Role of Agriculture in ensuring Food Security

Nutrition Security ◽

Structural Problems ◽

The 2007-2008 food crises and the renewed surge in food prices in 2010-2011 have exposed deep structural problems in the global food system and the need to increase food production. The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing "when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life". Despite Nepal has no worse food and nutrition security situation among SAARC countries, there are some districts where food is always in shortage. The explicit constitutional recognition of the right to food and other related provisions in articles 36 and 42 of the new constitution will be instrumental for implementing food security programs in the country. Food security for poor people is based on sustainable food production. Many proven technologies and improved practices have the promise to boost agricultural production and ensure food security in developing countries like Nepal. Food and Nutrition security program (FANUSEP) is one of the flagship programs of Agriculture Development Strategy 2015-2035 (ADS), which is in the first phase of its implementation. It aims at improving the food and nutrition security of the most disadvantaged groups of the population.

Food and Nutrition Security in Rural Bihar: Dimensions and Determinants

Social Change ◽

10.1177/00490857211034492 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 51 (3) ◽

pp. 396-419

Author(s):

Swati Dutta ◽

Sunil Kumar Mishra

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Distribution System ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Food Prices ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

The level of food diversity in any household is an indicator of its healthy dietary habits. It depends on demographic and socio-economic conditions, geographic location, consumption habits and expenditure, cultural practices, income, food prices and the availability, access and utilisation of food. Against this backdrop, our study analyses the pattern of food consumption, dietary diversity, food frequency and the Recommended Dietary Allowance in 12 villages located in 6 districts of Bihar to understand the socio-economic determinants of a household’s food security. The results show that the diversity of food consumption is mainly dependent on the consumption of cereals across various socio-economic classes. Our analysis also emphasises the importance of schemes like the Public Distribution System which has a positive influence on food security outcomes of a household. The logistic regression results show that if the household belongs to the richest consumption class, with better education levels and more salaried members, then the probability of better food and nutrition security is high. In contrast, the low social status of a household, especially those from a Scheduled Caste background, will reveal reduced household food security.

Improving Food and Nutrition Security in Kenya’s Arid Lands-A Mini Review

Asian Research Journal of Agriculture ◽

10.9734/arja/2021/v14i330129 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 45-63

Author(s):

Michael N. I. Lokuruka

Keyword(s):

Food Production ◽

Crop Production ◽

Good Governance ◽

National Level ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Food Prices ◽

Production Costs ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

This paper presents a review of the literature on food and nutrition security in Kenya’s arid counties. It also provides strategies that can be adopted to improve food and nutrition security in the counties. Due to their aridity, they are associated with low economic, health, literacy and food and nutrition security indicators. They bear the brunt of food and nutrition insecurity and a proportionately higher percentage of their population faces starvation, whenever droughts occur. Stunting and wasting in the region’s children averages 28 and 14%, respectively. The figures compare poorly with the national averages of 4% and 11%, respectively. As the indices are related to quantity, diversity and quality of food intake, there is need to reduce food and nutrition insecurity in these Counties. Past efforts to reduce food and nutrition insecurity have failed, due to lack of long-term commitment from the National-level of Government, the use of inefficient farming technologies and low level of mechanization. Poverty, low and unpredictable rainfall for rain-fed agriculture, inconsistent livestock marketing of poor quality livestock, high crop production costs, high food prices also contribute to food and nutrition insecurity of the region. To improve food and nutrition security, it is recommended that the National-level of Government cedes the implementation of food production programmes to County Governments, while it strengthens food production policies, diversification of livelihoods and supports resilience-building. Other recommendations include innovating solar and wind-power devices to run machinery for food production, processing and preservation. Improvements in water harvesting, storage and pumping with wind and solar-powered equipment can also be explored. These improvements should eventually reduce dependence on food importation, which raises food prices, and de-incentivizes local farmers. Diversification of livelihoods, good governance and the application of appropriate technologies in food production, value addition and cooperation of the two levels of Government, are likely to gradually improve access and availability of quality and affordable food. The potential result is an improving food and nutrition security situation in Kenya’s arid Counties.

