scholarly journals COVID-19, Food Insecurity and Health in Liberia

2021 ◽  
pp. 84-90
Author(s):  
Forkpah Pewee ◽  
Helena Mulbah
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Quality Health ◽  
Effect Of Food ◽  
The Government ◽  
Societal Problems ◽  
Mother Earth ◽  
Google Search

Background: This paper highlights empirical evidence on how COVID-19 has caused havoc for food security and health in Liberia. With the alarming rise in poverty, low agricultural production and poor health among Liberians, the presence of COVID-19 further intensified the magnitude of difficulty in resolving these societal problems. COVID-19 has created a scene of chaos for poor families; which have to keep struggling through it to live healthy and have equal access to food items.  Methods: A literature search was conducted using 5 electronic databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cross Ref, Google Scholar and Google Search Engine. The inclusion criteria included: research that focused on COVID-19 and food security; peer-reviewed academic journals published in English in the last 5 years period; open access articles with accessible abstracts and full text; and commentaries/discussion papers. Results: In spite of the efforts applied by the Government of Liberia in minimizing COVID-19 impacts on food insecurity and health, citizens still feel the huge effect of food insecurity and poor health due to high unemployment rate and low purchasing power.  Conclusion: COVID-19 has created unfavorable food insecurity situations and adverse effects on quality health and wellbeing of citizens.        Food security and quality health are of interest now due to the fact that most Liberians depend on food items to survive and live healthy lives. And if proper care is not taken to reverse the unwanted course of food insecurity, thousands of Liberians would suffer from starvation, malnutrition and untimely death, even after coronavirus has left mother    earth.

scholarly journals Food insecurity, psychosocial health and academic performance among college and university students in Georgia, USA

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 476-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilana G Raskind ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Carla J Berg
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Food Security ◽  
University Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
College And University ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Effect Of Food

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether psychosocial health mediates the association between food insecurity and grade point average (GPA) among college and university students.DesignData for the present study are from a longitudinal cohort study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed mediation hypothesis. Food insecurity was measured using the US Department of Agriculture’s Six-Item Short Form. Psychosocial health was operationalized as a latent factor with three indicators: depression, anxiety and hope. Validated scales were used to measure each indicator. GPA was self-reported.SettingSeven colleges and universities in Georgia, USA.ParticipantsStudents aged 18–25 years were recruited via email and surveyed every four months over a two-year period (analytic n 2377).ResultsApproximately 29 % of students were food insecure. In the final SEM, food insecurity was associated (standardized β, se) with poorer psychosocial health (0·22, 0·03, P<0·0001) and poorer psychosocial health was associated with a lower GPA (−0·21, 0·03, P<0·0001). The indirect effect of food security status on GPA, as mediated by psychosocial health, was significant (−0·05, 0·01, P<0·0001) and accounted for 73 % of the total effect. After accounting for psychosocial health, the direct effect of food security status on GPA was not significant (−0·02, 0·02, P=0·43).ConclusionsPsychosocial health may be an important mechanism through which food insecurity affects academic performance among college and university students. Multicomponent interventions that address immediate food security needs as well as co-occurring mental health and academic concerns are needed to ensure student success.

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

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Adusei
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Marketing ◽  
Time Range ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of Crises on Food Security in Lebanon: Results from a National Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8753
Author(s):  
Maha Hoteit ◽  
Youssef Al-Atat ◽  
Hussein Joumaa ◽  
Suheir El Ghali ◽  
Rania Mansour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The People ◽  
Food Consumption Score ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

This study aims to explore the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among Lebanese households since the ordeals of COVID-19, economic crisis, and Beirut port explosions. At the core of the study, a mobile application entitled Nutrition Assessment System (NAS) that simplified the data collection was used as toolkit and a technical test was carried out in all Lebanese governorates between November 2020 and March 2021. Findings show that food insecurity is an immediate problem for households in Beirut and in many governorates in Lebanon. Nine in every 16 households ate less than 2 meals per day and more than 70% of them skipped their meals to spare food. Even though half the population studied had a low food consumption score, 82.4% of the people were not relying on livelihood coping strategies. However, more than three out of ten of these households relied on at least three food-based coping strategies. In addition, as for the livelihoods, this assessment found that most Lebanese households reported a drop in income along with an expansion in debt incurrence in the last 24 months to be able to buy food. Improving food security in Lebanon requires effort not only on the part of the government, but through regional and international actions.

