Support Food Security Research Articles

Disaggregating animal welfare risks in aquaculture.

Aquaculture, fueled partly by claims of supporting food security, is experiencing unprecedented growth. Framing aquaculture as a monolith, however, overlooks its extreme taxonomic diversity. This paper assesses the welfare risks associated with that diversity, establishing seven species-level risk factors from involved parental care to long lifespans. Investigating these welfare risks across all aquatic species reported to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) revealed an uneven distribution of risk, with extreme species-level risks in chordates, crustaceans, and cephalopod mollusks. Compared to species with fewer risks, species with extreme welfare risks were found to cost more and contribute the least to global production. This work challenges the notion that prioritizing animal welfare is incompatible with addressing food security and creates the possibility of identifying certain plant and invertebrate species, like seaweeds and bivalves, that minimize welfare concerns while providing affordability and accessibility. Going forward, proactive welfare approaches are needed to inform consumer choice and shape just and sustainable aquaculture policy.

Defatted Flaxseed Flour as a New Ingredient for Foodstuffs: Comparative Analysis with Whole Flaxseeds and Updated Composition of Cold-Pressed Oil.

Flaxseeds are functional foods popular in current diets. Cold-pressing is a solvent-free method to extract flaxseed oil, resulting in a by-product-defatted flour. This study compared whole flaxseeds and defatted flour (proximate composition, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, amino acids, and protein quality) and updated the composition of cold-pressed oil (oxidative stability, peroxide value, UV absorbance, colour, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity) to assess the nutritional relevance and potential for food applications of these samples. The flour had higher ash (6% vs. 4%), fibre (36% vs. 34%), protein (28% vs. 16%), phenolics (205 vs. 143 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g), and antioxidant activity than seeds (p < 0.05), so it should be valued as a novel high-fibre food ingredient with high-quality plant-based protein, as it contains all essential amino acids (106 mg/g) and a high essential amino acids index (112%), with L-tryptophan as the limiting amino acid. The oil, while low in oxidative stability (1.3 h), due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acids sum (75%), mostly α-linolenic acid (57%), contains a significant amount of vitamin E (444 mg/kg), making it a specialty oil best consumed raw. The exploration of the flour as a minimally processed food ingredient highlights its role in supporting food security, circular economy, and sustainability goals, aligning with consumer preferences for natural, low-fat foods. Future research should investigate the bioactivity and shelf-life of the samples, as well as the bioavailability of compounds after digestion.

Enhanced thermal stability photophysical properties of photoselective PMMA/ITO nanohybrid films for greenhouse cooling in hot climates

The current research proposed innovative photoselective greenhouse cooling films made from PMMA/ITO nanohybrids, incorporating varying concentrations of Indium tin oxide nanocrystals (ITO NCs) and the fluorescent organic dye Lumogen F Red300, utilizing the solvent casting method. The morphology and structure were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), demonstrating good homogeneity and amorphous nature. The impact of different ITO NC concentrations on physical properties was examined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical absorption, transmission, reflection, fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Integrating ITO NCs into the PMMA matrix showed enhanced thermal insulation capabilities of PMMA films while maintaining their transparency to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Maintaining this balance is crucial because it enables the films to selectively filter and reflect infrared radiation leading to lower greenhouse temperatures while still allowing the essential light needed for plant growth to pass through. This research is particularly significant for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 13, especially in hot, water-scarce regions, as it protects plants from thermal stress, promotes growth, and supports food security in developing countries.

Utilization of Media and Institutional Support for Urban Farming in Pekanbaru City

Urban farming is important in supporting food security in urban areas. This study aims to identify the use of communication media in implementing urban farming and supporting institutions in the application of urban farming. This research was conducted using a survey method with samples selected in tiers representing each extension institution of farmer women groups. Furthermore, data were gathered from interviews and FGDs. The results showed that accessing information and communication behavior was in the excellent category with a score of 4.65. There are different types of facilities that are currently used by farmers to access information, namely smartphones where the extension workers always provide information related to farming, and printed extension media such as brochures, flyers, and books related to vegetable farming. Farmer knowledge about information sources is also in an excellent category. They know the types of information sources and how to get information according to their needs that comes from reliable and accurate sources. Farmers received full support from local leaders and the government through the food crops and fisheries office of the city of Pekanbaru with regular counseling held by extension workers, and socialization related to urban farming. Keywords: extension media, institution support, urban farming, women farmer group

