Strengthen Food Security Research Articles

Early Modeling of the Upcoming Landsat Next Constellation for Soybean Yield Prediction Under Varying Levels of Water Availability

The upcoming Landsat Next will provide more frequent land surface observations at higher spatial and spectral resolutions that will greatly benefit the agricultural sector. Early modeling of the upcoming Landsat Next products for soybean yield prediction is essential for long-term satellite monitoring strategies. In this context, this article evaluates the contribution of Landsat Next’s improved spectral resolution for soybean yield prediction under varying levels of water availability. Ground-based hyperspectral data collected over five cropping seasons at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation were resampled to Landsat Next spectral resolution. The spectral dataset (n = 384) was divided into calibration and external validation datasets and investigated using three strategies for soybean yield prediction: (1) using the reflectance from each spectral band; (2) using existing and new vegetation indices developed based on three general equations: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI-like), Band Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI-like), and Band Difference Vegetation Index (DVI-like), replacing the traditional spectral bands by all possible combinations between two bands for index calculation; and (3) using a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model composed of all Landsat Next spectral bands, in comparison to PLSR models using Landsat OLI and Sentienel-2 MSI bands. The results show the distribution of the new spectral bands over the most prominent changes in leaf reflectance due to water deficit, particularly in the visible and shortwave infrared spectrum. (1) Band 18 (centered at 1610 nm) had the highest correlation with yield (R2 = 0.34). (2) A new vegetation index, called Normalized Difference Shortwave Vegetation Index (NDSWVI), is proposed and calculated from bands 19 and 20 (centered at 2028 and 2108 nm). NDSWVI showed the best performance (R2 = 0.37) compared to traditional existing and new vegetation indices. (3) The PLSR model gave the best results (R2 = 0.65), outperforming the Landsat OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI sensors. The improved spectral resolution of Landsat Next is expected to contribute to improved crop monitoring, especially for soybean crops in Brazil, increasing the sustainability of the production systems and strengthening food security in Brazil and globally.

Towards sustainable agricultural development and food security in East Asia: The role of broad money and banking credits

The existing literature has extensively explored the role of financial development in boosting agricultural output. However, there is a lack of empirical research on the effects of broad money and banking credits on food production in East Asian countries. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationship between financial variables and agriculture in selected East Asian economies from 1995 to 2019, focusing on food security. Our findings indicate that increases in broad money and financial sector credit significantly enhance long-term food security by 0.216% and 0.846%, respectively. Additionally, we observed positive correlations between food security and agricultural inputs: a 1% increase in agricultural land, fertilizer use, and renewable energy adoption improves food security by 0.219%, 0.049%, and 0.146%, respectively. Robustness checks and Granger causality tests further validate these results. This study underscores the critical role of financial resources and agricultural inputs in food security and calls for a reassessment of credit systems to mitigate any adverse effects. These findings provide important insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen food security in East Asia.

Exploring the Potential of Agriculture Diversification as a Pathway to an Improved Smallholder Livelihood Dietary System in Nepal

Agriculture, a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, is dominated by smallholder farmers cultivating staple crops under resource and input constraints, leading to declining productivity amid rapid population growth and urban migration. This study explores the role of agricultural diversification in enhancing dietary diversity and improving smallholder livelihoods using panel data from the Nepal Household Risk and Vulnerability Survey (2016–2018). Analysis through the Simpson diversification index and food consumption scores reveals a strong positive correlation between agricultural diversification and dietary diversity. Key determinants include market access, irrigation systems (rainfed or canal-based), input availability (fertilizers and labor), and land type. Dry season crop diversification was positively associated with dietary diversity, while market access showed a significant negative impact on dietary diversity as distance increased. Upland areas exhibited higher potential for diversification, especially in the dry season, driven by improved access to inputs and irrigation. Policy recommendations highlight the need to enhance infrastructure in upland regions, improve market access, and ensure input availability, particularly fertilizers and labor, to support seasonal diversification. Such measures are essential for strengthening food security, nutritional diversity, and economic resilience among smallholder farmers in Nepal.