METODOLOGÍAS DE MEDICIÓN DE LA SEGURIDAD ALIMENTARIA NUTRICIONAL EN LA REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
María Flor Feuermann ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Policy ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Human Right ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Argentine Republic ◽  
Education And Care ◽  
The Government

ABSTRACT Introduction: food is a human right and a basic need for their subsistence and development. enough food is produced worldwide to supply all inhabitants and satisfy their caloric and nutritional needs. But the mere fact of producing them does not ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all. Therefore, the correct measurement of nutritional food insecurity is essential for a better understanding of this phenomenon, allowing better communication between society, decision-makers and the political agenda. Objectives: analyze the strengths and limitations of the methodologies used to measure nutritional food security in the Argentine Republic between 1984 and 2017. Materials and methods: a systematic review of articles published in five electronic databases was carried out: Scopus, SciELO, PubMed, BVS and Redalyc. The categories analyzed were the nutritional food security measurement methodologies (when people enjoy food security in addition to a healthy environment, as well as adequate health, education and care), with their type of technique, level, duration and dimension evaluated, limitations and strengths. The search terms used were food insecurity, food security, hunger, food sovereignty, food policy, food availability, nutritional programs, nutritional policies and food assistance. Results: after the search, 22 articles were selected for analysis. Conclusions: all the methodologies analyzed take partial aspects. A methodology has not yet been developed that reflects the multisectoral (food, agricultural, governmental, economic, social, etc.) and multidimensional (access, availability, use and stability) nature of the concept of nutritional food security. Having an adequate measurement of nutritional food security is essential to assess the state of nutritional food insecurity in the Argentine Republic, the government policies that are developed under this concept and verify its impact on the health and nutrition of the Argentine population. Key words: food security; food insecurity; hunger; nutrition policy; Argentina.

scholarly journals Measuring And Mapping The State Of Food Insecurity In Rajasthan, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Rajput Swati ◽  
Arora Kavita
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Global Issue ◽  
The Government ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Very High

Food insecurity is a global issue that persists at various scales and intensity. It is linked to irregularity or uncertainty of food, water and fuel and can develop under the influence of multiple factors. Food availability, accessibility, consumption and stability are the four broad dimensions of food security. This paper analyses the relationship between these four dimensions and food insecurity for 33 districts in Rajasthan, India, using the data collected from the published documents, periodicals and websites of the government or other authentic sources. To analyse the link between these four dimensions, several indicators were taken into consideration. The collected data was used to rank the districts based on their level of food insecurity. Thus, the results include categorization of the districts into four zones based on the values of the variables. The results are presented through maps, which show the spatial distribution of food insecurity. It can be concluded, that the districts of Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Rajsamand, Dhaulpur and Jalore have a very high level of food insecurity.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity and its Effect on Mental Health: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 18-24
Author(s):  
Hamna Zahid
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Effect Of Food

Introduction: Food security is a rising concern worldwide. It is estimated that more than one billion people lack adequate supply of dietary energy and that at least half that amount suffers from micronutrient deficiencies. It is influenced by several factors: income, employment, race/ethnicity and disability, which adversely affect health. Food security has been considered as a risk factor for depression, stress and anxiety. Aims & Objectives: The research aimed to find the effect of food insecurity on mental health using systematic analysis. Place and duration of study: Data was gathered using Google Scholar, Medline, Embase, Science Direct and books from studies conducted between 2015 and 2020. Material & Methods: Systematic analysis was conducted with references to the literature. Results: This review showed a strong link of food insecurity with mental health status like depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the tests of depression and mental health in both secured and foodinsecure food areas should be mandatory at the primary health level. It is suggested that food insecurity interventions on national and regional levels may help reduce the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress and improve the overall mental health status of the community.

