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The analysis of the differential impacts of multiple improved technologies has largely accounted for selective adoption, considering either the full application of a bundle or its individual components. The impacts of adopting agricultural technology bundles on household welfare are less understood when considering a partial adoption of either the entire bundle or its individual components on a portion of crop area. We assess simultaneous adoption and the impacts of multiple improved technologies promoted as a bundle and recommended for legume intensification systems for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. We use DNA fingerprinting data to precisely identify our key treatment—"adoption of improved bean varieties"—in this study. Using an endogenous multivariate treatment effects model, we found significant positive impacts of adopting bundled interventions on agricultural incomes and household food security but vulnerability to food insecurity persists for many households. We find that growing improved varieties with fertilizers increased household agricultural revenue, allowing for more legume consumption and enhancing their likelihood of achieving adequate food consumption and food security outcomes; however, the vulnerability to food insecurity of the adopters remains high due to pre-existing resource degradation issues. Given the similarity in production contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa, our results provide perspective for similar development interventions. We use the results of our analysis to discuss potential policy implications and programs to support technological intensification among smallholder farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fetša Tlala Initiative is one of the development projects which were designed to contribute towards the achievement of the South African National Development Plan, 2030. The objective of the research was to analyse the effectiveness of the Fetša Tlala Initiative on the food and nutrition security of women smallholder farmers residing in Semaneng village, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The reason for focusing on women smallholder farmers was that whilst there has been research undertaken on the effectiveness of the Fetša Tlala Initiative, there has not been a study that focuses exclusively on women’s perspectives about the Initiative. The study, thus, sought to break exploratory ground about the effectiveness of the Fetša Tlala Initiative from the viewpoint of women smallholder farmers. The study, thus, adopted a qualitative research design in the form of an exploratory case study. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide from 16 participants who were purposefully selected. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and then reflected upon using an inductive thematic analysis. Results of the research indicated that the food security initiative had mixed results. On the positive side, and consistent with one objective of the broader Fetša Tlala Initiative, agricultural inputs increased amongst the women smallholder farmers, which assisted them to boost their yields and improve household food security. The Initiative also empowered the women smallholder farmers by strengthening their collective resilience in the face of adversities they encountered during the project. Notwithstanding these successes, the research findings also indicate that the effectiveness of the Initiative was reduced because of the inconsistent institutional support provided by the appointed Fetša Tlala Initiative project managers. The inconsistent institutional support represented a top-down planning and management strategy premised upon a centralised decision-making model. As a consequence of this style of planning and management, the beneficiaries could only respond by building localised resilience to the challenges. Such agency from the beneficiaries suggests that future Fetša Tlala projects might benefit from a decentralised decision-making planning and management strategy, that is inclusive of the project beneficiaries from the outset. The paper recommends continuation of the Fetša Tlala Initiative with emphasis on transforming the institutional support so that future beneficiaries are included in decision making processes from the inception phases through to completion of projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livelihood diversification (LD) is crucial for rural households due to increasing climate variability and declining farm incomes in the global south. Literature has extensively documented the benefits of LD in emerging economies. However, there is still a gap in the econometric evidence of LD on the food security of rural households in Ghana. This study addresses this gap by examining the factors that influence LD using the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) data collected from 133 rural households in Northern Ghana. Results from the censored Tobit regression model, multiple linear regression, and Simpson Diversification Index (SDI) indicated that diversification averaged 0.313 and ranged from 0.000 to 0.709 (zero to 70.9%). Total food expenditures (TFE) measured as a proxy of food security declined at low levels of diversification. Beyond the diversification level of 0.480, total food expenditure increased steadily. The findings revealed that only 24.6% of the households had diversification scores higher than the turning point of 0.480. The Tobit model also showed that remittance income, technical education, household size, marital status, access to extension services, and ownership of mobile phones were significant drivers of LD. The findings have demonstrated that LD improves food security in rural Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the long-standing debate over the social impact of military politics and recent discussions of food-induced famine resulting from military activities, a cross-sectional study was conducted to ascertain the association between military politics in the purview of household food security from a sociological perspective. A structured interview schedule was used for taking primary data from 379 household heads in Torghar, Northern Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Pakistan through stratified sampling method. Further, Chi-square test statistics and correlation were used at bivariate level, while three background variables namely household budget allocation, monthly income and household composition were controlled to ascertain the association between military politics and food security at multivariate analysis. The study found that war on terror had threatened the efforts of establishing food secure environment, as militant tendencies and food security did not have any reinforcing effects rather paradoxical in nature. The existence of such environments were exploring toward imposing of the decision without the consent of the local population, which eroded the chances of greater public inclusion in the development initiatives. Moreover, such dynamics forced the locals to migrate internally as well. In addition, the local youth recruitment in such armed groups gave impetus to the rise of greater deviance, challenging the established social and cultural patterns of life while challenging the writ of the state as well. The rise of militant tendencies during the war on terror had the most significant impact on access to food in the study area. The government need to focus on addressing the social and