Georgia’s potentials for sustainable intensification, increasing food security and rural incomes.

Abstract Increasing global demand for agricultural commodities spurs conversions of natural ecosystems. Sustainable intensification in areas of high yield gaps has been proposed a pathway to achieve food security, support rural livelihoods, while also reducing the impact of commodity production by narrowing yield gaps on existing agricultural lands, while improving resource efficiency. Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Georgia experienced one of the highest losses of agricultural productivity among all former USSR countries and is now highly dependent on food imports. Closing yield gaps in Georgia through sustainable intensification has the potential to increase food self-sufficiency, support rural livelihoods, and strengthen food security and sovereignty. We estimated its potential for sustainable intensification in current agricultural areas to achieve self-sufficiency for wheat, maize, and barley. We found that crop yields can be doubled to tripled under high-input production systems, using high-yielding varieties, optimized inputs, fertilizers, and pest control. Yet, self-sufficiency in wheat can only be reached if at least 80% of the potentially attainable yields are achieved and if land is strategically allocated between crops. To achieve such increases, farmers need access to and training for using different crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest and disease control practices and products. Intensification increases the risks to ecosystem services’ health and livelihoods, particularly raising equity concerns. Yet, intensifying very low input systems is often found to be more sustainable, with high yield increases compared to limited impacts on the environment. The high employment rate in the agricultural sector in Georgia particularly provides opportunities to reduce poverty and increase livelihoods through increasing incomes and food security.

GEREJA DAN KETAHANAN PANGAN: REFLEKSI TEOLOGIS DARI TRADISI AGRARIS UMAT ALLAH DALAM PENGELOLAAN TANAH

This writing aims to investigate the life of Israel as an agrarian society in the management and utilization of land products. This is very necessary to address the food crisis as a global challenge that requires the role of all levels of society to overcome it, including the church in it. This research was conducted using qualitative research, through a literature study approach. Then it was found that the people's food security is one of God's goals in regulating the lives of His people through the Torah law which regulates the governance of Israel's agrarian life. This is the foundation that offers a community of believers to participate in strengthening food security. A manifestation of concern that goes beyond the boundaries of faith and nationality as the church's witness in overcoming food insecurity.

The impact of weather patterns on inter-annual crop yield variability

Inter-annual variations in crop production have significant implications for global food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Existing crop yield prediction models primarily using meteorological variables may not adequately encapsulate the full breadth of weather influences on crop development processes, such as compound or extreme events. Incorporating weather patterns into crop models could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental conditions affecting growth, enabling more accurate and earlier yield predictions.Our study examines 30 distinct UK Met Office weather patterns (MO30) based on mean sea level pressure. We investigate their association with weather conditions that limit winter wheat yield in the UK (1990–2020). Blocked, negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) patterns create the highest risk of temperatures that are below optimal for crop yield. However, the connection between weather patterns and yield is complex, with differing effects at a regional scale and even at which point in the growth cycle they appear. It was found that anticyclonic weather patterns during sowing, emergence, vernalisation, anthesis, and grain filling exhibit a relationship with good crop yields with a Spearman correlation coefficient of up to 0.55 for a single weather pattern (WP3 during vernalisation in South East England), whilst cyclonic patterns can help during the terminal spikelet phenological phase. The strongest positive correlations were during sowing, emergence, and vernalisation, whilst the largest negatives were observed in anthesis and grain filling.The potential of combining weather patterns with existing crop simulation models to produce earlier and more accurate yield predictions is shown. This would enable effective crop management and climate mitigation strategies, critical to strengthening food security. Projected changes in weather pattern occurrences in the late 21st century will likely reduce crop yields. This is due to increased cyclonic weather patterns, which bring warmer, wetter conditions during the wheat's vernalisation stage, followed by warmer, drier conditions during the anthesis and grain-filling phases.