The Brazilian school feeding programme: an example of an integrated programme in support of food and nutrition security

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980012005101 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. 989-994 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Emilie Sidaner ◽

Daniel Balaban ◽

Luciene Burlandy

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Security Policy ◽

Food Production ◽

Food System ◽

National Council ◽

School Meals ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

School Feeding ◽

AbstractObjectiveThe present paper analyses the advances and challenges of the school feeding programme in Brazil (PNAE), as part of the Brazilian experience building up an integrated food and nutrition security national system. It explores the role of policy and regulatory frameworks in constructing quality service delivery and intersectoral integration.DesignReview of PNAE and federal government technical documents and studies, legislation, minutes of meetings and official documents of the National Council of Food and Nutrition Security from 2003 to 2011.SettingFood insecurity has decreased significantly in Brazil in the last decade, indicating that appropriate choices were made in terms of public policies and institutional arrangements, which other countries can learn from.SubjectsBrazil food and nutrition security system; school feeding; school food.ResultsBrazil's integrated food and nutrition security policy approach promoted intersectorality in the food system, articulating actions to guarantee access to healthy food and to strengthen family farming. The quality of school meals has progressively improved; in particular, the availability of fruits and vegetables increased. However, national standards regarding menu composition have not yet been met. Regulations were an important factor, along with the policy approach linking food production, nutrition, health and education. Challenges are related to conflict of interests and to farmers’ insufficient capacity to meet supply requirements and comply with technical procedures.ConclusionsLocal food production, school meals and nutrition education can be linked through integrated programmes and policies, improving access to healthier foods. Government leadership, strong legislation, civil society participation and intersectoral decision making are determinant.

Assessing Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security of the EU Food System—An Integrated Approach

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su10114271 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 4271 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Monika Zurek ◽

Aniek Hebinck ◽

Adrian Leip ◽

Joost Vervoort ◽

Marijke Kuiper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Science Communication ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

Systems Research ◽

Nutrition And Diet ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

The Eu

Steering the EU food system towards a sustainability transformation requires a vast and actionable knowledge base available to a range of public and private actors. Few have captured this complexity by assessing food systems from a multi-dimensional and multi-level perspective, which would include (1) nutrition and diet, environmental and economic outcomes together with social equity dimensions and (2) system interactions across country, EU and global scales. This paper addresses this gap in food systems research and science communication by providing an integrated analytical approach and new ways to communicate this complexity outside science. Based on a transdisciplinary science approach with continuous stakeholder input, the EU Horizon2020 project ‘Metrics, Models and Foresight for European SUStainable Food And Nutrition Security’ (SUSFANS) developed a five-step process: Creating a participatory space; designing a conceptual framework of the EU food system; developing food system performance metrics; designing a modelling toolbox and developing a visualization tool. The Sustainable Food and Nutrition-Visualizer, designed to communicate complex policy change-impacts and trade-off questions, enables an informed debate about trade-offs associated with options for change among food system actors as well as in the policy making arena. The discussion highlights points for further research related to indicator development, reach of assessment models, participatory processes and obstacles in science communication.

“Now we’ve all turned to Eating Processed Foods”: A Photovoice Study of the Food and Nutrition Security Implications of ‘Galamsey’ in Ghana

10.21203/rs.3.rs-832447/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hanson Nyantakyi-Frimpong ◽

Aaron Kobina Christian ◽

John Ganle ◽

Richmond Aryeetey

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Primary Data ◽

Small Scale ◽

Eastern Region ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Mining Communities ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

Abstract Background: Small-scale mining, referred to as galamsey in Ghana, is an important source of income for many rural populations. Although concerns have been raised in the media about the significant threats galamsey poses to the environment, and human health and livelihoods, there is a representational paucity of evidence regarding its links with local food systems, particularly from the perspective of affected mining communities. The current study explored community perceptions and experiences of galamsey and its perceived effects on food security and livelihoods in the East Akyem Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana. Methods: Primary data was collected in the East Akim District of Ghana, using photography, interviews based on the photographs, and a photo exhibition, all conducted . Thirty-six male and female adults were purposively selected with the help of a community focal person and advertisements in the study community. Respondents participants in a one-day photography training and thereafter, deployed to take at least fifteen photos that portray the effect of galamsey on food security and health. Subsequently, each participant was asked to selected five of the photographs and to explain the image and why they captured that in the photo. A photo exhibition was held to facilitate community conversation and perspectives on the effects of galamsey on food and nutrition security. Results: Galamsey has resulted in degradation of, otherwise, fertile agricultural land, and contamination of freshwater sources. As a consequence, there is reduced cultivable land, reduced crop production, shortage of essential staple foods, increase in food price, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. There is also perception of increased exposure to heavy metals like mercury in locally-produced food. Conclusions: Given the adverse health consequences of both food and nutrition insecurity, and increased consumption of processed foods, it is important that public and policy discussions to minimize the effects of galamsey in Ghana should include considerations about food and nutrition insecurity in mining communities.

