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Keywords = food self-sufficiency

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24 pages, 833 KiB  
Article
Food Security Strategy for Mercosur Countries in Response to Climate and Socio-Economic Challenges
by Yuliia Zolotnytska, Julian Krzyżanowski, Marek Wigier, Vitaliy Krupin and Adrianna Wojciechowska
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7280; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167280 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
In the face of growing climate, economic, and social challenges, an integrated strategy is required to ensure the resilience of food systems in vulnerable regions is strengthened. This study aims to formulate strategies for increasing food security in Mercosur countries amid extreme climate [...] Read more.
In the face of growing climate, economic, and social challenges, an integrated strategy is required to ensure the resilience of food systems in vulnerable regions is strengthened. This study aims to formulate strategies for increasing food security in Mercosur countries amid extreme climate events and socio-economic and environmental crises. These strategies are based on an analysis of the following: (i) changes in food security levels (Global Food Security Index); (ii) self-sufficiency in major agricultural products; (iii) key economic and environmental drivers between 2012 and 2022; and (iv) an assessment of the effectiveness of public policies aimed at alleviating the effects of poverty and drought between 2022 and 2023. A SWOT analysis was conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of food systems, as well as the opportunities and threats facing Mercosur countries. Significant differences in food systems’ availability and resilience have been revealed by the results, and the need for integrated regional policies in the countries studied has been highlighted. Recommendations for the region include developing infrastructure and logistics; investing in research and innovation; combatting poverty and inequalities; adapting to the effects of climate change; promoting the local production of fertilisers and biofuels; and implementing coherent monitoring mechanisms (GFSI). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Security, Food Recovery, Food Quality, and Food Safety)
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18 pages, 3409 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Resilience and Self-Sufficiency in the Water–Energy–Food Nexus: A Case Study of Hydroponic Greenhouse Systems in Central Greece
by G.-Fivos Sargentis, Errikos Markatos, Nikolaos Malamos and Theano Iliopoulou
Earth 2025, 6(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030095 - 11 Aug 2025
Viewed by 696
Abstract
The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus provides a critical framework for addressing the interconnected challenges of resource scarcity and sustainability in the face of global population growth and climate variability. This study investigates the application of a WEF nexus approach within the operation and management [...] Read more.
The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus provides a critical framework for addressing the interconnected challenges of resource scarcity and sustainability in the face of global population growth and climate variability. This study investigates the application of a WEF nexus approach within the operation and management of a hydroponic greenhouse unit in Central Greece, with the aim of enhancing the unit’s energy autonomy and resource sufficiency. Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation method, optimizes water and land use but relies heavily on energy inputs, necessitating integrated solutions. Through the case study approach, we analyze the unit’s resource dynamics per hectare of water (68 MWh equivalent from desalination), energy (125 MWh or 321 GJ/ha plus 74.5 GJ/ha for fertigation), and food production (~295 tons, which contains 50,250,000 kcal and corresponds to 210 GJ) and propose technical solutions: photovoltaic panels as greenhouse coverings and water rain harvesting regulated with a small reservoir. These innovations could reduce external energy dependency by 90–95% and water use by 25–35%. Energy efficiency is quantified using the energy ratio (ER) and net energy gain (NEG), while resilience is assessed via system reliability under resource variability. Conclusively, this study illustrates how a nexus-based approach can effectively upgrade systems into climate-resilient, resource-efficient models as the abundance or scarcity of one source affects the availability or limitation of the others. Overall, the approach presented in this study could also be used to safeguard the supply chains in megacities. Full article
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26 pages, 2459 KiB  
Article
Urban Agriculture for Post-Disaster Food Security: Quantifying the Contributions of Community Gardens
by Yanxin Liu, Victoria Chanse and Fabricio Chicca
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(8), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9080305 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 386
Abstract
Wellington, New Zealand, is highly vulnerable to disaster-induced food security crises due to its geography and geological characteristics, which can disrupt transportation and isolate the city following disasters. Urban agriculture (UA) has been proposed as a potential alternative food source for post-disaster scenarios. [...] Read more.
