scholarly journals Food Security and COVID-19: Impacts and Resilience in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Tortajada ◽  
Nicole Sher Wen Lim
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Open Economy ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Foreign Governments ◽  
Food Imports ◽  
City State ◽  
The City ◽  
Trade Partners

Across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted food supply chains and threatened food security. Singapore is highly dependent on food imports and has an open economy that exposes it to volatile global markets, so it is acutely vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic on other countries, the effectiveness of measures taken by foreign governments to combat the spread of the virus and overall disruptions of international trade links. Proactive and reactive steps have been taken to protect Singapore's food supply chains against the adverse impacts of COVID-19. In this paper, we discuss food security in the city state, the impacts of COVID-19 in the population, the local production, and imports from two main trade partners: Malaysia and China. We conclude by acknowledging the complexity of achieving food security under the very difficult circumstances.

scholarly journals Is the quest to eat healthy a route to enhancing consumer’s food security?

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Kerr ◽  
Jill E. Hobbs
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food Markets ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
Private Standards ◽  
Regulatory Failure

Abstract Background On an individual level, food security has multiple dimensions and consumers exhibit heterogeneity in the extent to which different attributes matter in their quest for enhanced food security. The aim of this paper is to explain how the quest for individual food security arises and its dynamic nature and its implications for how food security-enhancing attributes are defined and how they are signaled, and for the role of regulators and food supply chains in establishing credible signals. Results The paper finds that the quest for enhanced individual food security is a dynamic process that responds to the disequilibrium that change brings. The changing role of standards and grades as signals in food markets is discussed as a precursor to considering the implications for both market and non-market (regulatory) failure in determining the appropriate role for the public sector in regulating food safety and quality standards and labeling. The rise of private standards is examined, along with a consideration of how these standards differ in terms of scope and objective and their implications for international trade in increasingly globalized food supply chains. Conclusions Despite the growth of private standards, a clear role remains for mandatory public standards, yet challenges arise when these standards differ across countries.

scholarly journals Resilience in agri-food supply chains: a critical analysis of the literature and synthesis of a novel framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Stone ◽  
Shahin Rahimifard
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Resilience Framework

PurposeResilience in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) is an area of significant importance due to growing supply chain volatility. While the majority of research exploring supply chain resilience has originated from a supply chain management perspective, many other disciplines (such as environmental systems science and the social sciences) have also explored the topic. As complex social, economic and environmental constructs, the priority of resilience in AFSCs goes far beyond the company specific focus of supply chain management works and would conceivably benefit from including more diverse academic disciplines. However, this is hindered by inconsistencies in terminology and the conceptual components of resilience across different disciplines. The purpose of this study is to use a systematic literature review to identify which multidisciplinary aspects of resilience are applicable to AFSCs and to generate a novel AFSC resilience framework.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a structured and multidisciplinary review of 137 articles in the resilience literature followed by critical analysis and synthesis of findings to generate new knowledge in the form of a novel AFSC resilience framework.FindingsFindings indicate that the complexity of AFSCs and subsequent exposure to almost constant external interference means that disruptions cannot be seen as a one-off event; thus, resilience must concern the ability to not only maintain core function but also adapt to changing conditions.Practical implicationsA number of resilience elements can be used to enhance resilience, but their selection and implementation must be carefully matched to relevant phases of disruption and assessed on their broader supply chain impacts. In particular, the focus must be on overall impact on the ability of the supply chain as a whole to provide food security rather than to boost individual company performance.Originality/valueThe research novelty lies in the utilisation of wider understandings of resilience from various research fields to propose a rigorous and food-specific resilience framework with end consumer food security as its main focus.

scholarly journals Sustainable food security futures

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahir Irani ◽  
Amir M Sharif
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Enterprise Level