Examining the impact of COVID-19 and its related lockdown on food security and job losses: A case of Kumasi, Ghana

10.21203/rs.3.rs-992274/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Frank Adusei

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Marketing ◽

Time Range ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

The Government ◽

The Impact

Abstract The COVID-19 and partial lockdown has brought significant effects on the entire economy, especially on food security and job losses. This study was carried out in Asokwa Municipal with the objective of examining the impact of COVID-19 disease and its related lockdown on food and nutrition security and job losses. The study site form part of the cities in Ghana to experience the partial lockdown, hence it qualifies for the selection. Both primary and secondary data were used. By means of purposive sampling technique, fifty respondents were selected as sample size. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive and narrative posture to the presentation, discussion and analysis of data. Open-ended questionnaire and a checklist were used for data collection through semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that, food and nutrition insecurity, job loss and income reductions are still very common, affecting participants livelihood. Disproportionally affected are households whose income comes from farming, transporters, informal labour, as well as marketers.It was concluded that food insecurity is not outside the impact of COVID-19 and its associated partial lockdown. Food and nutrition security are the global concern at present circumstances. The supply chain has been hit hardest by COVID-19, which causes food insecurity of most vulnerable segment of population which put them at risk. And also, most of the migrant, informal, seasonal farm workers were losing their jobs which may affect their demand for food. Therefore, the government should step-up the measures to control the pandemic without disturbing the food supply chain. The development and use of online marketing strategies where people can make orders of various produce and booked for purchases and or deliveries during a stated time range should be promoted.

Emerging food and nutrition security challenges in Central Asia—implications for BRICS and emerging economies

Handbook of BRICS and Emerging Economies ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198827535.003.0035 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 909-932

Author(s):

Suresh Chandra Babu ◽

Kamiljon Akramov

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Central Asia ◽

Emerging Economies ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

Central Asian ◽

Security Challenges ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

Critical Issues

In the last two decades, Central Asia has gone through several transitions in institutions and governance, each with consequences for the agricultural sectors in the region. Since their independence, the five countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, have made considerable progress towards increasing domestic food production. However, food security in the region is still threatened by major geopolitical and socio-economic challenges. Lack of support from institutions to advance farming has resulted in the low level of food security in the region. Lack of research and extension of support to farmers and low capacity for designing evidence-based policies are major challenges to the region’s food security. This chapter identifies critical issues and challenges faced by Central Asian countries for attaining short-term and long-term food and nutrition security, and the implications for BRICS and other emerging economies.

Lessons from support given to the implementation of food security programmes in over 100 countries: the feasibility of integrated food and nutrition security (F&NS) approaches.

Improving diets and nutrition: food-based approaches ◽

10.1079/9781780642994.0362 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 362-370

Author(s):

B. Thompson ◽

L. Amoroso

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

Food System Digitalization as a Means to Promote Food and Nutrition Security in the Barents Region

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture9080168 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 168 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Dele Raheem ◽

Maxim Shishaev ◽

Vladimir Dikovitsky

Keyword(s):

Digital Technology ◽

Food Processing ◽

Food System ◽

Traditional Food ◽

Local Food System ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

Cross Border ◽

Barents Region ◽

The consumption of food and its safety are important for human security. In this paper, we reviewed the literature on future possibilities for transforming the food system through digital solutions in the Barents region. Such digital solutions will make food business operators more efficient, sustainable, and transparent. Developing cross-border infrastructures for digitalization in the region will break the isolation of the local food system, thus simplifying the availability of processed, novel and safe traditional food products. It is necessary for food growers and processors to respond to the trends driven by consumers’ demand while ensuring their safety. Our review highlights the opportunities provided by digital technology to ensure safety and help food business operators predict consumer trends in the future. In addition, digitalization can create conditions that are necessary for the diversification of organizational schemes and the effective monitoring of food processing operations that will help to promote food and nutrition security in the Barents region.

Nutrition from a climate change perspective

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665118002896 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 78 (3) ◽

pp. 380-387 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

J. I. Macdiarmid ◽

S. Whybrow

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Low Income ◽

Crop Production ◽

Food System ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Sustainable Diets ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

Nutrient Density ◽

Climate change is threatening future global food and nutrition security. Limiting the increase in global temperature to 1·5 °C set out in The Paris Agreement (2015) while achieving nutrient security means overhauling the current food system to create one that can deliver healthy and sustainable diets. To attain this, it is critical to understand the implications for nutrition of actions to mitigate climate change as well as the impacts of climate change on food production and the nutrient composition of foods. It is widely recognised that livestock production has a much greater environmental burden than crop production, and therefore advice is to reduce meat consumption. This has triggered concern in some sectors about a lack of protein in diets, which hence is driving efforts to find protein replacements. However, in most high- and middle-income countries, protein intakes far exceed dietary requirements and it would even if all meat were removed from diets. Reduction in micronutrients should be given more attention when reducing meat. Simply eating less meat does not guarantee healthier or more sustainable diets. Climate change will also affect the type, amount and nutrient quality of food that can be produced. Studies have shown that increased temperature and elevated CO2 levels can reduce the nutrient density of some staple crops, which is of particular concern in low-income countries. Nutrition from a climate change perspective means considering the potential consequences of any climate action on food and nutrition security. In this paper, we discuss these issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.