Wellington, New Zealand, is highly vulnerable to disaster-induced food security crises due to its geography and geological characteristics, which can disrupt transportation and isolate the city following disasters. Urban agriculture (UA) has been proposed as a potential alternative food source for post-disaster scenarios. This study examined the potential of urban agriculture for enhancing post-disaster food security by calculating vegetable self-sufficiency rates. Specifically, it evaluated the capacity of current Wellington’s community gardens to meet post-disaster vegetable demand in terms of both weight and nutrient content. Data collection employed mixed methods with questionnaires, on-site observations and mapping, and collecting high-resolution aerial imagery. Garden yields were estimated using self-reported data supported by literature benchmarks, while cultivated areas were quantified through on-site mapping and aerial imagery analysis. Six post-disaster food demand scenarios were used based on different target populations to develop an understanding of the range of potential produce yields. Weight-based results show that community gardens currently supply only 0.42% of the vegetable demand for residents living within a five-minute walk. This rate increased to 2.07% when specifically targeting only vulnerable populations, and up to 10.41% when focusing on gardeners’ own households. However, at the city-wide level, the current capacity of community gardens to provide enough produce to feed people remained limited. Nutrient-based self-sufficiency was lower than weight-based results; however, nutrient intake is particularly critical for vulnerable populations after disasters, underscoring the greater challenge of ensuring adequate nutrition through current urban food production. Beyond self-sufficiency, this study also addressed the role of UA in promoting food diversity and acceptability, as well as its social and psychological benefits based on the questionnaires and on-site observations. The findings indicate that community gardens contribute meaningfully to post-disaster food security for gardeners and nearby residents, particularly for vulnerable groups with elevated nutritional needs. Despite the current limited capacity of community gardens to provide enough produce to feed residents, findings suggest that Wellington could enhance post-disaster food self-reliance by diversifying UA types and optimizing land-use to increase food production during and after a disaster. Realizing this potential will require strategic interventions, including supportive policies, a conducive social environment, and diversification—such as the including private yards—all aimed at improving food access, availability, and nutritional quality during crises. The primary limitation of this study is the lack of comprehensive data on urban agriculture in Wellington and the wider New Zealand context. Addressing this data gap should be a key focus for future research to enable more robust assessments and evidence-based planning. Full article
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28 pages, 2191 KiB  
Article
An Evaluation of Food Security and Grain Production Trends in the Arid Region of Northwest China (2000–2035)
by Yifeng Hao and Yaodong Zhou
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1672; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151672 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Food security is crucial for social stability and economic development. Ensuring food security in the arid region of Northwest China presents unique challenges due to limited water and soil resources. This study addresses these challenges by integrating a comprehensive water and soil resource [...] Read more.
Food security is crucial for social stability and economic development. Ensuring food security in the arid region of Northwest China presents unique challenges due to limited water and soil resources. This study addresses these challenges by integrating a comprehensive water and soil resource matching assessment with grain production forecasting. Based on data from 2000 to 2020, this research projects the food security status to 2035 using the GM(1,1) model, incorporating a comprehensive index of soil and water resource matching and regression analysis to inform production forecasts. Key assumptions include continued historical trends in population growth, urbanization, and dietary shifts towards an increased animal protein consumption. The findings revealed a consistent upward trend in grain production from 2000 to 2020, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. Corn and wheat emerged as the dominant grain crops. Certain provinces demonstrated comparative advantages for specific crops like rice and wheat. The most significant finding is that despite the projected growth in the total grain output by 2035 compared to 2020, the regional grain self-sufficiency rate is projected to range from 79.6% to 84.1%, falling below critical food security benchmarks set by the FAO and China. This projected shortfall carries significant implications, underscoring a serious challenge to regional food security and highlighting the region’s increasing vulnerability to external food supply fluctuations. The findings strongly signal that current trends are insufficient and necessitate urgent and proactive policy interventions. To address this, practical policy recommendations include promoting water-saving technologies, enhancing regional cooperation, and strategically utilizing the international grain trade to ensure regional food security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Food Security and Healthy Nutrition)
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31 pages, 2472 KiB  
Article
Increase in Grain Production Potential of China Under 2030 Well-Facilitated Farmland Construction Goal
by Jianya Zhao, Fanhao Yang, Yanglan Zhang and Shu Wang
Land 2025, 14(8), 1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081538 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
To promote high-quality agricultural development and implement the “storing grain in the land” strategy, the construction of Well-Facilitated Farmland (WFF) plays a critical role in enhancing grain production capacity and optimizing the spatial distribution of food supply, thereby contributing to national food security. [...] Read more.