economic aspects of these rising tendencies; provide a smooth access of the local youth to the job market by implementing specific quotas; and establish a strong surveillance system to address and control these tendencies was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization, population growth and climate-induced migration in the Global South, particularly in Bangladesh's coastal cities, have led to the proliferation of informal settlements, thereby intensifying pressures on the urban landscape and exacerbating food insecurity. In this context, urban migrants, particularly women, are most vulnerable to food insecurity due to the lack of livelihood opportunities. To address these food-related vulnerabilities, women often utilize their dwelling and neighbourhood spaces for food production, often referred to as 'foodscapes', transforming housing environments—a phenomenon that remains understudied. Thus, this research attempts to examine how these foodscape practices contribute to migrant women's household food security, using the Greenland slum in Khulna as a case study. This qualitative research employs a case study-based approach, utilizing interviews, focus group discussions and observation to collect both social and spatial data. The findings reveal that a wide variety of foodscapes prevalent in the Greenland slum are mainly home-based, establishing a deep spatial linkage with dwellings that contribute to household food availability and accessibility. The study also highlights socio-political, economic and physical factors associated with foodscapes and food security and provides recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between residents' disaster resilience and potential household food security in the context of natural disasters. Disaster resilience capacity consists of absorptive capacity, adaptive capacity, and transformative capacity, while household food security is composed of food availability, accessibility, and utilization. Based on data from 539 questionnaires administered to residents in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, this study examines households' disaster resilience capacity and food security conditions. The entropy method is adopted as a quantitative assessment approach to integrate the data, and a Tobit model is constructed to detect the correlation between households' disaster resilience capacity and food security. We draw five main findings from the results. (1) Over half of the respondents do not have good food security; moreover, food accessibility is the poorest dimension, as reflected by low scores for water purification capacity and facility preparedness. (2) Most of the respondents do not have high disaster resilience capacity; their transformative capacity is the lowest, followed by absorptive and adaptive capacity. (3) There is a significant positive correlation between disaster resilience and household food security. (4) Disaster damage experience restrains residents' food utilization. (5) The elderly and senior population may be exposed to food-borne diseases because of their low food utilization. This study provides insights into the influence of disaster resilience activities on household food security before a disaster hits. The study informs the debate on the association between disaster resilience and household food security so as to aid future disaster risk reduction management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition are epidemiologically interrelated two major public health problems in India. Food security also influences nutritional status. This aspect needs evaluation in diverse geographical areas. This study aimed to assess the level of food security, nutritional status and correlates among adult TB patients in a block of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Nabagram block of Murshidabad district during April–July 2023. All adult (≥18 years) patients registered under the Tuberculosis Unit of the block during a reference period of 6 months (October 2022–March 2023) were considered study subjects. Eighty such eligible participants recruited randomly were interviewed with a pre-designed schedule for socio-demographic and programmatic characteristics. Household food security was measured using a validated U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and nutritional status was determined based on body mass index. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for analysis. Results: Among 80 TB patients, 51% were underweight and 20% were severely underweight. The majority (90%) of them had high or marginal food security, and 10% had low or very low food security. On multivariable logistic regression, Hindu religion (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12–29.39), presence of any chronic morbidity (AOR: 11.61, 95%CI: 2.71–49.78) and receipt of dietary counselling by a health worker (AOR: 7.25, 95%CI: 1.22–43.13) appeared as predictors of underweight. Conclusions: Underweight among TB patients is quite prevalent in the area, and few programmatic interventions are influencing factors. This underscores the importance of nutritional counselling services and the universal provision of Poshan benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of agricultural innovations, such as wood ash, irrigation, and hybrid crop varieties, on the food security of households in a region with high food insecurity. The study highlights the role of these technologies in improving food availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability amidst challenges like climate change and low productivity. By focusing on the application of traditional and modern agricultural methods, the study provides insights into how these practices can enhance agricultural output and alleviate poverty in rural areas. The findings underscore the need for region-specific agricultural policies, gender-inclusive extension services, and the integration of traditional and technological solutions to address food insecurity in developing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractLivelihood diversification is relevant in poverty reduction, improve food security and a means of coping mechanism and risk management for survival of households. The research intended to examine the dynamics of livelihood diversification and food security over time, investigate the determinant factors of participation rate among household heads on livelihood diversification and to examine its effect on food security of rural and town households of Ethiopia based on the secondary data of Ethiopia living standard measurement survey. Balanced panel data employed enclosing a total 3729 samples representing national level of Ethiopia. The study used the descriptive analysis, Simpson diversification index and random effect logit model. Dynamics of livelihood diversification and food security observed over time. The random logistic regression model revealed that, household size, gender (female) and distance to market affect the livelihood diversification positively & significantly. Whereas, Age of household head, location (rural), distance to main road, credit access, assistance and experience of shocks influenced the probability of livelihood diversification negatively and significantly. Households who experienced shock and engaged in diversified livelihood have lower food security than being a diversified alone. Policy makers and other stakeholders need to integrate on implementations of livelihood strategies to improve food security, building resilience and vibrant economy.