ANALISA PRODUKTIVITAS KERJA WAKTU DAN BIAYA ALAT BERAT PADA PROYEK MODERNISASI IRIGASI RENTANG KAB. INDRAMAYU

Abstract The Modernization of the Rentang Irrigation Project in Indramayu Regency plays a strategic role in supporting food security and agricultural sector development. The use of heavy equipment is crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of irrigation work. This study aims to identify the heavy equipment used, the productivity of the heavy equipment, the duration of the activity cycles, and the estimated costs of operating the heavy equipment in the Rentang Irrigation Modernization Project. The research was conducted through direct field observations to collect data on the time required by each piece of heavy equipment during soil reclamation work. This data was then used to calculate the productivity of the heavy equipment. The results showed that the production capacity of the Kubota U50 Excavator is 27.79 m3/hour. The required working duration for the Excavator is 154.23 hours, with an estimated operational cost of Rp. 267,541,273. The production capacity of the Dump Truck is 5.45 m3/hour, with a required working duration of 147.73 hours and an estimated operational cost of Rp. 568,013,231. The production capacity of the Vibro Roller is 63.56 m3/hour, with a required working duration of 337.14 hours and an estimated operational cost of Rp. 112,817,843.

Plant Factory Speed Breeding Significantly Shortens Rice Generation Time and Enhances Metabolic Diversity

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) plays a pivotal role in global food security, yet its breeding is constrained by its long generation time and seasonality. To enhance rice breeding efficiency and meet future food demands, we have developed a vertical hydroponic breeding system integrated with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) lighting in a closed plant factory (PF), which significantly accelerates rice growth and generation advancement. The results show that indica rice can be harvested as early as after 63 days of cultivation, a 50% reduction compared with field cultivation, enabling the annual harvesting of 5–6 generations within the PF. A hyperspectral imaging system (HSI) and attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy were further employed to characterize the chemical composition of the PF- and field-cultivated rice. Metabolomics analysis with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that, compared with the field-cultivated rice, the PF-cultivated rice exhibited an up-regulation of total phenolic acids along with 68 non-volatile and 19 volatile metabolites, such as isovitexin, succinic acid, and methylillicinone F. Overall, this study reveals the unique metabolic profile of PF-cultivated rice and highlights the potential of PFs to accelerate the breeding of crops such as rice, offering an innovative agricultural strategy to support food security in the face of global population growth and climate change.

Revealing Food Fulfillment Threads and Innovative Technology for Enhancing Rice Productivity and Ensuring the Food Security in Indonesia

Ensuring food security by Indonesia's Golden Year in 2045 presents a formidable challenge, with advancements in agricultural technology anticipated to play a crucial role in attaining this goal. Rice is the major food crop in Indonesia, and its consumption is still considerably high, indicating that daily nutrient uptake relies on its grain. However, the current population of Indonesia demanding rice is 31.2 million tons and this number of populations will grow at the rate of 0.41 percent. The rice consumption of the Indonesian people is quite high, namely 114.6 kg per person per year. The rice harvest area in 2023 decreased by 2.45%, from 10.45 million hectares to 10.20 million hectares, resulting in rice production which also decreased from 31.54 million tons to 30.90 million tons. The average conversion of paddy fields to non-harvest areas in Indonesia reached 100,000 hectares per year. Meanwhile, the average ability to print rice fields is only 60,000 hectares a year. This means that there is a difference in the conversion of paddy fields of around 40,000 hectares per year. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to elucidate how agricultural technology can enhance rice production across different land types in Indonesia, thus supporting food security efforts. To achieve the objectives of this research, a systematic literature review method was used. The result of this study shows that the amalgamation of diverse technological advancements and innovative practices in rice cultivation holds immense promise in bolstering productivity, bolstering sustainability, and tackling nutritional deficiencies. Prospectively, the use of cutting-edge technology offers some insights that can be input for policy formulation, technological innovation, and community engagement strategies aimed at creating a safer, fairer, and more sustainable food future for Indonesia to achieve food security by 2045.