Marginalised agrarian traditions as a tool for climate justice

Many marginalised communities have long-standing food-growing traditions, yet the climate crisis imperils global food security and disproportionately impacts marginalised communities. Increasingly, researchers posit that networks of decentralised peri-urban agriculture can strengthen food security. In this qualitative study, I ask: what can we learn from marginalised agrarian traditions that might be useful to those marginalised communities in collectively surviving climate change? To answer that question, I conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 23 marginalised food growers and community leaders in the deindustrialised city of Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA. I find that growing food helps to build resilience to food insecurity and climate change but is difficult because of land injustice. Policy and practice implications include the need for the following: (1) housing justice; (2) proactive planning in areas that are expected to serve as climate refuges; and (3) reparations and land rematriation to address the disparate impacts of climate disaster in marginalised communities.

Holistic Review on Mushroom: A Perspective on Production, Economics, Marketing and Constraints in India

Mushroom cultivation offers humongous potential to improve socio-economical condition of farmers and strengthen food security of world since it serves as utilization of agricultural wastes and offering mushroom and manure from used substrate. It becomes important part at global level due to increasing demand of mushroom. It provides livelihood to most of small and marginal farmers of Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha and other temperate region of country. For Mushroom cultivation require labor on the daily basis so it provide employment in rural area and it is providing typical management and economical advantages over other allied sector in agriculture. This article provides a chronological study of different research articles published from the year 2013-2024. The present article provides a theme and pattern on which research was conducted and it can be classified into five categories that is socio-economic conditions of growers, production, economic analysis, marketing scenario & value chain and constraints face by growers. The finding indicates that mushroom entrepreneurship is to great extent a metropolitan or semi-metropolitan undertaking. Post-harvest losses can be reduced by providing training and adopting different value addition methods at production level. It requires concentration on various marketing strategies for spread awareness about nutrition content and increasing in demand. Thus, value addition and marketing strategies can help in export of mushroom to earn foreign revenue.

PSVII-27 FAO-Honduras: Training producers and technicians in sheep management practices to enhance extension capabilities and strengthen food security concepts among college students

PSVII-27 FAO-Honduras: Training producers and technicians in sheep management practices to enhance extension capabilities and strengthen food security concepts among college students

Use of Indices Applied to Remote Sensing for Establishing Winter–Spring Cropping Areas in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Farmers in Kazakhstan face unreliable water resources. This includes water scarcity in the summer, high fluctuations in precipitation levels, and an increase in extreme weather events such as snow, rain, floods, and droughts. Wheat production is regulated and subsidized by the Kazakh government to strengthen food security. The proper monitoring of crop production is vital to government agencies, as well as insurance and banking structures. These organizations offer subsidies through different levels support. Some farmers already use farmland soil monitoring combined with adaptive combinations of different crops. These include winter–spring plowing crop programs. Winter wheat crops are generally more adaptive and may survive summer droughts. Kazakhstan is a large country with large plots of farmland, which are complicated to monitor. Therefore, it would be reasonable to adapt more efficient technologies and methodologies, such as remote sensing. This research work presents a method for identifying winter wheat crops in the foothills of South Kazakhstan by employing multi-temporal Sentinel-2 data. Here, the researchers adapted and applied a Plowed Land Index, derived from the Brightness Index. The methodology encompasses satellite data processing, the computation of Plowed Land Index values for the swift recognition of plowed fields and the demarcation of winter wheat crop sowing regions, along with a comparative analysis of the acquired data with ground surveys.