This paper investigates the impact of dairy product marketing on household food security in Jimma Zone Ethiopia. A quasi-experimental research design was applied through the use of a cross-sectional data type. In order to identify the study kebeles and 266 respondents, a multi-stage sampling procedure was conducted, and the data was gathered through interview schedules. Descriptive statistics, Binary logit, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) models were used to analyze the data. From the randomly selected households about 54.9% were participated in milk marketing. The study discovered that family size, livestock size, off-farm engagement, access to dairy input, ownership of crossbreed cows, and cooperative membership significantly and positively influenced dairy product market participation. Conversely, age, education level, and market distance had a negative effect. The results of PSM indicated that dairy product market participation had a positive impact on the household food consumption score and dietary diversity, increasing them by 16.38% and 15.42%, respectively. All in all, the research found that milk market participation has a meaningful effect on household food security, and so measures like Innovations to increase dairy production and productivity, and cooperative membership should be promoted to strengthen the participation of smallholder dairy farmers in the area. The study can offer empirical evidence on the contribution of dairy product market participation to household food security.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition are epidemiologically interrelated two major public health problems in India. Food security also influences nutritional status. This aspect needs evaluation in diverse geographical areas. This study aimed to assess the level of food security, nutritional status and correlates among adult TB patients in a block of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Nabagram block of Murshidabad district during April–July 2023. All adult (≥18 years) patients registered under the Tuberculosis Unit of the block during a reference period of 6 months (October 2022–March 2023) were considered study subjects. Eighty such eligible participants recruited randomly were interviewed with a pre-designed schedule for socio-demographic and programmatic characteristics. Household food security was measured using a validated U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and nutritional status was determined based on body mass index. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for analysis. Results: Among 80 TB patients, 51% were underweight and 20% were severely underweight. The majority (90%) of them had high or marginal food security, and 10% had low or very low food security. On multivariable logistic regression, Hindu religion (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12–29.39), presence of any chronic morbidity (AOR: 11.61, 95%CI: 2.71–49.78) and receipt of dietary counselling by a health worker (AOR: 7.25, 95%CI: 1.22–43.13) appeared as predictors of underweight. Conclusions: Underweight among TB patients is quite prevalent in the area, and few programmatic interventions are influencing factors. This underscores the importance of nutritional counselling services and the universal provision of Poshan benefits.

The availability and distribution of food for a family is a manifestation of the power relations within a household. The availability and distribution of food for a family is a reflection of power relations within a household. On a wider spectrum, this phenomenon represents relations between countries in the context of food sovereignty. This study aims to look at the socio-economic aspects that influence the availability and distribution of food in the pursuit of food security for farming households. This research was conducted in March - April 2023 in Gowa Regency using a mixed method with a sequential explanatory technique, where this technique begins with quantitative data then, followed by qualitative data. This study involved 53 women as informants selected by simple random sampling. The social aspects used are education, main income earner, and women's position in the household. Meanwhile, to discuss economic aspects, land area and production of agricultural products (rice) are used. The results of this study explain that women who are the backbone of the household economy and are highly educated are seen to be more equitable in food distribution, while women who do not contribute to household income and are positioned as daughters-in-law or other household members are seen to have difficulty distributing food fairly and proportionally. In general, farmer households are not yet at the food security level, which is indicated by the fact that food consumption is dominated by carbohydrates. While the other nutrients, such as protein and fat, needed by the body have not been taken care of. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the effects of climate change adaptation strategies (CCAS) on household food security among smallholder poultry farmers (SPFs). Using a multi-stage sampling approach, 360 smallholder farmers were surveyed through questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). Percentages, mean score, and endogenous switching probit model (ESPM) were employed for analysis, shedding light on the relationship between adaptation strategies and food security. The probit regression revealed significant influences of sex, age, infrastructure, and external organizations on the adoption decisions of CCAS among SPFs. It further showed that adaptation strategies; water ventilation, traditional practices, medicines and vitamins have a significant impact on the HFS. Therefore, it is advised that policies be put in place to help SPFs make better choices regarding the use of CCAS, and these strategies should be included in policies and investment plans. To enhance the circumstances in which farmers can obtain knowledge about climate change, stakeholders and the government must work together.

Abstract This study assessed the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Macro data on 29 indicators was collected to identify food insecure districts, and after identification of most food insecure region, i.e. Bundelkhand region, micro data was collected from an intensive field survey. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select study sites and respondents. A total of 240 sample households of various land sizes and income groups were contacted to collect data using a well-structured and pre-tested schedule. The study findings revealed that districts belonging to the Bundelkhand region are highly food insecure compared with other regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. Micro-level findings indicate that households in the Lalitpur district are relatively food insecure compared to those in the Jhansi district. The results suggest that ongoing future government responses should focus on structural changes in food security by developing responsive packages to cushion members pushed into food insecurity by such pandemics.