To promote high-quality agricultural development and implement the “storing grain in the land” strategy, the construction of Well-Facilitated Farmland (WFF) plays a critical role in enhancing grain production capacity and optimizing the spatial distribution of food supply, thereby contributing to national food security. However, accurately assessing the potential impact of WFF construction on China’s grain production and regional self-sufficiency by 2030 remains a significant challenge. Existing studies predominantly focus on the provincial level, while fine-grained analyses at the city level are still lacking. This study quantifies the potential increase in grain production in China under the 2030 WFF construction target by employing effect size analysis, multi-weight prediction, and Monte Carlo simulation across multiple spatial scales (national, provincial, and city levels), thereby addressing the research gap at finer spatial resolutions. By integrating 2030 population projections and applying a grain self-sufficiency calculation formula, it further evaluates the contribution of WFF to regional grain self-sufficiency: (1) WFF could generate an additional 31–48 million tons of grain, representing a 5.26–8.25% increase; (2) grain supply in major crop-producing regions would expand, while the supply–demand gap in balanced regions would narrow; and (3) the number of cities with grain self-sufficiency ratios below 50% would decrease by 11.1%, while those exceeding 200% would increase by 25.5%. These findings indicate that WFF construction not only enhances overall grain production potential but also facilitates a transition from “overall supply-demand balance” to “structural security” within China’s food system. This study provides critical data support and policy insights for building a more resilient and regionally adaptive agricultural system. Full article
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32 pages, 9140 KiB  
Article
The Synergistic Evolution and Coordination of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus in Northeast China: An Integrated Multi-Method Assessment
by Huanyu Chang, Yongqiang Cao, Jiaqi Yao, He Ren, Zhen Hong and Naren Fang
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6745; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156745 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 360
Abstract
The interconnections among water, energy, and food (WEF) systems are growing increasingly complex, making it essential to understand their evolutionary mechanisms and coordination barriers to enhance regional resilience and sustainability. In this study, we investigated the WEF system in Northeast China by constructing [...] Read more.
The interconnections among water, energy, and food (WEF) systems are growing increasingly complex, making it essential to understand their evolutionary mechanisms and coordination barriers to enhance regional resilience and sustainability. In this study, we investigated the WEF system in Northeast China by constructing a comprehensive indicator system encompassing resource endowment and utilization efficiency. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) of the WEF system was quantitatively assessed from 2001 to 2022. An obstacle degree model was employed to identify key constraints, while grey relational analysis was used to evaluate the driving influence of individual indicators. Furthermore, a co-evolution model based on logistic growth and competition–cooperation dynamics was developed to simulate system interactions. The results reveal the following: (1) the regional WEF-CCD increased from 0.627 in 2001 to 0.769 in 2022, reaching the intermediate coordination level, with the CCDs of the food, water, and energy subsystems rising from 0.39 to 0.62, 0.38 to 0.60, and 0.40 to 0.55, respectively, highlighting that the food subsystem had the most stable and significant improvement; (2) Jilin Province attained the highest WEF-CCD, 0.850, in 2022, while that for Heilongjiang remained the lowest, at 0.715, indicating substantial interprovincial disparities; (3) key indicators, such as food self-sufficiency rate, electricity generation, and ecological water use, functioned as both core constraints and major drivers of system performance; (4) co-evolution modeling revealed that the food subsystem exhibited the fastest growth, followed by water and energy (α3  > α1 >  α2 > 0), with mutual promotion between water and energy subsystems and inhibitory effects from the food subsystem, ultimately converging toward a stable equilibrium state; and (5) interprovincial co-evolution modeling indicated that Jilin leads in WEF system development, followed by Liaoning and Heilongjiang, with predominantly cooperative interactions among provinces driving convergence toward a stable and coordinated equilibrium despite structural asymmetries. This study proposes a transferable, multi-method analytical framework for evaluating WEF coordination, offering practical insights into bottlenecks, key drivers, and co-evolutionary dynamics for sustainable resource governance. Full article
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22 pages, 2125 KiB  
Article
Challenges and Opportunities of Oxalis tuberosa Molina Cultivation, from an Andean Agroecological and Biocultural Perspective
by Andrés Campoverde Caicedo and Orlando Meneses Quelal
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146470 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
This study examines the agroecology and bioculturality of Oxalis tuberosa Molina, in the Montúfar canton, Carchi province, Ecuador, an area where this Andean tuber is cultivated at altitudes above 3000 m and in soils with a pH between 5.3 and 7.8. The research [...] Read more.