The protective influence of Secamone emetica (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm.: Mitigating oxidative stress and glycoxidation in glucose-albumin system

The science and processes of anti-glycoxidation are integral for exploring novel approaches to address health concerns. The study examines the sustainable utilization of wild edibles, Secamone emetica, as a strategic solution to address health concerns and strengthen food security. A step-by-step attenuation method in a glucose-induced glycation system was used to study the impact of phytochemical content and antioxidant capabilities on glycoxidation. The distribution of metabolites and antioxidants adheres to a pattern of stem > root > leaf. The extracts effectively reduce protein carbonyls [86.45 % SSE (Stem extract of S. emetica), 84.97 % RSE (Root extract of S. emetica), 57.34 % LSE (Leaf extract of S. emetica) vs. 53.74 % in AGEs (Advanced glycation end products)] and inhibit amyloid β-aggregation (88.64 % SSE, 84.86 % RSE, 82.70 % LSE vs. 53.74 % in AGEs). Electrophoretic mobility significantly increased (9.99 × 10–5 cm2/V.s in SSE), surpassing the negative control (7.78 × 10‐5 cm2/V.s in AGEs after 72 h). Thiol group concentrations are maintained and lower 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) impurities are observed, indicating anti-glycoxidative properties. These results are comparable to aminoguanidine, suggesting the extracts scavenge free radicals and inhibit glycoxidation's consequences. Thus, highlighting the biological capacity of S. emetica in addressing oxidative stress and glycoxidation underscores its potential benefits.

ASSESSMENT AND CURRENT TRENDS OF ENSURING FOOD SECURITY IN UKRAINE

The research on Ukraine's food security is of paramount importance, as it directly impacts the national agro-food systems. The article delves into the current state of internal food self-sufficiency in the Ukrainian population, conducting an analytical assessment of export-import transactions with agricultural raw materials and food products. The findings reveal a significant trend of increasing food exports in recent years, along with an evaluation of the export-import coverage for the main types of food products. Ukraine's place in the world rating of food security based on the Global Food Security Index was studied. The fundamental problems and reasons that determined Ukraine's decrease in the rating positions and the level of food security of its population were identified. In addition to the military conflict, Ukraine has a low economic availability of food products for the population and a low level of sustainability in the domestic agro-food system. Despite the war's consequences, the agricultural business remains one of the most profitable economic activities in Ukraine. This analysis of individual indicators of the effectiveness of the country's agrarian sector as a basis for ensuring food security underscores the sector's potential. The modern production structure of the main types of agricultural products by categories of producers was studied. The key trends accompanying ensuring food security in Ukraine under modern conditions are summarized. It was revealed that food security in the crop sector is achieved at the expense of the public sector agrarian formations, mainly at the expense of households in the livestock sector. Based on the average values ​​of the actual consumption indicators, the state of providing the population with the main types of food was analyzed. The results showed problematic aspects in providing the country's population with meat and dairy products, fish, fruits, berries, and grapes. The priority directions for ensuring and strengthening food security on a national scale are substantiated. Among the main ones, the following are highlighted: the need to implement sustainable farming and animal husbandry practices, further improvement of the food quality management and control system, protection of biodiversity of ecological agrosystems, optimization and reduction of value chains, increasing the level of social responsibility of food producers and consumers.

Innovations in Aquaculture Technology and Market Access in Sub-Saharan Africa

Aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and plants in controlled environments, addressing global demands for seafood while supplementing natural fish stocks and supporting food security initiatives worldwide. Aquaculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is pivotal for addressing food security challenges and fostering economic growth amidst a rapidly growing population. This article reviews the transformative role of technological innovations, sustainable practices, and market access strategies in advancing aquaculture across the region. Technological advancements such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and improved breeding techniques are enhancing productivity and sustainability. Sustainable practices like integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) promote resource efficiency and environmental integrity. Market access initiatives, including infrastructure development and value chain innovations, are critical for connecting small-scale producers with markets and improving economic returns. The methodology employed in writing this review article involved synthesizing recent literature on aquaculture innovations, sustainability practices, and market dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa, drawing from peer-reviewed sources and recent publications to present a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. By embracing these innovations and practices, Sub-Saharan Africa can strengthen food security, support economic development, and promote sustainable aquaculture while conserving natural resources. Keywords: Aquaculture, Sub-Saharan Africa, Technological innovations, Sustainable practices, Market access.