Abstract Background Crop diversification is the potential for greater dietary diversity, and reduced micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition. Despite the increasing global concern of improving food security, the nature and extent of food security at the household level in rural areas are not well-documented. This paper determines the factors that influence crop diversification and its association with food security which helps policy maker to take proper steps in norther part of Bangladesh. Methods The effect of crop diversification on household food security in northern Bangladesh was measured by adopting the Herfindahl index (HI). Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Household Food Insecurity Access Score (HFIAS) were used to determine the food security status. The binary logistic regression model and multinominal logit model were performed to identify the factors influencing crop diversification and food security, respectively. All these analyses were performed based on 609 household samples collected from six northern districts of Bangladesh. Results Descriptive statistics show that the majority of farmers in the study districts reported 12–13 different crops, while only farmers in Bogura mentioned 19 different crops grown in their field. After calculating crop diversification using HI index, it is apparent that about 64% respondents irrespective of region produced different types of crops and around one third of them possessed in the middle categories neither they were fully crop diversified nor non crop-diversified. About 40% households had better Food Consumption Score lead to only 3.28% belonged to below poverty line and rest of the household fall in borderline. The analysis confirm that the crop diversified households were found to be more food secured or marginal food secured then that of less crop diversified households. Conclusion and policy recommendation We may infer from the factor analysis that, in line with the government policy to raise significantly the standard of living of the farmers, government should facilitate and encourage farmers to grow several crops rather than just one and provide training opportunities. In addition, food insecure people as well as the low food secure group might overcome their circumstances if the government places greater emphasis on education, training, and off-farm activities by providing financial support.

Addressing food security is one of the national priorities in South Africa, enshrined under the country's constitution, yet there is a growing percentage of households struggling to meet their food requirements. Food insecurity and malnutrition remain severe problems in rural communities and can be addressed through home gardening. This study aimed to assess the contributions of home gardens to food security in Limpopo Province. This study employed a quantitative research methodology. A total of 2043 rural households were selected using multistage stratified random sampling. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to measure household food insecurity levels of home garden participants. Results showed that 46% of participants were food secure, 24% were severely food insecure, 17% were moderately food insecure and 13% were mildly food insecure. The results from the endogenous switching Poisson regression model showed that gender, household size, wage/salary, access to land, agriculture-related assistance and market distance had a positive influence on household food security of home garden participants. On the other hand, employment status and receiving any social relief had a negative association with household food security of home garden participants. The results also showed that employment status had a positive influence on the food security of home garden non-participants, while education, access to land, wage/salary and age had a negative influence. The results from average treatment effects (ATEs) showed that households that participated in home garden production had a negative and significant (p-value < 0.05) impact on household food insecurity. This study concludes that involvement in home gardening improves food security. Household food security can be enhanced through agricultural training and skills enhancement directed at increasing participation in home gardening in rural areas, thus addressing income and food security challenges. Agricultural education needs to be introduced and facilitated at school levels so that an understanding of food systems, nutrition and food security can be attained from younger age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the relationship between food availability, household food security, and the history of infectious diseases with the incidence of malnutrition in toddlers in potential disaster areas in Palu City, Indonesia. The study found that there is a significant relationship between food availability and the occurrence of malnutrition in toddlers, indicating that those without guaranteed food availability are at a greater risk. However, no significant relationship was found between a history of infectious diseases and malnutrition. The research emphasizes the importance of improving access to food and household food security to reduce the risk of malnutrition in disaster-prone areas. [Extracted from the article]

This study examines urban household food security through the simultaneous use of two quantitative measures. A sample of 445 household data was analyzed. Using principal component analysis, the urbanicity index categorizes households by level of urbanization. About 39% of households had diverse diets (DD), and 75% spent above the required food expenditure plan (FEXP). The Food insecure (FIS) was in low urban category (LUC) on both measures, while the food secure ones were in middle urban category (MUC). Multinomial logit regression analysis shows that income and urbanicity index influenced the probability of a household being in any of the food security groups.

Abstract Background Food insecurity and malnutrition are persistent challenges worldwide and Lesotho is not an exception. Hunger and poverty have worsened with the dawn of COVID-19 pandemic and on-going Russia–Ukraine war. The study seeks to assess food security and associated socio-economic factors among farming households in Lesotho. Household food security has been assessed using Household Food Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). Questionnaires were employed to collect data from 236 farming households. Results The HFIAS results show that 40% of the farming households were food secure, 18% were mildly food insecure, 32% were moderately food insecure and 10% were severely food secure and severe food insecurity mostly experienced in the highlands. HDDS results indicated that the farming households had consumed 8 to 12 food groups 7 days prior to data collection, the mean HDDS is 9.68. Households that are involved in commercial farming had more (9.98) diverse diets than those in subsistence farming (8.67). Households in the highlands have the lowest diet diversity (9.0) among the four agro-ecological zones. A logistic regression analysis indicated that the socio-economic factors associated with food security were household income, household size, marital status and education status of the respondent. Conclusions The findings depict that over half (60%) of the farming households experience varied degrees of food insecurity. Contrary to this, the farming households had consumed highly varied diets in the past 7 days. The socio-economic factors that influence the attainment of food security household food security were household size, household income, education and marital status. The findings suggest that agricultural development interventions must be more sensitive to household food security and nutrition, which includes training farmers on nutrition and food security issues. Furthermore, socio-economic factors must be considered in the development of interventions, since they influence the food security of the farming households.

