary data. For this, 363 households from three selected drought-prone rural districts, i.e., Atsbi-wenberta, Irob, and Hintalo- wejerat were studied. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and key-informant interviews. And, secondary data were collected from relevant archives and policy documents. The obtained data were analyzed descriptively and content-wise. Findings show that there were several international interventions intended to halt food insecurity sustainably through financial aid, but many of the interventions were found to be responding to humanitarian crises mainly the food shortages. Ethiopia's Food and Nutrition Policy, Food Security Program, Food Security Strategy, and Food Security Pack program were the food security intervention mechanisms at the national level. These interventions were found to be inconsistent with each other in their intended goals. Regionally, no food security strategy or program was found intervening to the prevailing food insecurity in Tigray. More notably, the region has no food security bureau or office that deals with food security issues of the region. At a community level, food aid, and PSNP transfers have been the usual food security intervention mechanisms. 35.6% (77,010) of the population in the study rural districts were found to be rural PSNP beneficiaries. The food aid and PSNP transfers were outrageously insufficient for the recipients to cope with food insecurity. Intervention mechanisms should focus on enhancing vulnerable households' coping and adaptive capacities to deal with food security problems. In this regard, all the food security intervention mechanisms of various levels should be integrated into the common goal of achieving food security.