scholarly journals The Impact of Covid-19 on Food Security. A qualitative analysis of the rise in London’s existing food insecurity due to the financial impact of Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-50
Author(s):  
Leandra Geyser
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Financial Impact ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: The lockdown, enforced by government to limit the spread of Covid-19, has resulted in economic standstill equating to decreased working hours, pay cuts and job losses which has caused an increase in food insecurity. In the latest global food security report, 3.4 million people in the UK alone were found to be moderately to severely food insecure. Since the lockdown began, 8 million people have reported food insecurity which disproportionately effects those most vulnerable. This study aims to determine who these vulnerable groups to food insecurity are in the UK and what needs to be done to facilitate positive change and minimise future inequalities. Methods: This observational quantitative study makes use of the Understanding Society Covid-19 survey data which forms part of a longstanding longitudinal study that has acted as a representative of all households within the UK since 2009. Access to raw data was granted by the UK Data Service and was analysed using the appropriate SPSS tests. The original sample was stratified to be representative of London, which then consisted of 1849 respondents. Selected questions relating to financial and food bank use were analysed using SPSS and compared between February (pre-lockdown) and April (post-lockdown). Results: Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) respondents and those not born in the UK had significantly less monthly income than their counterparts in February and remained significantly lower during the lockdown. These groups also had an increased dependency on foodbanks since the start of the pandemic. Conclusion: BAME communities and those not born in the UK are revealed to be the most vulnerable groups to food insecurity. The government has taken steps to mitigate the negative financial impact of the pandemic for some, yet many had to rely on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to fill in the gaps. The current health crisis provides an opportunity for change and the UK government should act now to prevent many more becoming victims to food insecurity.

The Effect of Economic and Social Infrastructure on Household Food Security in Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-201
Author(s):  
Dyah Wulan Sari ◽  
Putri Candra Anggi Yudha ◽  
Wenny Restikasari
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
Electricity Use ◽  
Living Things ◽  
Transportation Modes ◽  
Food Shortages ◽  
The Government ◽  
Household Heads

Food is a basic requirement for living things. This study aims to analyze the effects of economic infrastructure, social infrastructure and household characteristics on food security in Indonesia using the Johnsson and Toole (1991) methods. There were 285,908 households studied originating from the 2015 SUSENAS data. The model used in this study was the general ordered logistics model. Based on the results of the study there were 29.51% of food security, 25.12% of vulnerable food, 23.14% of food shortages and 22.33% of households at food insecurity. The results of this study also revealed that ownership of transportation modes, electricity use, fuel use, education of household heads and household health insurance significantly affected food security. The government program in the form of giving poor rice (RASKIN) provides poor results reducing the chance offood security by 11% and increasing the chances of food insecurity by 6%.

scholarly journals Effect of Food Expenditure on Farming Households’ Welfare in Osun State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-90
Author(s):  
R.O. Babatunde ◽  
A.E. Omoniwa ◽  
A.O. Adekunle ◽  
G.T. Oyeleke
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Agricultural Policies ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Farm Mechanization ◽  
Food Expenditure ◽  
Effect Of Food ◽  
Analytical Tools ◽  
Farming Households

Abstract Food and nutrition security remain Africa’s most fundamental challenge for human welfare and economic growth. In this study, recent survey data from Osun State, Nigeria, was used to examine the effect of food expenditure on farming households’ welfare in Nigeria. Logistic and OLS regression models were the analytical tools used. Food Insecurity Gap (FIG) and Squared Food Insecurity Gap (SFIG) were used to capture the severity of food insecurity among the households. The results showed that, all households sampled consume rice, beans, vegetable, fish and oil as basic food items, while only 32% of them consume potatoes. The regression results showed that the household size, per capita income, dependency ratio and age were the highly significant factors influencing food expenditure. However, the coping strategy that was mostly adopted by the farmers in the study area was to cut down on the numbers of food items consumed. Therefore, it was recommended that farm mechanization should be encouraged for optimal land use and productivity. In all, promoting agricultural policies with appropriate price incentives that focus on intensification, diversification and resource-stabilizing innovations will create more wealth for all categories of farming households and this in turn will ensure food security, especially in an era of economic deregulation.

scholarly journals Good Governance of Food Security in Nunavut

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Stecyk
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Strategic Thinking ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
The Government ◽  
Government Of Canada

Food insecurity is not a new issue in Nunavut, Canada, but it is one that is not yet resolved. In Nunavut, the Government of Canada primarily through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada manages food security. In 2011, to aid the issue of food insecurity, the Government of Canada created the program called Nutrition North Canada (NNC). This paper will identify the values and mandate of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and Government of Nunavut and state the current status, challenges, and health impact of food security in Nunavut. Lastly, it will determine if the Government of Canada is following the principles of good governance with the Nutrition North program, and suggest improving competencies like innovativeness, strategic thinking and building collaborative relationships by expanding agriculture and aquaculture in Nunavut to assist in tackling food insecurity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document