Abstract Background Women empowerment and food security are supposed to be two mutually reinforcing goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations. However, the measurement of women’s empowerment and its relationship with household food security in the agricultural context is too limited, especially in Ethiopia. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of women’s empowerment in agriculture on household food security in the Gamo zone of Ethiopia. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 385 dual-adult households, selected through a multistage random sampling procedure from two districts—Chencha and Kucha of Gamo zone in Ethiopia. The data were collected on the sample households’ demographic, socioeconomic, women empowerment, food consumption and livelihood activities—crop production, livestock holding and off-farm participation by interviewing both primary male and female decision-makers from each household. Household food security was measured using Calorie Availability, Household Food Consumption and Dietary Diversity Score, while women’s empowerment in agriculture was measured using the Abbreviated Women Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Ordinary Least Square, Two-Stage Least Square, Poisson and Instrumental Variable Poisson regression were used as analytical models. Results Our study shows that increases in women’s empowerment are positively and significantly associated with all food security indicators—adult equivalent calorie availability, household-level food consumption and dietary diversity. The result also shows that food security is positively related to the proportion of adult household members, age and education of primary female, landholding size, crop diversification, food crop production, the number of dairy cows owned and off-farm participation. However, food security is negatively related to household size. Conclusion The implication of the finding is that stakeholders should give due attention to promoting women’s empowerment and eliminating the gender gap in agriculture through appropriate gender mainstreaming intervention in dual-adult households. Food security programmes could also gain from prioritizing female education and promoting agricultural diversification (crop and livestock) and off-farm income diversification strategies as valuable investments to improve household food security. This study is the first application of the Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index in Ethiopia as a predictor to household food security, and contributes to the women’s empowerment–household food security nexus literature in developing countries.

This article focuses on the issues of food security which arise with acuteness in Burkina Faso. It investigated especially the influence of social capital on food and nutritional security of rural households in the north-central region of Burkina Faso. For this, the Catholic Relief Services database, collected in 2011 from a sample of 434 households, is used to construct the Food Consumption Score and two social capital indicators (cognitive and structural). A logistic model is then estimated and the results show that only the structural aspects of social capital strengthen households' food security. In particular, they show that households receiving transfers, who can count on the help of their relatives, and who participate in farmers’ organizations meetings are more likely to be food secure (OR = 1.959). Thus, to achieve food security, it is necessary to promote social support networks and strengthen farmers' organizations.

Background: Food insecurity is recognized as a serious public health problem worldwide. Since pregnant women are among the most vulnerable groups and their food insecurity may cause complications during pregnancy and on their newborns, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between food security and body mass index (BMI) of pregnant women in eastern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 pregnant women in 10 health centers in the east of Iran. Participants were selected by random cluster sampling. Data were collected using standard questionnaires including 18-item household food security survey module (HFSSM) designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and nutritional evaluation forms. Results: The mean scores of the HFSSM of all pregnant women were 7.2±4.3. The household food security of pregnant women was significantly related to the occupation of spouses, mother's education, monthly salary, private home, and mother's age (P

Household food insecurity persists in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, despite the significant contribution of agriculture to the country's economy. The role that the combination of crop production systems and value chains can play in improving household food security has yet to be addressed. This paper examines the combined effects of crop production systems and value chains on household food insecurity. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) transformed the correlated variables into three distinct domains, namely, modern agro-production practices, sustainable market integration, and traditional knowledge. An Ordered Probit Analysis was used to determine the factors that influence household food insecurity. Household food insecurity was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) using 300 randomly selected smallholder farmers. The results showed that sustainable market integration, traditional knowledge focus, education, and livestock ownership significantly and negatively impact a household's food insecurity. A household's size, food expenditure, and cash credit, as well as floods, significantly and positively affect its food insecurity. Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritise the integration of a sustainable market and the preservation of traditional knowledge, while reducing the food costs, in order to combat household food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livelihood diversification is relevant in poverty reduction, improve food security and a means of coping mechanism and risk management for survival of households. The research intended to examine the dynamics of livelihood diversification and food security over time, investigate the determinant factors of participation rate among household heads on livelihood diversification and to examine its effect on food security of rural and town households of Ethiopia based on the secondary data of Ethiopia living standard measurement survey. Balanced panel data employed enclosing a total 3729 samples representing national level of Ethiopia. The study used the descriptive analysis, Simpson diversification index and random effect logit model. Dynamics of livelihood diversification and food security observed over time. The random logistic regression model revealed that, household size, gender (female) and distance to market affect the livelihood diversification positively & significantly. Whereas, Age of household head, location (rural), distance to main road, credit access, assistance and experience of shocks influenced the probability of livelihood diversification negatively and significantly. Households who experienced shock and engaged in diversified livelihood have lower food security than being a diversified alone. Policy makers and other stakeholders need to integrate on implementations of livelihood strategies to improve food security, building resilience and vibrant economy. Impact statement: This study investigated the determinants of household participation to livelihood diversification and the nexus between livelihood diversification and household food security in Ethiopia focusing on rural and small town context. The study used survey dataset collected by the living standard measurement study of the World Bank group in Collaboration with the Ethiopian Central statistical Agency. the data collection covered a wide range of representative sample in the country (a total 3729 samples) and the authors analysed the dynamics in food security over three waves of the survey (i.e. 