Penguatan Kemandirian Pangan Nasional Melalui Produk Olahan Jagung di Kecamatan Pajarakan Kabupaten Probolinggo

The agricultural sector can be one of the sectors capable of creating a high number of jobs, but the farmers themselves have the business development of crops into processed products so that they have a high selling value. Most of the farmers in Probolinggo Regency still sell their crops directly without going through further processing, especially for corn. Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture Number: 43/Permentan/OT.140/10/2009, concerning the Movement for the Acceleration of Diversification of Food Consumption (P2KP) Based on Local Resources encourages people to consume diversified non-rice food products, one of which is processed corn products. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize efforts to process corn so as to provide added value to farmers in the form of training to utilize corn yields into innovative and varied new products in order to strengthen food security and increase welfare for farmers. This community service activity was carried out at the Lestari farmer group in Pajarakan District, Probolinggo Regency. The implementation of service activities is in the form of providing training to corn farmers in processing sweet corn into corn chip snacks which have a higher selling value and helping to provide knowledge about online marketing and direct distribution to consumers. The participants gained some knowledge regarding the benefits of added value and also procedures for processing corn into corn chips to add value to a product. Not only did the knowledge increase but the skills of the participants also increased with the training carried out.

Кризис на рынке удобрений и его влияние на продовольственную безопасность в странах Африки южнее Сахары

The stability of the fertilizer market plays a critical role in ensuring food security, particularly in regions heavily reliant on agriculture such as Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the recent fertilizer market crisis has underscored the vulnerability of African countries to external shocks, exacerbating existing challenges related to food production and access. The article examines the assessment of the role of the fertilizer market crisis of 2022–2023 in exacerbating the food security situation in Sub-Saharan African countries. The findings suggest that the increase in the number of people experiencing malnutrition, reaching 262 million individuals (23 % of the population) in 2022 in Sub-Saharan Africa, is largely attributed to the inability to enhance domestic agricultural production. In turn, events in the fertilizer market, leading to a reduction in available supply and price hikes in the global market, hindered African farmers from increasing fertilizer application to boost crop yields. The article also conducts an analysis of factors that prevented African countries from adapting to the fertilizer market crisis, drawing comparisons with developed nations. Addressing the fertilizer market crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa requires a multi-faceted approach that involves improving domestic fertilizer production capacity, enhancing agricultural extension services, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, there is a need for increased collaboration between governments, international organizations, and the private sector to develop long-term solutions that strengthen food security and resilience in the face of future challenges.

Bacillus thuringiensis promotes systemic immunity in tomato, controlling pests and pathogens and promoting yield

AbstractPlant pathogens and pests pose an increasing threat to worldwide food security. To improve and strengthen food security under increasingly difficult environmental, economic, and geopolitical conditions, the prospect of using microbial biocontrol agents becomes increasingly desirable. One of the most studied, and commercially used, biopesticide microorganisms is the entomopathogenic, gram-positive, soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). While Bt has been known for many years as an insecticidal microorganism and used extensively in agriculture, its possible anti-phytopathogen and plant growth-promoting activities have received comparatively limited attention thus far. Here, we examine the ability of Bt to promote systemic immunity in tomato plants. We investigate how Bt influences plant immunity and disease resistance against several fungal and bacterial plant pathogens, as well as several arthropod pests. In order to determine which component of Bt (i.e., Bt spores or pure crystals) is responsible for the observed effects on pathogens or pests, we dissected the different fractions present in a commercial preparation and assessed their effects on pest and pathogen control. As previously reported in the Bt literature, our results indicate that proteins produced by Bt are likely the primary acting components against pests. In the case of pathogens, however, it appears that both the Bt spores and proteins directly act against pathogens such as the fungus Botrytis cinerea. Bt Spores and produced proteins also both induce plant immunity. Understanding the different Bt mode of action mechanisms will help in developing cost-effective and safe plant protection strategies for enhancing food security. Taken together, our findings suggest that Bt could be used in broad-spectrum pest and disease management strategies. Pending validation in agricultural settings, Bt products on the market could have additional uses in sustainable pest management and plant growth promotion.

