Sustainable Food Security Research Articles

Towards sustainable food security: Exploring the potential of duckweed (Lemnaceae) in diversifying food systems

Towards sustainable food security: Exploring the potential of duckweed (Lemnaceae) in diversifying food systems

SOLUSI PANGAN BERKELANJUTAN ATAU ANCAMAN EKOLOGI? MENIMBANG PRAKTIK PERLADANGAN BERPINDAH

Shifting cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice that has been carried out by Indigenous communities across tropical regions for thousands of years. Although this system is characterized by land rotation and slash-and-burn techniques, it has become a subject of debate in the context of sustainable food security and environmental threats. This study aimed to analyze the controversy surrounding shifting cultivation as a potential solution for sustainable food security, as well as its ecological and socio-economic impacts. The method employed in this research was a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The findings indicated that shifting cultivation had dualistic impacts. On one hand, it could lead to deforestation and significant carbon emissions, particularly when fallow periods were less than ten years, resulting in the loss of up to 80% of forest carbon stocks. On the other hand, when practiced with long fallow cycles (15–30 years), shifting cultivation could support the regeneration of natural ecosystems and restore up to 50% of forest carbon reserves. Furthermore, shifting cultivation contributed to the food security of Indigenous peoples through crop diversification and the preservation of local ecological knowledge in biodiversity conservation. Shifting cultivation represented an adaptive strategy for Indigenous communities in managing natural resources. As a food production system, it held sustainability potential when aligned with natural cycles and grounded in traditional knowledge. Its environmental impact largely depended on the manner of implementation, damaging when mismanaged, but regenerative when properly applied. Therefore, context-specific and inclusive policies that recognize Indigenous land rights are essential to ensure the positive contribution of shifting cultivation to food security and environmental sustainability.

Urban agriculture: A strategic pathway to building resilience and ensuring sustainable food security in cities

Urban agriculture: A strategic pathway to building resilience and ensuring sustainable food security in cities

Assessing the Impact of Flooding on Food Security in Ahoada East/Ahoada West Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigates the impact of flooding on food security and agricultural livelihoods in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to 400 farming households (200 per LGA) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that flooding significantly reduces crop yields, disrupts livestock farming, hinders market access, and exacerbates food shortages, thereby undermining the livelihoods of agrarian communities. The interview data indicated that farmers face challenges related to increased livestock diseases, contamination of feed and water, and high transportation costs due to damaged infrastructure. Additionally, the study reveals limited access to effective coping strategies and widespread dissatisfaction with institutional support and government assistance. These results underscore the urgent need for integrated flood management strategies that encompass infrastructural development, agricultural adaptation, enhanced early warning systems, and strengthened social protection mechanisms. Implementing these recommendations requires coordinated efforts among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to build resilience and ensure sustainable food security in the flood-prone areas of Ahoada East and Ahoada West. The study concludes by advocating for holistic, multi-sectorial approaches that integrate climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and robust governance to safeguard the well-being of farming communities in the Niger Delta.

The impact of climate policy uncertainty on agricultural investments

Purpose: The agricultural sector is strategically important for sustainable development and food security. However, climate change and the increasing physical and political uncertainties that come with it put investments in this sector at risk. This study examines the relationship between climate policy uncertainty and agricultural investments in the USA from 1995-2022. Design/Methodology/Approach: Symmetric and asymmetric causality tests, as well as the Nonlinear ARDL method are used to analyze the relationships between variables. Nonlinear methods allow us to measure asymmetric effects on the dependent variable by evaluating the positive and negative changes of the explanatory variables separately. Findings: No symmetric causality relationship is found between the variables. However, there is a statistically significant asymmetric causality from the positive shock of climate policy uncertainty to the negative shock of agricultural investments. The results of the NARDL model robust this finding. Accordingly, increases in climate policy uncertainty reduce agricultural investments in the long run. Originality/Value: This study fills the gap in the literature by examining the impact of climate policy uncertainty on investments in the agricultural sector. This provides a new perspective to understand the long-term consequences of this relationship in a highly climate-sensitive area such as the agricultural sector.