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2015/16) which is critical policy concern stage in the Ethiopian development planning period (Ethiopia's first growth and transformation plan). The dynamics is observed over the comparison of the survey waves in Ethiopia. The result revealed that, compared with the first wave, 70.9% stayed driving income from one income source 15.9% and 13.2% of them moved to less and high-level diversifications in the second wave respectively. The transition level of food security increased by 10.7% and 3.6% in wave two and three compared with the first wave. Simpson Diversification Index suggested that the pattern and extent falls between 0.00 and 0.84. About 72.5% of respondents reported as relies only in one income source (i.e., agriculture). There was variability of trends of shocks over time which was observed highest score in wave three. Household that experiences shock and engaged in less diversified livelihood have lower food security status than being a diversified alone. Policy makers and other stakeholders need to integrate on implementations of livelihood strategies to increase food security, building resilience and vibrant economy. Thus, this study has the significance to policy makers, practitioners and academicians as it gives take ways to each depending on their respective interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discourse on knowledge integration persists in research and development practice. The need for traditional and Western knowledge systems to work together to achieve sustainable agricultural development in Ghana's rural areas has become evermore relevant to achieve household food security in the context of changing climate, declining soil fertility, and labour challenges. The authors examined the role of knowledge integration in shaping the food security outcomes of socially differentiated smallholders' households in Kassena-Nankana Municipal District and the Kassena-Nankana West District in the Upper East Region of Ghana, where food insecurity prevalence is very high. Using mixed methods approach, they found that most low resource endowed households that were unable to combine traditional and Western farming methods were more likely to experience food insecurity than were other households. Farmers with higher resource endowments integrated knowledges from both traditional and Western systems leading to better yield outcomes. However, combining both knowledge systems did not guarantee automatic success due to intervening factors. The authors conclude that different categories of smallholders' resource endowment significantly impacts the smallholders' food security status, and recommend that policy and development programming should promote integration of traditional and Western farming knowledge systems to achieve sustainable food crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic, interest has grown in what kinds of assistance protect household food security during shocks. We study rural and urban Bangladesh from 2018 to 2019 to late 2021, assessing how pre‐pandemic access to social safety net programs and private remittances relate to household food insecurity during the pandemic. Using longitudinal data and estimating differences‐in‐differences models with household fixed effects, we find that pre‐pandemic access to social protection is associated with significant reductions in food insecurity in all rounds collected during the pandemic, particularly in our urban sample. However, pre‐pandemic access to remittances shows no similar protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the prevalence of household food insecurity and child hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the relationships between household income and the occurrence of child hunger. Socio-demographic characteristics, including monthly household income, gender, and age of the surveyed child were parent-reported. The validated 10-item Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Instrument was adopted to assess household food insecurity, parental food insecurity, and child hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study revealed that children from low-income and food-insecure households were significantly at a heightened risk for child hunger. In conclusion, the pandemic lockdowns exacerbated child hunger in low-income households. Children from low-income households need continued assistance in alleviating hunger during the COVID-19 global economic recession. During MCO 2.0, the overall food insecurity was 67.6%, with 24.1% household food insecurity, 13.8% parental food insecurity, and 29.7% child hunger. Children from low-income and food-insecure households were significantly at a heightened risk for child hunger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to realize household food security in Pekanbaru City are still not optimal, because there are still food insecure households. This study aims to identify and evaluate internal and external factors and formulate strategies to improve household food security in Pekanbaru City. This research uses qualitative research methods with data collection techniques: interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and documentation studies. The data analysis techniques used are evaluation of internal and external factors and SWOT analysis. The results of this study identified 26 strategic factors to improve household food security consisting of 12 internal factors and 14 external factors. The most important internal factor is the availability of food is quite good while the most important external factor is a strategic geographical location. Based on the results of the evaluation of internal and external factors, the strategy to improve household food security is in quadrant III with strategies to overcome weaknesses by taking advantage of opportunities. This study recommends five alternative W-O strategies which are then elaborated into several action plans to improve household food security in Pekanbaru City.

AbstractThe relationship between income diversification and food security gained considerable attention in the academic literature in the last two decades. Smallholder farmers undertake income diversification activities to ensure improved food security amidst changing patterns of climate and rural socio-demographics. Understanding challenges of smallholder farmers in income diversification strategies is critical to assess the effectiveness of food security measures in savannah regions threatened by weather variability and environmental shocks. The aim of this study is to shed light on the challenges of income diversification in Northern rural Ghana and to add to the growing body of research seeking to understand the challenges of income diversification and its link to food security status of smallholder farmers in the deprived context of rural Africa. By exploiting a unique sample of 500 agricultural households in rural Ghana, we show that income diversification and food security status of smallholders is positively related for both food access and nutritional diversity. Our results show that income diversification played a significant role in improving food access and dietary consumption. Highly diversified households were more likely to report being food secure as higher income diversification translated into higher incomes and food security. The single most important factor which stood out as an explanatory variable for food security in Northern rural Ghana was spousal incomes generated from diversification. Spousal incomes accounted for (29.2%) of the share of total household incomes used to purchase food for farm families in distress seasons. The findings support the use of spousal income diversification pathways as a means of reducing the negative impacts of food insecurity in the Yendi and Bimbilla Municipalities of Northern Region. The study highlights the need for Ghana’s economic policy frameworks to address the following three cardinal challenges of income diversification : (1) poor access to start-up capital or funds, (2) poor condition of infrastructure, and (3) high costs of transportation, directly linked to the under development of Northern Ghana.