Role of Genome Sequences of Major and Minor Millets in Strengthening Food and Nutritional Security for Future Generations

Millets are small-seeded cereals belonging to the family Poaceae. They are considered to be climate-resilient and future nutritional food cereals for humans. Millets are resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors compared to other major cereals and thrive in low-quality soils with little maintenance and less rainfall. The importance of millets is still not well known to many people due to the lack of popularity and cultivation in semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) to promote millet cultivation and popularize their health benefits globally. A few years ago, the application of molecular biology was in its infancy in millets due to the unavailability of genome sequences. Genome sequences are available for most of the millets on NCBI and Phytozome databases. In this review, we discuss the details of genome sequences for millets, candidate genes identified from the native genome of millets. The current status of quantitative trait loci and genome-wide association studies in millets are also discussed. The utilization of millet genome sequences in functional genomics research and translating the information for crop improvement will help millet and non-millet cereals survive harsh environments in the future. Such efforts will help strengthen food security and reduce malnutrition worldwide in 2050.

Sociodemographic Factors and Policy Implications for Improved Food Security

Ensuring food security is a pressing challenge facing East Kalimantan, and practical solutions are necessary. With the impending relocation of Indonesia's capital to this region, it's crucial to evaluate the area's food security in light of projected population growth and economic shifts. Prior to the new capital city project, it's essential to understand East Kalimantan's socio-economic factors to develop policies that strengthen food security for the future. This research uses logistic regression to analyze data from the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) module of the 2021 National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas-BPS). The results show that 14.75% of households experience food insecurity, while 85.25% maintain food security. Factors such as education, family size, land ownership, marital status, employment, residence, and retirement security influence food security status significantly. However, age, gender, and home ownership have little impact. Notably, agricultural workers are more likely to experience food insecurity, while education and land ownership correlate with higher food security. Additionally, larger families are more vulnerable to food insecurity.

Assessing the Current State and Future Trends of Land Use Conversion: Implications for Food Security in Indonesia

Indonesia grapples with land conversion, especially agricultural land. Paddy fields have shrunk from 8.4 million hectares in 1990 to 7.18 million in 2022, translating to a rate of more than 38 thousand hectares per year and yearly loss of around 140,000 hectares of potential rice production. This study aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders on achieving food security. Through a systematic literature review, the research explores factors like settlements, urbanization, and infrastructure development driving land conversion. These factors impact regions like Bali and Central Sumba, jeopardizing rice production. Understanding these challenges and opportunities is crucial for future solutions. Potential solutions include strengthening food security across the supply chain, regulating land conversion and ownership, and promoting government support, productivity enhancement, sustainable agriculture practices, and technological integration.

Challenges and progress in applying space technology in support of the sustainable development goals

The global community, with coordination from the United Nations, is energized to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a list of 17 important aspirations that summarize the key challenges of our era. The SDGs apply to every nation and represent an international effort to eliminate extreme poverty, ensure access to safe drinking water, strengthen food security, and produce clean and reliable energy, among other pursuits. Space technology is already being used around the world to advance progress toward the SDGs and monitor their related Indicators. This paper explores how six technologies related to space—satellite Earth observation, satellite communication, satellite navigation and positioning, human spaceflight and microgravity research, space technology transfer, and basic scientific research—are being used to realize the vision that the SDGs represent. The paper also discusses the obstacles that limit the application of these technologies for the SDGs and provides an overview of potential paths to overcome these barriers. The paper finally studies the historical and potential roles that four distinct types of entities involved in global sustainable development—governments, non- and inter-governmental organizations, entrepreneurial companies, and universities— have played or may play in the application of space technologies towards the SDGs.