Evaluation of Phaseolus and Vigna species in the Mediterranean climate: a morphological and chemical analysis

Abstract Understanding the adaptability and nutritional potential of cultivated bean species to specific climates is essential for sustainable agriculture and food security. This study investigates the performance of African bean landraces (including Phaseolus coccineus, Phaseolus lunatus, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Vigna unguiculata) in Mediterranean climates through detailed morphological and mineral content analyses. Using internationally defined descriptors, our assessment of morphological characters revealed significant variability among accessions, with production yields indicating acceptable adaptability. For instance, the Phaseolus spp. accessions PL12ST and PL17ST, and the Vigna unguiculata accessions VU07BE and VU18MP, exhibited the highest seed production yield and seed size, efficiently converting vegetative growth into reproductive growth. The coefficient of variation (CV) values for morphological traits, which are crucial for selecting and developing cultivars to enhance agronomic performance, ranged significantly. Mineral profile analysis highlighted significant differences among accessions, with PV21SO and VU06MO displaying higher mineral contents. Furthermore, a comparison with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)-grown accessions revealed that mineral contents were generally higher in SSA-grown samples. Hence, this study offers valuable insights into the adaptability of these crops to the Mediterranean climate, which can enhance productivity through targeted breeding programmes to improve yield potential and nutritional value.

Verification of Foliar Fertilizer (Magic K) to Improve Yield and Yield Related Traits of Tomato at Degem District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Soil productivity and crop yield are essential for sustainable food security and economic development. Optimizing the use of foliar application of liquid fertilizers, such as Magic K, may play a significant role in enhancing food production and income generation under increasing population pressure. This study, titled “Verification of the Effectiveness of Magic K Liquid and Recommended Inorganic Solid NPS Mineral Fertilizer on Tomato Production under Irrigated Agriculture at Degem District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia,” was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of Magic K liquid fertilizer, both alone and in combination with the recommended rate of NPS mineral fertilizer, using irrigation schemes in Degem District of North Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, during 2021. Four treatments—sole Magic K, sole recommended NPS, their combination, and a control (no fertilizer)—were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six farmers serving as replications. Agronomic data such as marketable, unmarketable, and total tomato fruit yield were collected and analyzed using Genstat software. Economic analysis was conducted using partial budget analysis. The Magic K treatment recorded the highest marginal rate of return (MRR = 72,011.11%), followed by the combined treatment of Magic K and NPS (MRR = 5,976.62%) with the highest net income (818,356.59 ETB/ha), and sole NPS application (MRR = 4,730.47%) with a net income of 734,791.59 ETB/ha. These findings suggest that the combined application of Magic K and NPS is both agronomically effective and economically viable for enhancing tomato production under irrigated agriculture in the study area.

Assemblages of Insect Pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 (Brassica rapa L.) Cultivation Fields at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

The provision of pollination services by pollinators is threatened by declines in their abundance and diversity. The reduction in pollinator populations may result in a decline in plant species diversity. Research on insect pollinators is a significant topic of discussion among researchers worldwide, primarily due to population declines attributed to various stressors, including climate change and the scarcity of floral resources. This study investigates the variety and quantity of insect pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 (Brassica rapa L.) Cultivation Fields at the University of Rajshahi are crucial to the success of agro-ecosystems. From November 2024 to February 2025, a field investigation was conducted to explore the diversity of insect pollinators. A total of 382 individuals belonging to 33 species of 17 families and 4 insect orders viz., Hymenoptera (6), Diptera (16), Lepidoptera (10), and Odonata (1) recorded in the mustard field. Dipterans were predominant (45.52%) and it was followed by Hymenoptera (42.67%), Lepidoptera (10.48%), and Odonata (0.79%). The diversity indexes were as follows: H' = 3.82, Evenness (E) = 0.8708, and Simpson Index = 0.9413. The significant variety and uniform distribution of insect pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 fields underscore their essential function in facilitating pollination and improving crop yield. These results highlight the need to preserve pollinator habitats in agricultural settings to guarantee sustained crop production and ecosystem vitality. The findings highlight the ecological importance of pollinators in magnifying crop productivity through effective pollination services. Preserving such agroecosystems is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture and food security in the region.

Gender differentials in cricket farming and its impact on household food security levels in East Africa

Crickets, as one of the edible insects, represent a promising alternative for enhancing food security through direct human consumption or as livestock feed. This study investigated the impact of cricket farming on household food security in Kenya and Uganda, focusing on a sample of 187 cricket farmers and 457 non-farmers. Utilizing the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and the Food Consumption Score, the research assesses dimensions of food access, stability, utilization, and availability. An endogenous switching regression model was employed to analyze the influence of gender of cricket farming decision-makers and participation in cricket farming on food security outcomes. For male decision-makers, key determinants for adoption included awareness, the availability of processing technology, ready markets, and perceived risks. Female decision-makers were more significantly influenced by awareness, training opportunities, perceived benefits, and social norms. Female decision-makers who engaged in cricket farming (Y1 = 1.756) exhibited a higher levels of household food security compared to non-adopters (Y0 = 1.567), yielding a significant positive treatment effect (ATT = 0.188). In contrast, male adopters experienced a slight decrease in food security, reflecting a negative effect (ATT = −0.516). This study highlights the importance of gender differences in food security outcomes and informs policy initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable food security through cricket farming. Targeted training is recommended to enhance female farmers’ skills and improve productivity as a proxy for food security. Interventions should promote group association and establish aggregation centers at the policy level to enhance access to resources and market linkages for male farmers.