This article focuses on the issues of food security which arise with acuteness in Burkina Faso. It investigated especially the influence of social capital on food and nutritional security of rural households in the north-central region of Burkina Faso. For this, the Catholic Relief Services database, collected in 2011 from a sample of 434 households, is used to construct the Food Consumption Score and two social capital indicators (cognitive and structural). A logistic model is then estimated and the results show that only the structural aspects of social capital strengthen households' food security. In particular, they show that households receiving transfers, who can count on the help of their relatives, and who participate in farmers' organizations meetings are more likely to be food secure (OR = 1.959). Thus, to achieve food security, it is necessary to promote social support networks and strengthen farmers' organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the major effective factors on climate change adaptation practices and investigated their impacts on food security in Qazvin province. The population of this study comprised smallholder horticultural farmers, who produced at least two types of horticultural crops during the period 2014-2017. The study sample consisted of 456 farmers, selected through stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was utilized for data collection, and data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) (Smart-PLS software, version 3.0). The findings showed that the top four climate change adaption practices that can be used by smallholders to improve household food security are (1) using late-flowering and cold tolerant varieties, (2) actively participating in extension training courses, (3) using crop insurance, and (4) covering shrubs and trees with fabric to protect against frost. In addition, the results confirmed that adaptive farming and non-farming practices are positively related to the food security dimensions of food availability, access, stability, and utilization. The findings further showed that farmers' knowledge and skills, as well as the local infrastructure are drivers for food security dimensions through the application of adaptive farming practices. When farmers intend to use adaptive non-farming practices, their attitudes toward the advantages of the climate change adaptation process may stimulate behavioral readiness toward climate change resilience and, consequently, improve food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Household food and food security are important issues that require policy attention and intervention. This research aims to examine trends in household food expenses in Gilan province with the national average and to explore their social and policy implications for household food and food security. Data and method: The study used secondary analysis of data obtained from Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Statistical Center of Iran. Bivariate and multivariate analysis performed to compare two periods of 2005-2013 and 2013- 2020 which correspond to two presidential administrations in Iran. We also compared the food expenses of households in Gilan province with those of the whole country for each period to show how household food expenses changed over these periods. Findings: The findings showed that the average cost of domestic food in Gilan province and nationally was significantly lower in the second period than in the first period. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the average cost of domestic food in Gilan province and nationally in the first period. The results indicated that period had a significant impact on the cost of food inside and outside the home. Conclusion: The share of food cost in the total cost of households in Gilan province was higher than that of the whole country during 2005-2020. The ability to buy food outside the home among Gilan households declined during 2012-2019, consistent with the national pattern. The period variable affected the cost changes of households in Gilan province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Food insecurity is recognized as a serious public health problem worldwide. Since pregnant women are among the most vulnerable groups and their food insecurity may cause complications during pregnancy and on their newborns, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between food security and body mass index (BMI) of pregnant women in eastern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 pregnant women in 10 health centers in the east of Iran. Participants were selected by random cluster sampling. Data were collected using standard questionnaires including 18-item household food security survey module (HFSSM) designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and nutritional evaluation forms. Results: The mean scores of the HFSSM of all pregnant women were 7.2±4.3. The household food security of pregnant women was significantly related to the occupation of spouses, mother's education, monthly salary, private home, and mother's age (P<0.05). There was no significant relationship between food security and BMI (P=0.98). Conclusions: Based on the results, few people have food security. Pregnancy in older age, lower-income, and education affected the household food security. Appropriate strategies and policies are necessary to combat this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This study examines the adoption drivers of scale-appropriate mechanization in Nepal's maize-based farming systems. The authors also assess the contribution of scale-appropriate mechanization to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of zero hunger (SDG2) and no poverty (SDG1). Design/methodology/approach – Propensity score matching and doubly robust inverse probability-weighted regression adjusted methods were applied to estimate the effects of mini-tiller adoption. These methods control the biases that arise from observed heterogeneities between mini-tillers users and nonusers. Findings – The study findings show that farm size, labor shortages, draft animal scarcity, market proximity, household assets and household heads' educational level influence the adoption of mechanization in Nepal. Mechanized farms exhibited enhanced maize productivity, profits and household food self-sufficiency. Reduced depth and severity of poverty were also observed. Nevertheless, these effects were not uniform; very small farms (≤0.41 ha) facing acute labor shortages benefited the most. Research limitations/implications – The study results suggest that policymakers in developing nations like Nepal may wish to expand their emphasis on scale-appropriate mechanization to improve farm productivity and household food security, reduce poverty and contribute to the SDGs. Originality/value – This first-of-its-kind study establishes the causal effects between scale-appropriate farm mechanization and SDG1 (no poverty) and SDG2 (zero hunger) in a developing nation.

