scholarly journals The Identification of the Factors Related to Household Food Insecurity among Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia under Traditional Food Systems

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leh Law ◽  
Sulaiman Norhasmah ◽  
Wan Gan ◽  
Adznam Siti Nur’Asyura ◽  
Mohd Mohd Nasir
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Orang Asli ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Food Seeking ◽  
Water Issues

Over the course of 16 years, a high percentage of Orang Asli (OA) households in Malaysia has been found to be burdened with food insecurity. Therefore, a study was conducted to improve the understanding of the challenges faced by the OA in Peninsular Malaysia to achieve food security under traditional food systems. In this study, in-depth interview sessions, which were assisted by an interview protocol, were conducted with 61 OA women from nine villages that were selected purposefully across three states (Kelantan, Pahang, and Perak) in Peninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, thematic analysis was performed during data analysis. As a result, four themes were identified, namely (i) the failure in agriculture (sub-themes: threats from wild animals and insufficient land supply), (ii) ineffectiveness of traditional food-seeking activities (sub-themes: exhausting, tiring, dangerous, and time-consuming journey for food-seeking activities, depletion of natural commodities, reduced demands of natural commodities, and lack of equipment), (iii) weather (sub-themes: rainy and dry seasons), and (iv) water issues (subthemes: continuity of water supply and cleanliness of water). The identified modifiable factors of this issue should be incorporated into future schemes of food security intervention in order to efficiently manage the food shortage among the OA.

A Participatory Food Costing Model: In Nova Scotia

2012 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Williams ◽  
Michelle Amero ◽  
Barbara Anderson ◽  
Doris Gillis ◽  
Rebecca Green-Lapierre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Productive Research ◽  
The Many

In recognition of the growing challenge that food insecurity has on population health, a multisectoral partership in Nova Scotia has been working since 2001 to address province-wide accessibility to a nutritious diet. The participatory food costing (PFC) model has been at the forefront of provincial and national efforts to address food insecurity; a local foods component was incorporated in 2004. This model has engaged community partners, including those affected by food insecurity, in all stages of the research, thereby building capacity at multiple levels to influence policy change and food systems redesign. By putting principles of participatory action research into practice, dietitians have contributed their technical, research, and facilitation expertise to support capacity building among the partners. The PFC model has provided people experiencing food insecurity with a mechanism for sharing their voices. By valuing different ways of knowing, the model has faciliated muchneeded dialogue on the broad and interrelated determinants of food security and mobilized knowledge that reflects these perspectives. The development of the model is described, as are lessons learned from a decade of highly productive research and knowledge mobilization that have increased stakeholders’ understanding of and involvement in addressing the many facets of food security in Nova Scotia.

The Obesity Pandemic and Food Insecurity in Developing Countries

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Lowitt ◽  
Katherine Gray-Donald ◽  
Gordon M. Hickey ◽  
Arlette Saint Ville ◽  
Isabella Francis-Granderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
School Type ◽  
Farm To School ◽  
Double Burden

Overweight and obesity affect over half a billion people globally and represent major public health concerns because excess weight gain is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This chapter presents an overview of global trends in obesity, considering both developed and developing country contexts. It describes how this pandemic is rooted in the “nutrition transition” taking place around the world as a result of a globalized agri-food system that is changing the quantity, types, and desirability of foods available for consumption. In some countries, this is contributing to a “double burden of malnutrition,” as the problem of undernutrition now coexists alongside an increasing prevalence of over-nutrition. An overview of key policy responses and policy instruments that governments can utilize to address obesity is provided, recognizing that a holistic food systems response is needed to address the global challenge of obesity. The remainder of the chapter focuses on the food security and obesity challenges facing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and profiles a “farm to fork” school feeding project in the island nation of St. Kitts-Nevis that was designed to reduce obesity and improve food security among children. Implementation and key results of this integrated project are presented, including the core components of agricultural production, procurement of local produce, and children’s consumption of nutritious foods. The chapter concludes by identifying lessons for supporting “farm to school”-type projects as a possible food systems response to addressing obesity and food insecurity.

scholarly journals The State of Food (In)Security in the Trans-Himalaya, Upper-Mustang, Nepal

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 92-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishikesh Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Food Aid ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Global Issue ◽  
Food Transport