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to signpost the genesis of food security and associated factors such that organisations, enterprises, policy makers and interested stakeholders can seek to explore and understand this important societal issue. The challenges that food security poses are eclectic in nature and cut through country, society, organisation and individual boundaries. Only through identifying these factors – hence identifying underlying factors of food waste and usage of information within food supply chains to untangle them – can we adopt enterprise interventions in order to initiate and mitigate food security risk. Design/methodology/approach – As a viewpoint piece, there is no empirical work to report in this paper. An exploratory review of the literature has allowed for the extraction of food security concerns that need the attention of stakeholders across the enterprise to ensure robust food supply chains can be are created, maintained and sustained through a better understanding and usage of information, knowledge and data. Findings – This paper articulates six constructs that underpin the challenges of establishing food security. It is suggested that information relating to factors may support decision-makers within communities, organisations and enterprises to better understand these factors that then contribute towards enhanced food security. Relevant strategies or policies can then emerge and be developed such that strategic as well as operational interventions can be prioritised across national, regional or industry level. Underpinning the above, the waste within and across the food supply chain contributes to the six factors, also highlighting where additional focus may need to be applied to sustain food supply chains. Research limitations/implications – This paper is a position paper that does not offer factual insight but rather highlights a direction of thought that others can consider exploring as part of wider research agendas in the topical area where enterprise, organisational, and information-based contributions may support the development of strategy-led food security policy. Practical implications – This paper provides reassuring insights that will help decision and policy makers assemble their thoughts when it comes to prioritising their communications and interventions amongst organisational/enterprise-level stakeholder groups involved in food security and food supply chain contexts. Social implications – This paper has highlighted the need for more research around the human and organisational factors that are identified as both underpinning the need for food security and, as drivers of waste throughout the food supply chain. Indeed, there is further work needed to highlight the inter-relationships that exist and, which then feed into resulting interventions. Originality/value – To raise the importance of food security amongst differing stakeholder community groups at the organisational and enterprise level.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-102
Author(s):  
Daya Raj Subedi
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Purchasing Power ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Food Supply Chains

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought Nepal into the standstill and most of the economic activities have been suspended with the imposition of lockdown. There are significant impacts visible in the food security of Nepal. Question remains- how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the food security in Nepal? The secondary data were used to find the answer to the question. Because of lockdown, the food security has been threatened by the reduction of purchasing power of the household as well as disruption of national and international food supply chains. 

scholarly journals Resilience of Meat Supply Chains during and after COVID-19 Crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
Gunta Grinberga-Zalite ◽  
Irina Pilvere ◽  
Aina Muska ◽  
Zenija Kruzmetra
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Open Economy ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Meat Sector

To protect their population during pandemic outbreak, countries apply several preventive restrictions and even shut down their economies to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Since food supply chains in developed countries are complicated and dependent on their external suppliers, these restrictions cause not only economic but also social tension. The limited access to raw materials, packaging material and labour force result in the increasing prices of food products, which forces the population to refuse from quality food products. In the European Union food supply chains, which are negatively affected by protectionist elements and COVID-19 restrictions, the room for manoeuvre of Latvia’s small open economy is limited. The current paper analyses the impact of COVID-19 crisis on global food industry, providing a deeper insight into the case study of Latvia meat supply chains’ experience in overcoming pandemic risks. The research outcomes lead to the conclusion that although COVID-19 impact during first breakout has not caused unexpected and serious consequences for the meat sector companies, the main internal and external risks are associated with further uncertainty and instability in the EU markets. Based on extensive analysis of meat sector specifics, the authors have summarized the recommendations for meat sector companies to better prepare for further potential pandemic situations. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01257 Full Text: PDF

scholarly journals Peri-Urban Organic Agriculture and Short Food Supply Chains as Drivers for Strengthening City/Region Food Systems—Two Case Studies in Andalucía, Spain

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Yacamán Ochoa ◽  
Alberto Matarán Ruiz ◽  
Rafael Mata Olmo ◽  
Álvaro Macías Figueroa ◽  
Adolfo Torres Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
City Region ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Short Food Supply Chains

Discussions on food security in the Global North have raised questions about the capacity of peri-urban organic agriculture to provide sufficient healthy food for the urban market. Dealing with food security requires more attention to how to protect peri-urban organic farming systems from urban pressures while strengthening the sustainability of local food systems. Given that short food supply chains (SFSCs) have been proven to be effective at reconnecting people with food production, this study focuses on identifying the barriers that hinder their development and the opportunities derived from the comparative advantage provided by their urban proximity. This study is based on documentary and empirical research addressing food supply chain characteristics in the organic sector. This study is focused on Mediterranean peri-urban agriculture, where, historically, there have been close relationships between the city and the countryside. These relationships are based on the fact that many cities are traditionally located next to areas of high agricultural activity, where a wide variety of vegetables is produced almost continuously due to the relatively mild winter climate. This study deals with two medium-sized metropolitan areas in Andalucía in the south of the Iberian Peninsula—the coastal city of Málaga, which is of a tourist-residential nature, and the inland urban agglomeration of Granada. Our research shows, when compared with other studies, that the local organic food sector seems to have great potential to find innovative solutions based on a collective approach, local embeddedness, and collective knowledge and by prioritizing horizontal and sustainable processes at the local/regional scale.

scholarly journals Food for Thought: Addressing Urban Food Security Risks through Urban Agriculture

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1267
Author(s):  
Jorinda Steenkamp ◽  
Elizelle Juanee Cilliers ◽  
Sarel Stephanus Cilliers ◽  
Louis Lategan
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Urban Agriculture ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Potential Method ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Urban Food Security ◽  
Food Supply Chains