The relationship between income diversification and food security gained considerable attention in the academic literature in the last two decades. Smallholder farmers undertake income diversification activities to ensure improved food security amidst changing patterns of climate and rural socio-demographics. Understanding challenges of smallholder farmers in income diversification strategies is critical to assess the effectiveness of food security measures in savannah regions threatened by weather variability and environmental shocks. The aim of this study is to shed light on the challenges of income diversification in Northern rural Ghana and to add to the growing body of research seeking to understand the challenges of income diversification and its link to food security status of smallholder farmers in the deprived context of rural Africa. By exploiting a unique sample of 500 agricultural households in rural Ghana, we show that income diversification and food security status of smallholders is positively related for both food access and nutritional diversity. Our results show that income diversification played a significant role in improving food access and dietary consumption. Highly diversified households were more likely to report being food secure as higher income diversification translated into higher incomes and food security. The single most important factor which stood out as an explanatory variable for food security in Northern rural Ghana was spousal incomes generated from diversification. Spousal incomes accounted for (29.2%) of the share of total household incomes used to purchase food for farm families in distress seasons. The findings support the use of spousal income diversification pathways as a means of reducing the negative impacts of food insecurity in the Yendi and Bimbilla Municipalities of Northern Region. The study highlights the need for Ghana's economic policy frameworks to address the following three cardinal challenges of income diversification : (1) poor access to start-up capital or funds, (2) poor condition of infrastructure, and (3) high costs of transportation, directly linked to the under development of Northern Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Displaced by war in 2017, internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City in southern Philippines continue to face severe economic challenges, seriously undermining their mealtime-related affairs. This article examines the extent to which displacement has negatively impacted activities or practices related to mealtime preparation, the actual family meal or commensality and the frequency of mealtimes among the IDPs. Findings were drawn from fourteen IDP couples who participated in in-depth interviews. Results indicate that displacement has caused a serious decline in economic resources, which, in turn, has translated into less participation in meal preparation, decreasing quality and quantity of food served at the meal table, less enthusiastic involvement in mealtimes, and irregular family meals. The article argues that conflict and the displacement it causes impact not only the food itself but all that is related to its preparation and consumption within the household. The study suggests that examining the broader context of mealtime-related activities and practices offers a wider understanding of how IDPs suffer displacement in the context of kitchen and meal table environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The damaging effects of changing climate on farm-household food security are steadily increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. Adaptation strategies are important for agrarian households to reduce the adverse effects on their food security. This study employed multivariate probit and endogenous switching regression models to analyze the determinants of farm households' choice of climate-change adaptation strategies, such as the cultivation of early maturing crops, early planting, growing drought-tolerant maize varieties, using precautionary savings, practicing income diversification, and sale of assets, and their effects on household food security in Tanzania. Information on expected rainfall and temperatures, early warning systems, previous droughts, delays in the onset of the rainy season, sex and age of the farmer, educational level, farming experience, family size, total farmland holding, number of livestock owned, contact with extension agents, and access to credit services were all found to influence decisions by farm households to use strategies of adaptation to climate change. Overall, the adaptation of farm households to climate change increased their food security status. An analysis of "adapter" and "non-adapter" farm households showed that the effect of adaptation on food security was smaller for households that adapted than for households that did not. Thus, we recommend that further effective adaptation strategies such as planting drought-resistant crops, changing planting dates, planting early maturing crops, and practicing income diversification be developed and used, particularly for the most vulnerable farm households, to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on their food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the frequent changes in household composition in Sub-Saharan Africa, the literature on the household division process is sparse, with no evidence of its effect on food security. This paper addresses the topic in Malawi, where the fission process is evident and malnutrition is a severe problem. Using the Integrated Household Panel Dataset, this study applies the difference-in-difference model with the propensity score matching technique to compare matched groups of households that did and did not split between 2010 and 2013. The results suggest that coping strategies adopted by poor households and life course events determine household fission in Malawi, a process that benefits household food security in the short term. On average, the food consumption score is 3.74 units higher among households that split between 2010 and 2013 compared to the matched households that did not. However, the household division might have long-run adverse effects on food insecurity, especially for poor households due to the adoption of coping strategies that might compromise their human capital and income-generating activities. Therefore, this process warrants attention for the more accurate understanding, design, and evaluation of food security interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights 1. Egyptian rural women work significantly longer hours than men in total subsistence labor, shouldering most of the nonagricultural subsistence labor. 2. Although more rural women are engaged in agricultural subsistence labor tasks compared to men, rural men who confirm their involvement in subsistence labor spend significantly more time agricultural subsistence than women. 3. However, the impact of hours spent in subsistence agriculture by women in the household on the probability of their household’s food security was higher than that of men.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic and recent international crises including the Russia-Ukraine conflict have resulted in significant disruptions along multiple segments of the Caribbean’s agri-food system, thus compromising regional food security. These impacts are still ongoing with the potential to worsen. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sociodemographic factors on consumers’ knowledge of food security along with their attitude, and perception towards the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security in the Caribbean Small Island Developing States.MethodA cross-sectional on-line survey was conducted between January 1 and November 30, 2021. The sampled population included consumers from nine Caribbean countries (Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Survey data were analyzed using Chi-square, one way analysis of variance, and univariate logistic regression.Results and discussionA total of 237 consumers participated in the survey. Consumers were generally knowledgeable about food security and had favorable attitudes and perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security. Significant associations (p