Food insecurity is a global issue, with higher prevalence of hunger in developing countries. Low crop yield and food production - due to difficult topography and traditional farming methods - combined with lower income; fluctuations in prices and supply, and low quality of food have been causing food insecurity in Nepal. This research examines food (in)security situation in Upper-Mustang, Nepal. The results are derived from the data collected through face–to-face interviews with the heads of 66 households, in-depth interviews conducted with 22 key informants, and discussions with the group of local people in different (6) places. The household food system was studied from livelihood perspectives and food (in)security was assessed in relation to self-sufficiency or production sufficiency, access, utilization, and stability of food. Households in the Trans-Himalaya acquire food from multiple sources such as farming and livestock ranching, buy food from the market, and also receive food aid for the sake of survival during the food crisis. Food security situation in terms of self-production in Upper-Mustang is at worst stage that many households are facing severe to chronic food insecurity. Studied households access marketed food, though the price they pay is very high. The worrisome issue is that there is no significant improvement in food security situation over time in the Trans-Himalaya. Study found that not the household size but dependency ratio in the household increases food insecurity. On the other hand, quality of farmland in terms of cropping intensity and availability of irrigation rather than the farm-plot size contribute for food security. The issue of food security is still a valid development policy goal for Nepal in general and for the Trans-Himalaya in particular. Accordingly, food security interventions are important. Yet, policy for interventions should look into all components of food systems, particularly providing irrigation, promoting local food varieties, and provisioning for food subsidies and food aid together with subsidies in food transport.

scholarly journals A Multi-Site Analysis of the Prevalence of Food Security in the United States, before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith T. Niles ◽  
Alyssa W. Beavers ◽  
Lauren A. Clay ◽  
Marcelle M. Dougan ◽  
Giselle A. Pignotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
First Year ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
Households With Children ◽  
Study Sites

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected food systems including food security. Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food security is important to provide support, and identify long-term impacts and needs. Objective. Our team- the National Food Access and COVID research Team (NFACT) was formed to assess food security over different U.S. study sites throughout the pandemic, using common instruments and measurements. Here we present results from 18 study sites across 15 states and nationally over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A validated survey instrument was developed and implemented in whole or part across the sites throughout the first year of the pandemic, representing 22 separate surveys. Sampling methods for each study site were convenience, representative, or high-risk targeted. Food security was measured using the USDA six-item module. Food security prevalence was analyzed using analysis of variance by sampling method to statistically significant differences. Results. In total, more than 27,000 people responded to the surveys. We find higher prevalence of food insecurity (low or very low food security) since the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to before the pandemic. In nearly all study sites, we find higher prevalence of food insecurity among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), households with children, and those with job disruptions. We also demonstrate lingering food insecurity, with high or increased prevalence over time in sites with repeat surveys. We find no statistically significant differences between convenience and representative surveys, but statistically higher prevalence of food insecurity among high-risk compared to convenience surveys. Conclusions. This comprehensive multi-study site effort demonstrates higher prevalence of food insecurity since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which in multiple survey sites continues throughout the first year of the pandemic. These impacts were prevalent for certain demographic groups, and most pronounced for surveys targeting high-risk populations.

Sovereign Debt and the Right to Food

2018 ◽  
pp. 186-209
Author(s):  
Olivier De Schutter
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Sovereign Debt ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Trade Liberalisation ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Right To Food ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
The Right ◽  
State Subsidies

Sovereign debt and the measures imposed on indebted nations, in conjunction with trade liberalisation under the WTO or other similar regimes have forced many countries to forego traditional food security schemes, particularly through state subsidies. As a result, price fluctuations in staple commodities as well as currency fluctuations have forced poorer nations to effectively surrender their food sovereignty in favour of their multilateral trade obligations, investment obligations and debt repayment agreements with both private and public lenders, particularly through the facilitation of multilateral development banks. This chapter traces the roots of food insecurity as a result of sovereign debt-related measures, policies and effects. It does so through particular paradigms, especially through the work of pertinent UN mandates. It examines in what manner the right to food, as enshrined in the ICESCR, may be fulfilled as well as how food security can co-exist alongside trade liberalisation.

scholarly journals Obesity Prevention and National Food Security: A Food Systems Approach

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lila Finney Rutten ◽  
Amy Lazarus Yaroch ◽  
Heather Patrick ◽  
Mary Story
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Improve Food Security

Interventions that cultivate sustainable food systems to promote health, prevent obesity, and improve food security have the potential for many large-scale and long-lasting benefits including improvements in social, environmental, health, and economic outcomes. We briefly summarize findings from previous research examining associations between obesity and food insecurity and discuss the need for greater synergy between food insecurity initiatives and national obesity prevention public health goals in the United States. The common ground between these two nutrition-related public health issues is explored, and the transformation needed in research and advocacy communities around the shared goal of improving population health through individual, environmental, and policy level changes to promote healthy sustainable food systems is discussed. We propose an ecological framework to simultaneously consider food insecurity and obesity that identifies levers for change to promote sustainable food systems to improve food security and prevent obesity.