Synergistic conservation approaches for nurturing soil, food security and human health towards sustainable development goals

Using chemical fertilizers extensively in small farms has helped increase crop yields, supporting food security and economic growth. However, recent studies show that these fertilizers are often used inefficiently and inconsistently. This leads to environmental harm, unbalanced soil nutrients, and lower-quality food production. These issues threaten food security, which is vital for human survival and may lead to the abandonment of arable land. This situation calls for a significant shift in soil conservation research to better connect scientific findings with practical conservation methods, ensuring that agricultural progress goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability. Effective use of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers is vital for both environmental sustainability and food security. Correcting nutritional imbalances, especially the disrupted N/P ratio caused by faulty fertilization practices, is key to ensuring a balanced nutrient supply. These imbalances have a substantial effect on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, altering their functionality, biodiversity and human nutrition Therefore, adopting balanced fertilization techniques is essential to combine environmental sustainability with global food security and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).To optimize nutrient consumption and production efficiency, regulations should be enacted to enforce the 4R principle, which involves applying the right nutrient source at the appropriate rate, time, method and location. This article emphasizes the connections between current agricultural practices, land use, fertilizer application, soil degradation, and future challenges. It promotes environmentally friendly farming methods that recognize the vital links between soil quality, food security, human health, and environmental sustainability.

Empowerment Pattern Based on Food Independence on the Indigenous Peoples of the Baduy Dalam Tribe

The farming system implemented by the Baduy Dalam community still applies the traditional farming system with the mechanism of the farmland system, which is to rest the land after being used for farming and then wait for the time to be used again for farming. With the increase in the population, the need for food increases, but this has an impact on the small area of land because it has been converted into residential land. The purpose of this research is to find alternative solutions from the empowerment model that can be applied to the Baduy Dalam community to support food security in the Baduy Dalam community. The research method uses a qualitative descriptive method using a phenomenological and ethnographic approach. The location of this research is in Cibeo, Cikartawana, and Cikeusik Villages which are included in the Baduy Dalam area. The number of informants was 7 people consisting of the Head of Kanekes Village, 3 Deputy Puun, and 3 representative residents from each village. The results of this study are recommendations for empowerment models that can be carried out by a companion must meet the following elements, namely: 1) Empowerment of soil nutrient improvement with orok-orok plants, 2) Making Organic Fertilizer to increase plant fertility, and 3) Empowerment of MOL production.

Nutrient Distribution Patterns in Soil Across Various Locations in Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad Districts of Uttar Pradesh under a Rice-Sugarcane Cropping Sequence

A study was conducted to evaluate the macro and micronutrient levels in the soil under the sugarcane-wheat cropping sequence and its relationship with soil characteristics. Understanding the nutrient status is vital for the efficient application of fertilizers, as widespread deficiencies in both macro and micronutrients are being reported in the soils of Uttar Pradesh. The rice-sugarcane cropping sequence is a prominent practice in the northwestern plains of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, covering 10-11% of the net cultivated area in these regions. Over recent years, sugarcane and wheat yields have plateaued in these areas due to declining factor productivity. Soil samples were collected from depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm at four locations in the Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad districts under the rice-sugarcane sequence. The available zinc content in the surface soil (0-15 cm) ranged from 0.605 to 0.883 mg/kg, and in the sub-surface soil (30-45 cm), it varied between 0.111 to 0.629 mg/kg, with an average of 0.083 mg/kg in surface soil and 0.435 mg/kg in sub-surface soil. A correlation analysis between various soil properties across different locations at three soil depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm) was also conducted. The findings indicated that the soils are generally low in nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus and potassium, and sufficiently supplied with copper, iron, manganese, and zinc in the surface layer. Future research on nutrient distribution in these areas will help advance precision agriculture, improve fertilizer management, and boost crop productivity while minimizing environmental harm. This research will contribute to sustainable soil management, economic benefits for farmers, and provide valuable insights for regional agricultural policies, further supporting food security.

Development of Rice Distribution Model to Support Food Security in East Java Province

This study aims to analyze problems in food distribution from upstream to downstream and the efficiency of the distribution values of the food chain, and formulate an efficient food distribution system model in Pacitan Regency. A mixed method, which combines quantitative and qualitative analyses, was used. The first objective was analyzed with the fishbone diagram, the second objective with the value chain model, and the third objective with the Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts: Tactics, Objectives, and Recommendations (MACTOR). This study used primary and secondary data obtained from observations, surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Respondents consisted of stakeholders in agriculture and distribution channels, namely farm laborers, landowners, wholesalers, warehousing, brokers, agents, retailers, bankers / financial institutions, and information providers. The objectives associated with product flow included transportation, risk, price, distribution, profit. The results show that there are problems in the four areas of production, post-harvest, trading system, and institution. There are three food distribution systems in Pacitan East Java but the most efficient model is farmers-millers-retailers-consumers. Although farmers must allow more time to reimbursement, prices are more affordable for consumers. The results of stakeholder analysis found that the stakeholders with the highest competitiveness are retailers, agents, information and warehousing, while those with the lowest are farm laborers and landowners. The results of the convergence show that close relationship is observed between farm laborers, collectors, warehousing and landowners in Order One 1; between warehouses, landowners, and collectors in Order Two 2; and between agents and collectors in Order Three 3. This shows that collectors have the strongest potential to play the central role in the agricultural chain.