This study examines the agroecology and bioculturality of Oxalis tuberosa Molina, in the Montúfar canton, Carchi province, Ecuador, an area where this Andean tuber is cultivated at altitudes above 3000 m and in soils with a pH between 5.3 and 7.8. The research was conducted in the Producampo Producers Association, composed of 33 active members, of which 87.5% are women, with an average age of 51.25 years. Oxalis tuberosa constitutes an important crop in their integrated agroecological production systems (IAPSs): the production of bio-inputs in SIPA systems is predominantly self-sufficient, with 75% of producers using exclusively their own organic fertilizers, mainly compost and vermicompost, and showing low dependence on external inputs, whether organic (12.5%) or chemical (25%); the latter are applied in small doses of about 5 kg every six months in secondary crops. The research adopted a mixed methodological approach, integrating semi-structured interviews for qualitative analysis using Atlas.ti and descriptive statistical analysis with specialized software. Of the total Oxalis tuberosa production, 80% is intended for personal consumption and 20% is sold at local markets. Cultivated ecotypes include “blanca” (70%) and “chaucha” (30%), both of which are resistant to pests but susceptible to frost. Families dedicate between 32 and 80 h per week to production, with an average of 56 h. The findings highlight the potential of Oxalis tuberosa to improve the food resilience of Andean communities and suggest that revaluing this crop and its traditional practices can improve agricultural sustainability in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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29 pages, 8743 KiB  
Article
Coupled Simulation of the Water–Food–Energy–Ecology System Under Extreme Drought Events: A Case Study of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, China
by Huanyu Chang, Naren Fang, Yongqiang Cao, Jiaqi Yao and Zhen Hong
Water 2025, 17(14), 2103; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142103 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 489
Abstract
The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region is one of China’s most water-scarce yet economically vital areas, facing increasing challenges due to climate change and intensive human activities. This study develops an integrated Water–Food–Energy–Ecology (WFEE) simulation and regulation model to assess the system’s stability under coordinated [...] Read more.
The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region is one of China’s most water-scarce yet economically vital areas, facing increasing challenges due to climate change and intensive human activities. This study develops an integrated Water–Food–Energy–Ecology (WFEE) simulation and regulation model to assess the system’s stability under coordinated development scenarios and extreme climate stress. A 500-year precipitation series was reconstructed using historical drought and flood records combined with wavelet analysis and machine learning models (Random Forest and Support Vector Regression). Results show that during the reconstructed historical megadrought (1633–1647), with average precipitation anomalies reaching −20% to −27%, leading to a regional water shortage rate of 16.9%, food self-sufficiency as low as 44.7%, and a critical reduction in ecological river discharge. Under future recommended scenario with enhanced water conservation, reclaimed water reuse, and expanded inter-basin transfers, the region could maintain a water shortage rate of 2.6%, achieve 69.3% food self-sufficiency, and support ecological water demand. However, long-term water resource degradation could still reduce food self-sufficiency to 62.9% and ecological outflows by 20%. The findings provide insights into adaptive water management, highlight the vulnerability of highly coupled systems to prolonged droughts, and support regional policy decisions on resilience-oriented water infrastructure planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Perspectives on the Water–Energy–Food Nexus)
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23 pages, 2363 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Factors of LULC Change and Ecosystem Service Value in Guangdong: A Perspective of Food Security
by Bo Wen, Biao Zeng, Yu Dun, Xiaorui Jin, Yuchuan Zhao, Chao Wu, Xia Tian and Shijun Zhen
Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141467 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 293
Abstract
Amid global efforts to balance sustainable development and food security, ecosystem service value (ESV), a critical bridge between natural systems and human well-being, has gained increasing importance. This study explores the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of land use changes and ESV from [...] Read more.