Fertilizer Use Efficiency and Profitability of Maize Varieties with Different Maturity Classes in Semi-Arid Ghana

Optimizing the efficiency of fertilizer use is critical for sustainable maize production and food security, particularly in smallholder systems. Sub-optimal application rates pose a significant risk of soil nutrient depletion and low productivity. Split plot experiments were conducted across four locations in Ghana’s Guinea Savannah using seven maize varieties from three different maturity classes. The study assessed the response to nitrogen fertilizer applications (0, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha−1) regarding yield, Agronomic Efficiency (AEN), Water Use Efficiency (WUE), and economic feasibility. Grain yields across locations and varieties demonstrated a strong linear response to nitrogen fertilization. The 90 kg N ha−1 application generally produced the highest AEN for all sites and varieties. Gross Revenue (GR) and WUE increased with higher N rates, with Value-to-Cost Ratios (VCR) consistently exceeding 2. Applying 90 kg N ha−1 resulted in statistically similar Gross Revenues (GRs) to the 120 kg N ha−1 fertilization. Different maturity classes significantly impacted fertilizer efficiency in semi-arid Ghana, with intermediate varieties outperforming extra-early ones. Though a 90 kg N ha−1 rate was generally identified as the economically optimal rate of N fertilization for the locations, targeted fertilizer recommendations based on maize maturity groups and location are strongly advised.

Correction: Enhancing soil health through balanced fertilization: a pathway to sustainable agriculture and food security

Correction: Enhancing soil health through balanced fertilization: a pathway to sustainable agriculture and food security

Research trends and hotspots in farmer and herdsman income: a visualization analysis using CiteSpace

The income of farmers and herdsmen is directly related to the prosperity and harmony of the entire society. Improving the income of farmers and herdsmen not only affects the living standards of individuals and families but also impacts the sustainability of society and the economic development of the country. To gain a global understanding of the research hotspots associated with the income of farmers and herdsmen, the study used the CiteSpace software to analyze the research publications and references on the income of farmers and herdsmen published between 1994 and 2023 and available in the Web of Science. The data collected included countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, co-citations, research focus and frontiers. The data showed a total of 14,726 literature, with the number of publications increasing significantly in 2013, and continuously from 2015 to 2022. The research hotspots focused on management and agriculture policy, land use and food systems, rural development, conservation and biodiversity. Most of the researches was involved the countries or district of developing countries in Africa and Asia. While the research levels include agricultural technology, climate change, sustainable development and policy at different scales. However, the research frontiers and trends focused on sustainable development, climate change, food security, agricultural techniques and policies. The present study provides knowledge and comments for further research on the global income of farmers and herdsmen.

Integration of Digital Innovation in Urban Farming: A Review towards Advancing Sustainable Food Security in South and Southeast Asian Cities

Factors like population growth, climate change, rural-urban migration and depletion of limited resources have significantly intensified demands placed on the food chain supply. Recently, urban farming has been receiving attention due to its potential to make a notable contribution to sustainable food production systems. To address the research gaps such as technology adoption factors, high cost, environmental benefits, geospatial data integration and policy framework etc., a systematic review of urban farming systems in the South and Southeast Asian countries was performed. Review was conducted using screening and exclusion-inclusion criteria based on the ‘preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis’ (PRISMA) method. The databases were taken from Scopus and Web of Science considering keywords such as ‘urban farming’, ‘vertical farming’, ‘food security’, ‘urban sustainability’, as well as various combinations thereof, focusing on the Southeast and South Asian countries. The review revealed that sustainability is a multi-dimensional factor in the context of urban farming, as it decreases the negative effects on environment and foster its long-term sustainability. Urban farming may help development of more sustainable food systems by increasing the efficiency of smart water usage and managing trash properly. The adoption of energy-efficient technologies powered by sustainable energy resources can play a crucial role in decreasing the carbon emissions associated with the operations of urban farming as well as urban self-sufficient food systems. Urban farming automation can facilitate the optimization of land exploitation and generation of increased yields per unit of land. Urban farming with the fusion of technological advancements have the ability to establish more self-reliant and ecologically conscious systems for producing food, thereby guaranteeing the welfare and food security of urban populations. This article will help innovative researchers, farmers and policy makers in advancing urban farming in an integrated and advancing manner toward sustainable food security.