Social, economic and food insecurity among people living with HIV in Kenya during coinciding public health and environmental emergencies: a mixed-methods study

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 response, Kenya experienced widespread regional floods, resulting in the displacement of communities and agricultural loss. This study aimed to characterise food insecurity and other social and economic...

Valuation of ecosystem service of rice-fish coculture in Maubin District, Myanmar

In Myanmar, the advancement of the integrated rice-fish farming system legs behind rice monoculture farming, and there exists limited awareness of its advantages. Ecosystem services (ES) valuation plays a crucial role in integrated environmental decision-making, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, facilitating land-use planning, and ensuring food security in rural areas. Assessing the ES value in Delta region of Myanmar where rice-fish coculture is extensively practiced is essential for understanding the level of ES benefits derived from this farming system. The objective of this study is to promote the development of the rice-fish coculture system in delta region by estimating its ES value. We conducted a comprehensive examination of the Direct, Indirect, Option and Existence ES value of the rice-fish and rice monoculture in Maubin District, an area where rice-fish development research is being actively carried out within the delta region. The results revealed that the ES value of rice-fish coculture ecosystems in the study area was amounted to 28,588 US$/hm2/year. This value was 2.82% higher than rice monoculture system. Additionally, the rice-fish coculture system yielded product provisional values averaging 1,275 US$/hm2/year, representing a significant increase of 40.3% compared to rice monoculture farming. Our study shows that the adoption of rice-fish coculture farming system not only improves the ES value of the delta region, but also supports food security and socio-economic well-being. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights for policymakers on effective management policies for future development of the rice-fish coculture ecosystem.

Regenerative Agriculture: Integrating Soil Health, Carbon Management and Socio-ecological Outcomes

Regenerative agriculture is a revolutionary farming method that aims to address the many issues raised by current agricultural practices by balancing soil health, carbon management, and socio-ecological results. This all-encompassing framework incorporates ideas to improve and restore soil ecosystem health, store carbon in the atmosphere, and build resilient rural communities. Regenerative agriculture prioritizes soil health by emphasizing techniques like cover crops, decreased tillage, and diverse cropping systems, which together strengthen soil structure, increase microbial activity, and accelerate nutrient cycling. Through their substantial contribution to carbon sequestration, these techniques help to stabilize the climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Simultaneously, regenerative agriculture supports structures that foster socio-ecological resilience, such as fair resource distribution, farmer welfare, and community involvement. This strategy strives to improve ecological integrity and reconstruct rural livelihoods in addition to raising farm productivity and profitability. The combination of these components highlights a comprehensive vision in which agricultural methods are in line with social and ecological goals, offering a sustainable route forward for food systems in the future. In addition to providing insights into regenerative agriculture's potential to address global sustainability issues, this abstract highlights the fundamental concepts, advantages, and potential drawbacks of the practice. It also advances ecological and community health. Findings demonstrate convergence with respect to goals that improve the environment and emphasize the significance of socioeconomic factors that support food security.

A Review of the Effect of Cleaner Energy Transition on Food Prices and Climate Change Mitigation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Access to clean energy is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals, but investment in renewable energy has been unevenly distributed between developed and developing countries. Developed nations have seen significant growth in renewable energy investment since the Paris Agreement, while developing countries struggle to secure the necessary funds. This study focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa and explores the relationship between the transition to cleaner energy and its impact on food prices. Methods: By conducting a systematic literature review, the study highlights the challenges posed by investment disparities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where financial constraints and infrastructural deficits hinder progress in clean energy infrastructure. Results: The findings suggest that, without appropriate policy reforms and consistent implementation, the transition to cleaner energy in the region may contribute to rising food prices and exacerbate food insecurity. Effective integration of agricultural and energy policies is essential to ensure that the energy transition supports food security objectives. Conclusion: Governments in Sub-Saharan Africa should prioritize policy reforms that promote renewable energy adoption while considering food security. Additionally, reintroducing transparent subsidy programs can help mitigate the impact of high energy costs during the transition to cleaner energy. This review emphasizes the importance of equitable investment and comprehensive policy strategies to balance renewable energy adoption with food security and economic equity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sustainability of Community Food Barns (LPM) in Aceh Besar Regency in Supporting Food Security