Amid global efforts to balance sustainable development and food security, ecosystem service value (ESV), a critical bridge between natural systems and human well-being, has gained increasing importance. This study explores the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of land use changes and ESV from a food security perspective, aiming to inform synergies between ecological protection and food production for regional sustainability. Using Guangdong Province as a case study, we analyze ESV patterns and spatial correlations from 2005 to 2023 based on three-phase land use and socioeconomic datasets. Key findings: I. Forestland and cropland dominate Guangdong’s land use, which is marked by the expansion of construction land and the shrinking of agricultural and forest areas. II. Overall ESV declined slightly: northern ecological zones remained stable, while eastern/western regions saw mild decreases, with cropland loss threatening grain self-sufficiency. III. Irrigation scale, forestry output, and fertilizer use exhibited strong interactive effects on ESV, whereas urban hierarchy influenced ESV independently. IV. ESV showed significant positive spatial autocorrelation, with stable agglomeration patterns across the province. The research provides policy insights for optimizing cropland protection and enhancing coordination between food production spaces and ecosystem services, while offering theoretical support for land use regulation and agricultural resilience in addressing regional food security challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecosystem, Environment and Climate Change in Agriculture)
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25 pages, 5504 KiB  
Article
Quantifying China’s Food Self-Sufficiency and Security Transition Based on Flow and Consumption Analyses
by Huanyu Chang, Yong Zhao, Yongqiang Cao, Rong Liu, Wei Li, He Ren, Zhen Hong and Jiaqi Yao
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5965; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135965 - 28 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 945
Abstract
This study aims to develop and apply an improved flow–consumption statistics (FCS) method to more accurately assess food and grain self-sufficiency in China. By incorporating dynamic food loss and waste estimates, the FCS method enhances accuracy and spatial resolution. Results from 2010 to [...] Read more.
This study aims to develop and apply an improved flow–consumption statistics (FCS) method to more accurately assess food and grain self-sufficiency in China. By incorporating dynamic food loss and waste estimates, the FCS method enhances accuracy and spatial resolution. Results from 2010 to 2022 show a national decline in food self-sufficiency to 82%, while grain self-sufficiency remains above 90%. Nineteen provinces failed to achieve food self-sufficiency, with notable regional disparities. Northern inland areas outperform southern coastal regions, which rely more on inter-regional transfers. The average national food loss and waste rate reached 22.8%. The FCS method provides a robust tool for policymakers to evaluate food security risks amid shifting socio-economic and environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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19 pages, 838 KiB  
Article
From Local Crafts to Market Niches: The Marketing Potential of Artisanal Foods in Ukraine
by Yuriy Danko, Viktoriya Kolodiazhna, Olena Nifatova, Anhelina Halynska, Kseniia Bliumska-Danko, Oleksandr Kovbasa and Liuba Turchyn
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2249; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132249 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 994
Abstract
This study explores the marketing potential of artisanal agri-food products in Ukraine by examining their structural, regional, and consumer dimensions. Amid growing interest in sustainable and locally rooted food systems, the research addresses how artisanal production can evolve from informal crafts to market-recognized [...] Read more.
This study explores the marketing potential of artisanal agri-food products in Ukraine by examining their structural, regional, and consumer dimensions. Amid growing interest in sustainable and locally rooted food systems, the research addresses how artisanal production can evolve from informal crafts to market-recognized value. This study is based on an analysis of official statistical data and an analysis of registered artisanal food producers in specific areas in Ukraine. It emphasizes the role of household-based agriculture in securing raw materials, the impact of cultural–tourism infrastructure on product visibility, and the benefits of self-sufficiency in raw material sourcing for product differentiation. The findings reveal that regions with stronger household production and cultural engagement demonstrate higher activity in the artisanal food sector. This study concludes that artisanal food production offers a viable pathway for regional development, rural resilience, and the strengthening of local food identity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Security and Sustainability)
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21 pages, 18928 KiB  
Article
Optimizing the Food–Energy–Water Nexus: A Multi-Objective Spatial Configuration Framework for High-Density Communities
by Jie Zheng, Hengyu Li, Lulu Sun, Mingxuan Li and Yukun Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2196; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132196 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Global urbanization and climate change are intensifying challenges in the sustainable management of the Food–Energy–Water (FEW) system. This study introduces a multi-objective optimization framework that redefines urban spaces through a dual rooftop-ground hierarchy, interlinkage nodes for mapping material and energy flows, and the [...] Read more.