Traditional foods of Pangwal and Bhot communities: a cross-cultural comparison in Pangi Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

The relationship between food, culture, and the environment is essential in shaping community identities and preserving traditional knowledge. Therefore, studying variations in traditional food practices between culturally distinct groups is important but underexplored. This study investigates the traditional food practices of the Pangwal (Hindu) and Bhot (Buddhist) communities in Pangi Valley, focusing on their use of wild edible plants (WEPs) and traditional recipes, with cross-cultural comparisons. Based on field surveys and interactions, the study identifies 81 traditional cuisines that can be classified into 10 categories (Adjunct, Beverage, Flatbread, Fruit, Meat based, Pancake, Soup/Curry, Steam food, Sweet dish, and Vegetable). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in eight categories, while Pancakes and Vegetables showed non-significant variation (p > 0.05) between communities. Among the total cuisines, 24 were unique to Pangwals, 16 to Bhots, and 41 were shared, showcasing both diversity and overlap in culinary traditions. Local ingredients form the core of these cuisines, with wild plants contributing 49%, cultivated plants 40%, purchased ingredients 7%, and dairy products 4% reflecting their agro-pastoral lifestyle. These findings highlight the rich culinary heritage of Pangi Valley, the vital role of traditional knowledge in sustaining local food systems and how ecological constraints and cultural traditions shape food choices. Understanding such traditional food systems is crucial for preserving indigenous knowledge ensuring sustainable local food security, fostering cultural heritage, and promoting food system sustainability in the face of modern challenges.

Global Comparison and Future Trends of Major Food Proteins: Can Shellfish Contribute to Sustainable Food Security?

Food security and environmental quality related to food production are global issues that need urgent solutions. Proteins are crucial for diets, and demand is growing for innovative and more environmentally sustainable sources of protein, like vegetables, microorganisms, and insects, and lab-grown food that can meet nutritional and environmental goals. This study analyzes a time series to assess the sustainability of different protein sources by evaluating their effects on emissions of greenhouse gases and the use of agricultural land while accounting for the carbon sink potential across the supply chain. The study also explores future trends in global protein sources, emphasizing shellfish as a key to achieving food security from both nutritional and environmental perspectives. By reviewing terrestrial livestock, farmed seafood, vegetal proteins, and alternative sources like insects and cultured cells, the study assesses sustainability, food security potential, and challenges from nutritional, environmental, and consumer viewpoints. We conclude that shellfish aquaculture, particularly oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops, has significant potential in enhancing food security, fostering sustainable protein consumption, reducing land use, and contributing to climate change mitigation by sequestering significant amounts of atmospheric carbon.

The Physiological Mechanisms and Hurdles of Efficient Water–Nitrogen Utilization in Maize Production: A Review

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important staple food crops globally. One-third of global maize production is located in areas with high or extreme water scarcity and concurrently faces the challenge of low nitrogen use efficiency. Therefore, achieving synergistically high-efficiency water and nitrogen utilization in maize production is of great significance for agricultural sustainable development and global food security. In recent years, more articles have focused on the physiological mechanisms and management practices of efficient water and nitrogen utilization in maize. Unfortunately, there is a relative scarcity of research on the interactive effects between water and nitrogen on the development of young ears, which plays a crucial role in maize productivity. By compiling the most pertinent publications, this review endeavors to consolidate the existing knowledge on the interactive effects between water and nitrogen on maize production. Moreover, it advances potential physiological mechanisms and strategies for high-efficiency water and nitrogen utilization in terms of root system functioning, phytohormones, metabolism, and organ development. The changes in the availability of water and nitrogen have a significant impact on the development of young ears during the critical period, which in turn directly determines the grain number per ear and grain weight.

Biotechnological breakthroughs in rice disease management: an overview from transgenics to CRISPR.

Rice production faces persistent challenges due to a plethora of infectious agents, which cause substantial economic losses and pose significant threats to food security. Effective management of rice diseases is hindered by the lack of resistant sources and the slow pace of conventional breeding, which often fails to keep up with the rapid evolution of pathogens. Although transgenic approaches have contributed to disease resistance, they are limited by regulatory hurdles and public concern over the use of genetically modified organisms. Emerging genome-editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas systems, offer promising alternatives by enabling the precise modification of native genes involved in plant susceptibility. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inactivation of negative defense regulators, such as SWEET and ERF family genes, conferred broad-spectrum disease resistance. This review discusses the use of CRISPR/Cas technologies in developing disease-resistant rice varieties, along with emerging approaches and databases relevant to genome editing in plant research. Furthermore, it also highlights recent developments in CRISPR-based diagnostics for pathogen detection and the regulatory frameworks for the commercialization of edited crops. Overall, it underscores the transformative potential of CRISPR technologies in developing elite, climate-resilient rice cultivars, thereby supporting sustainable disease management and global food security.