Sustainability of Community Food Barns (LPM) in Aceh Besar Regency in Supporting Food Security

IoT-enabled fire detection for sustainable agriculture: A real-time system using flask and embedded technologies

In modern agriculture, the threat of fire poses significant economic and environmental risks. Additionally, traditional fire detection methods are inadequate and poorly integrated with advanced technologies. It is crucial to develop a more efficient and reliable fire detection system. Also, the lack of real-time and accurate monitoring in current systems compromises the resilience and sustainability of farming operations. This article details developing and implementing a real-time fire detection system tailored for smart agriculture. It integrates cutting-edge technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), embedded systems, and a Flask-based web application, fortified by cybersecurity measures such as login authentication and secure HTTP protocols. The system's primary aim is to monitor environmental conditions continuously in agricultural fields to detect signs of smoke or flame swiftly, facilitating preventive actions to safeguard crops and infrastructure. The architecture employs sensors distributed across fields to monitor conditions, a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ as the central processing unit for data acquisition and transmission, and a web interface developed using Flask, HTML, and CSS for secure and real-time visualization of detection data. Critical components like the MCP3208 analog-to-digital converter ensure the system's reliability and accuracy. Experimental results confirm the system's efficacy in early fire detection and real-time data visualization via the web browser. Enhanced security features, such as login authentication, protect sensitive information, while regular updates maintain data relevance. This study advances fire prevention and farm preservation efforts, offering a high-performance technological solution for proactive monitoring and quick response to fire risks, thereby supporting food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Optimizing Fertilizer Distribution Performance, In Supporting Food Security Programs

The research aims to obtain empirical evidence and clarify the phenomenon and conclusions regarding optimizing the performance of fertilizer distribution in supporting food security. It is hoped that this research can contribute to the development of economics in particular; as a scientific library in the field of marketing management science related to distribution, as reference material in scientific writing on marketing management, as information material, both for the government, producers and distributors and fertilizer users to make decisions and determine the direction of fertilizer policy. The research was conducted using descriptive and verification methods: collecting, presenting, analyzing, measuring models and testing hypotheses, and making conclusions and suggestions. The results of research and data analysis show that fertilizer distribution optimization has not been optimal. The performance indicators for fertilizer marketing distribution essentially contribute to food security, so optimal distribution performance needs to be optimized. Fertilizer distribution models that support food security need to be carefully considered.

The contribution of urban farming to urban food security: the case of “Buruan SAE”

ABSTRACT This study focuses on urban farming practices in Bandung, West Java, known as Buruan SAE, a programme initiated by the Department of Food Security and Agriculture, Bandung. The objectives of this study are to analyse the effects of urbanisation on urban farming and to explore the potential of urban farming in supporting food security. This study uses a qualitative approach. The results of the study show 3 important issues: the diverse production of urban farming is able to meet the food needs of community members and some have already become independent farmers; there has been a change in the attitude of the people of Bandung city, through urban farming they have become ‘farmers’ a completely new activity for them; urban farming provides a source of income for the urban community. These findings suggest that urban farming can enhance the sustainability of the Buruan SAE community.

Decentralization policies and sustainable rural development: A path to eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2)

AbstractRural infrastructure development is crucial for achieving sustainable development. It enhances quality of life, improves connectivity, promotes economic growth, and supports food security. Whereas rural infrastructure development is influenced by fiscal decentralization, which enables local administrations to prioritize investments and allocate resources based on local needs and priorities. Given this background, this empirical study investigates the impact of devolution reform policy on rural infrastructure development in Pakistan, employing the Stackelberg model. The findings exhibit a positive relationship between subnational government spending through decentralization and the accessibility to transport and communication services, rural development, and development of irrigation infrastructure. The theoretical model proposes that decentralized information permits efficient decision‐making, with local authorities better equipped to deliver public services aligned with local preferences. Increased public utilization of services is expected as a result of decentralization. The combination of empirical analysis and theoretical foundations suggests that the 2001 decentralization policy enhances the accountability of subnational governments. By providing them with more informed and essential benefits for resource allocation according to voter priorities, this policy ultimately increases the efficiency of public expenditures in achieving sustainable development.