Global urbanization and climate change are intensifying challenges in the sustainable management of the Food–Energy–Water (FEW) system. This study introduces a multi-objective optimization framework that redefines urban spaces through a dual rooftop-ground hierarchy, interlinkage nodes for mapping material and energy flows, and the application of NSGA-II optimization to balance food production, energy output, and costs. The framework was applied to a case study area, generating non-dominated solutions with diverse resource-cost configurations. The findings revealed that optimal scenarios could meet 40.6% of local energy demands and exceed 102.9% of local grain demands, while maintaining economic viability. This approach bridges resource systems theory and spatial planning practice, providing economically viable pathways for high-density cities to transform into hybrid production-consumption spaces, effectively addressing the dual pressures of urbanization and climate change. Full article
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12 pages, 228 KiB  
Article
When Access Is Not Enough: The Role of Utilization Barriers in Nutrition Security and Cardiometabolic Risk
by Maha Almohamad, Ruosha Li, Natalia I. Heredia, Jayna M. Dave, Eric E. Calloway, Anjail Z. Sharrief and Shreela V. Sharma
Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 2031; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17122031 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Background: Food and nutrition security are key social determinants of cardiometabolic health. While food security reflects access to sufficient food, nutrition security incorporates the quality, consistency, and usability of food that supports long-term health. However, few studies have examined how household-level barriers to [...] Read more.
Background: Food and nutrition security are key social determinants of cardiometabolic health. While food security reflects access to sufficient food, nutrition security incorporates the quality, consistency, and usability of food that supports long-term health. However, few studies have examined how household-level barriers to food utilization shape these relationships. Objective: This study assessed whether tangible (e.g., equipment, storage) and intangible (e.g., time, knowledge) food utilization barriers modify the associations between food and nutrition security and cardiometabolic outcomes in low-income adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 486 low-income adults across five U.S. states. Participants reported household food security (USDA 18-item module), nutrition security (four-item scale), and utilization barriers (eight-item scale, categorized into tangible and intangible subscales). Self-reported diagnoses of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes were combined into a cardiometabolic outcome. Mixed-effects logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic and program participation factors, were used to assess associations and effect modification. Results: Higher nutrition security was associated with lower odds of cardiometabolic conditions (AOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.41–0.83). Tangible barriers significantly modified the relationship between nutrition security and hypertension (p-interaction = 0.04), with stronger protective effects observed in households without such barriers. No significant moderation effects were found for intangible barriers or for food security. Conclusions: Tangible household barriers influence the protective association between nutrition security and cardiometabolic outcomes. Public health strategies should address not only food access but also the practical resources required to store, prepare, and consume healthy foods effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Cardiovascular Disease)
15 pages, 668 KiB  
Article
Maternal Nutrition and Gestational Weight Gain Among Saudi Women: Riyadh Mother and Baby Follow Up Study (RAHMA Explore)
by Hayfaa Wahabi, Amel Fayed, Samia Esmaeil and Ansam Ayman Almadhun
Healthcare 2025, 13(12), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121446 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Background: Maternal nutrition is one of the main determinants of healthy pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate maternal nutritional risks and their relationship with gestational weight gain (GWG) among Saudi women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in [...] Read more.