AI-based Animal Intrusion Detection System for Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Bhutan

This paper presents the proposed prototype of an Animal Intrusion Detection System powered by Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) technology to address growing challenges of human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) in Bhutan. The major incursions of wildlife in the agriculture fields possess a major threat to sustainable food security and farmer livelihoods in the country. While the government has implemented various mitigation measures like electric and chain-link fencing, and animal repellent system, these solutions have notable limitations. Therefore, our AI-based system aims to provide as an alternative smart agriTech solution to address HWC. The system utilizes a Raspberry Pi 4, a night vision-based camera, an ultrasonic sensor and YOLOv8 deep learning algorithm for real-time animal detection and classification. The YOLO model was trained on a dataset of 30,800 images featuring seven local wildlife species which are common in raiding the crop in Bhutan. The system, upon detecting an intrusion on farmland, will automatically transmits an alert notification to farmers via a mobile app over a cellular network, enabling timely intervention to mitigate the crop damage. When the internet connection is down, the system will notify the farmers through SMS and Dial. In a controlled laboratory environment, the prototype achieved a detection accuracy of 95.7%. These finding indicates a promising alternative innovative agriTech solution for mitigating crop losses, enhancing food security and enhancing farmer livelihoods. However, the prototype requires field validation and further AI model training with a more extensive real animal dataset collected through its pilot implementation to evaluate the system's performance and robustness under real-world conditions of the agriculture field.

A Water-Soluble Probe for Visualizing Immune Activation for Microbial Resistance in Rice Crops via NIR-II Fluorescent Imaging.

Rice, a vital staple crop, provides sustenance for more than half of the global population, and its production needs to be increased to keep up with the growing global population, while plant diseases threaten the sustainability of rice production, causing significant crop losses and reducing harvest quality. The widespread use of chemical pesticides has raised concerns about environmental pollution, pesticide resistance, and economic burdens. Therefore, alternative, sustainable disease management strategies are urgently needed. One promising solution involves plant immunity inducers, which activate the plant's natural defense mechanisms to combat pathogens. However, the mechanisms underlying immune activation remain poorly understood, and effective tools for the real-time visualization of immune responses are lacking. In this study, we developed a water-soluble and biosafe D-A-D (donor-acceptor-donor)-type fluorescent probe for real-time visualization of immune activation in rice via near-infrared second-window (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging. The probe, featuring a unique electronic structure, with a diphenylaminoxanthene and a benzyl group being the electron donors, the benzo[cd]indolium being the electron acceptor, and a butylamino group for nitric oxide (NO) detection, allows the monitoring of NO production, a key signaling molecule in plant immunity. Our results show that the probe effectively detects NO generation in response to salicylic acid (SA), an immune inducer, and visualizes immune activation and consequent microbial resistance in rice via NIR-II fluorescent imaging. This approach could provide an effective means for obtaining valuable insights into plant immune dynamics and contribute to promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Kajian Potensi Pengembangan Produk Pertanian Kopi Sebagai Upaya dalam Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan di Desa Garahan Kecamatan Silo

Garahan Village, located in Silo District, Jember Regency, is known for its community-based coffee production. However, the local farmers continue to face significant challenges in marketing their coffee products beyond the village level. The lack of knowledge and skills in digital marketing strategies has resulted in limited market access and low product competitiveness. This community service program was designed to address these challenges by enhancing the marketing capabilities of local coffee farmers through the conceptualization and implementation of a digital marketing model. The ultimate goal is to support sustainable food security by strengthening the economic resilience of coffee farmers. The activities in this program involved a series of stages, including preliminary surveys to identify key problems, direct observations, educational outreach on the importance of digital marketing, hands-on training in social media utilization and online marketplace platforms, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implementation process. The main partners of this initiative were members of the local coffee farmer group in Garahan Village. The results of the program indicate a significant improvement in the partners’ understanding and application of digital marketing tools. Prior to the intervention, only 10% of participants were familiar with digital marketing; this figure rose to 85% after the training sessions. Moreover, digital-based coffee sales increased by 40% within three months following the intervention. These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the community engagement approach in addressing local agricultural marketing issues. Key outputs of the program include the establishment of social media accounts and online storefronts for coffee products, increased farmer capacity in managing digital promotion, and the production of a simple digital marketing guidebook for sustainable use.