Food and nutrition security has been neglected in the planning field for reasons of a lack of connection between food and planning and the perception that agricultural activities have no place in the modernizing world. However, considering increasing climate change impacts and implications on industrialized agriculture, there is a clear need to establish shorter, more sustainable agricultural production practices and food supply chains. Urban agriculture is proposed as a potential method of intervention for planners to support sustainable food production and supply chains. The paper utilized a multiple-case study design to analyze four best practice examples of urban agriculture in the Global South to uncover its potential to address food security associated risks and contribute to sustainable development objectives. The results delivered evidence of the potential to harness the multifunctionality of urban agriculture to not only improve the food security of the most at-risk populations, but to also address other urban risks such as unemployment, community decline and food deserts. The recommendations for this paper relate to establishing a food security department, mapping and encouraging more sustainable food supply chains, creating land uses and zonings specific to urban agriculture and to utilize its multifunctionality to address other urban risks.

People, process and policy perspectives on food security

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir M. Sharif ◽  
Zahir Irani
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Security Framework ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Topical Area

Purpose This paper aims to identify a wider holistic view of the inter-relationships relating to food security from a people, process and policy perspective. This is so that decision and policy makers can identify relevant alignments between disparate and conflicting priority elements in the field. Noting the complexity of inter-related challenges posed by food security, food supply chains and growing concerns over food waste, this paper also seeks to identify cross-cutting themes relative to shared energy and water security objectives also. The authors develop and adapt an existing food security framework to encapsulate the above culminating in a systems archetype that defines the intimate feed-forward relationship. Design/methodology/approach As a viewpoint piece, there is no empirical work to report in this paper. An exploratory review of the literature has allowed for the extraction of food security concerns that need the attention of stakeholders across the enterprise to ensure robust food supply chains can be created, maintained and sustained through a better understanding and usage of information, knowledge and data. Findings The authors present an adaptation of an existing food security framework to include dimensions of people, process and policy through the inclusion of a number of broad thematic areas including (amongst others): management best practices; sustainable business operations; consumption rights, behaviours and trading policies; lifecycle management; recovery and extraction; regulatory changes and policy reform; environmental and climate change impacts. The authors outline an overarching systems archetype based upon a combination of the Limits of Growth, Tragedy of the Commons and Attractiveness Principle archetypes. In doing so, providing decision and policy makers to identify and explore a range of food security scenarios and potential outcomes. Research limitations/implications This paper is a position paper that provides strategic directions on the impact of people, process and policy aspects on the development of food security policies from the perspective of local and central government decision makers. Practical implications This paper provides a holistic worldview on key aspects of the global and national food security debate that seeks to assist decision and policy makers frame their decisions and policy interventions across dimensions of people, process and policy. Social implications Noting the impact of securing and maintaining the production, supply, consumption, health benefits and waste recovery aspects of food this paper provides a perspective on the inter-relationships that exist within the topical area and the socially mediated inter-relationships which exist and should be considered when engaging with the food security and food supply chain topical area. Originality/value The paper raises awareness and highlights inherent inter-relationships within the food debate for the benefit of decision and policy makers present at the organisational level, specifically around people, process and policy.

scholarly journals Framing food security and food loss statistics for incisive supply chain improvement and knowledge transfer between Kenyan, Indian and United Kingdom food manufacturers

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Wayne Martindale ◽  
Isobel Wright ◽  
Lilian Korir ◽  
Arnold M. Opiyo ◽  
Benard Karanja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Food Loss ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Specific Food

The application of global indices of nutrition and food sustainability in public health and the improvement of product profiles has facilitated effective actions that increase food security. In the research reported here we develop index measurements further so that they can be applied to food categories and be used by food processors and manufacturers for specific food supply chains. This research considers how they can be used to assess the sustainability of supply chain operations by stimulating more incisive food loss and waste reduction planning. The research demonstrates how an index driven approach focussed on improving both nutritional delivery and reducing food waste will result in improved food security and sustainability. Nutritional improvements are focussed on protein supply and reduction of food waste on supply chain losses and the methods are tested using the food systems of Kenya and India where the current research is being deployed. Innovative practices will emerge when nutritional improvement and waste reduction actions demonstrate market success, and this will result in the co-development of food manufacturing infrastructure and innovation programmes. The use of established indices of sustainability and security enable comparisons that encourage knowledge transfer and the establishment of cross-functional indices that quantify national food nutrition, security and sustainability. The research presented in this initial study is focussed on applying these indices to specific food supply chains for food processors and manufacturers.

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