Background: Maternal nutrition is one of the main determinants of healthy pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate maternal nutritional risks and their relationship with gestational weight gain (GWG) among Saudi women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the antenatal clinics of a university hospital. The FIGO Nutrition Checklist was used to investigate the nutritional habits of pregnant women attending their regular antenatal visits. The FIGO tool includes a brief food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and total nutritional risk score (NRS). Data on other variables were collected, including participant demographics and obstetric history. Current weight and height were extracted from nursing notes of the current visit, and the pre-pregnancy weight was self-reported by participants. GWG was reported and participants were classified according to IOM Guidelines. All data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 30, release September 2024) and p < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results: A total of 570 pregnant women participated in the study, of whom 96% had at least one nutritional risk. More than 90% of participants reported sufficient folic acid intake, normal hemoglobin level and adequate meat and poultry intake. Only 23.9% of participants had sufficient fish intake and 24.6% reported proper sun exposure. Additionally, 10% of participants scored poorly on the FFQ, while 30% were classified as high-risk based on NRS scale. Poor nutritional scores were not associated with any clinical or socioeconomical variables. According to IOM guidelines, 26.3% of the participants achieved adequate GWG, while 49.5% had inadequate GWG, and 24.2% exceeded recommended GWG. Inadequate GWG was most common among those with low pre-pregnancy BMI (60%), followed by overweight (43.2%) and obese (37%) women. Neither parity nor nutritional scores significantly influenced GWG. Conclusions: Although poor nutritional quality and high nutritional risk are relatively uncommon among Saudi women, the prevalence rates remain consistent across all sociodemographic groups. This suggests widespread, uniform patterns of suboptimal dietary habits within the community. While GWG was not affected by nutritional status or parity of the participants, nearly half of participants had inadequate GWG, particularly those with a low pre-pregnancy BMI. Full article
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20 pages, 2119 KiB  
Article
Quantifying the Impacts of Grain Plantation Decline on Domestic Grain Supply in China During the Past Two Decades
by Yizhu Liu, Jing Zhu, Tingting He and Hang Liu
Land 2025, 14(6), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061283 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 577
Abstract
An adequate food supply is a core issue for sustainable development worldwide. Amid greater instability in the food supply triggered by more armed conflicts, trade disputes, and climate change, a decline in grain cultivation area still plagues many regions. China, a major food [...] Read more.
An adequate food supply is a core issue for sustainable development worldwide. Amid greater instability in the food supply triggered by more armed conflicts, trade disputes, and climate change, a decline in grain cultivation area still plagues many regions. China, a major food producer globally, is a case in point. The truth is that at the moment, the formulation and implementation of policies as well as academic discussions regarding this issue are predominantly based on the sown area of grains, overlooking the fundamental role co-played by population, yield efficiency, and sown area in determining food supply. Furthermore, the commonly used indicator, the non-grain cultivation rate, fails to directly reflect the impact of the phenomenon on the grain supply. To address these gaps, this study introduces trend-change detection and factor-contribution analysis, uses long-term grain sown area data to identify regions with significant grain retreat, and quantifies the relative influence of population shifts, crop yield improvements, and sown area changes on food supply. Key findings include the following: China’s total grain production maintained steady growth from 2003 to 2023, far exceeding conventional food security thresholds. Temporary reductions in grain sown area (2015–2019, 2021–2022) were offset by rising yields, with no substantial decline in supply. Twelve provinces/municipalities, Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Sichuan, Chongqing, and Hainan, exhibited substantial declines in grain plantation. However, Sichuan and Shaanxi achieved counter-trend growth in food supply, while Ningxia and Guizhou experienced frequent fluctuations. The sown area was not always the dominant factor in per capita grain availability. Yield increases neutralized cropland reduction in Sichuan, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Ningxia, whereas population inflows outweighed the sown area effect in the other eight provinces. The study concludes that China’s grain cropland reduction has not yet posed a threat to national food security. That said, the spatial concentration of these affected regions and their ongoing output reductions may raise domestic grain redistribution costs and intensify inter-regional conflicts over cropland protection. Meanwhile, population influx plays a similarly important role to that of grain plantation decline in the grain supply. Considering that, we believe that more moderate measures should be adopted to address the shrinkage of grain planting areas, with pre-set food self-sufficiency standards. These measures include, but are not limited to, improving productivity and adopting integrated farming. Methodologically, this work lowers distortions from normal annual cropland fluctuations, enabling more precise identification of non-grain production zones. By quantifying the separate impacts of population, crop yield, and sown area changes, it supplements existing observations on grain cropland decline and provides better targeted suggestions on policy formulation and coordination. Full article
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