scholarly journals Financial problems associated with food insecurity among public university students in Peninsular Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-423
Author(s):  
Nurulhudha Mohd Jamil ◽  
◽  
Norhasmah Sulaiman ◽  
Siti Nur’Asyura Adznam ◽  
Shamsul Azahari Zainal Badari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
University Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Public University ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Financial Problem ◽  
Financial Problems ◽  
Food Security Status

Introduction: Food is a necessity for students. Yet, students’ food expenditure is anticipated to be restrained by their financial status. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and its determinants among university students attending public universities in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: Multistage random sampling was used to select respondents from public universities in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 427 undergraduate students completed a selfadministered questionnaire at four randomly selected universities (Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Pahang and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia). The questionnaire consisted of information concerning demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, food security status, eating behaviour, financial literacy, and financial problem among university students. Frequency, chi-square, and logistic regression were used to analyse the variables. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 21.6 years, and 60.9% were found to be food insecure. Gender (χ2=5.415), origin (χ2=3.871), number of siblings (χ2=4.521), financial problem (χ2=42.364), and regular breakfast intake (χ2=5.654) were associated with food security status (p<0.05). Male respondents had 1.5 times (AOR=1.547, 95% CI: 1.006-2.380) the risk of having low food security status. Those with higher financial problems (AOR=3.575, 95% CI: 2.332-5.481) were 3.5 times more likely to be food insecure. Conclusion: The prevalence of food insecurity among public university students in Peninsular Malaysia was significantly high. Thus, intervention studies should focus on students with financial problems. Moreover, establishing a better system for an on campus food pantry or food bank is needed to counter the high prevalence of food insecurity among university students.

scholarly journals Assessment of Food Security, Anthropometric and Cognitive Function among Orang Asli Children in Pahang, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S.C. Teh ◽  
Asma’, A. ◽  
J.M. Hamid Jan ◽  
H.M. Yusof,
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Orang Asli ◽  
Forest Clearing ◽  
Security Index ◽  
Height For Age

Introduction: Forest clearing for agriculture plantations and local community settlements may triggerfood insecurity, which causes poor development, predominantly in Orang Asli children. This cross-sectionalstudy was conducted to determine the relationships between food security and anthropometric and cognitivefunction among Orang Asli children in Temerloh, Pahang. Materials and methods: A total of one hundred andsixty-seven children (ages 7 to 11) from five selected Orang Asli villages (Kampung Sungai Enggang, KampungPenderas, Kampung Pasu, Kampung Lubok Wong, and Kampung Pian) were involved in this study. The foodsecurity index was assessed using the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Instrument.Anthropometric indices were based on height-for-age and BMI-for-age Z-scores, while cognitive performancewas tested using Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (R-CPM). Results: A majority (91.6%) of therespondents reported some kind of food insecurity (12.6% household food insecure, 74.2% individual foodinsecure, and 4.8% child hunger). Rates of stunting, thinness, and overweight/obesity were 25.8%, 16.2%,and 18.0%, respectively. A majority (46.1%) of the children had average cognitive scores, followed by belowaverage (38.3%) and above average (15.6%), respectively. Height-for-age was significantly associated withcognitive function (p=0.008). Among sociodemographic factors, household size (p=0.007) and householdincome (p<0.05) were significantly associated with the food security index, whereas the educational statusof the child was significantly associated with height-for-age (p=0.013) and cognitive function (p=0.003).Conclusion: Food insecurity remains a risk factor for child development impairment in the Orang Aslicommunity. Undernutrition remains a major health concern among respondents; however, no associationwas found between food security index and cognitive function.

scholarly journals Walking the Food Security Tightrope—Exploring the Experiences of Low-to-Middle Income Melbourne Households

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Kleve ◽  
Sue Booth ◽  
Zoe Davidson ◽  
Claire Palermo
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Explanatory Mixed Methods

There is limited evidence of how Australian low-to-middle income (AUD $40,000–$80,000) households maintain food security. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods methodology, this study explored and compared the food security (FS) and insecurity (FIS) experiences of these households. An initial quantitative survey categorised participants according to food security status (the 18-item United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module) and income level to identify and purposefully select participants to qualitatively explore food insecurity and security experiences. Of the total number of survey participants (n = 134), 42 were categorised as low-to-middle income. Of these, a subset of 16 participants (8 FIS and 8 FS) was selected, and each participant completed an in-depth interview. The interviews explored precursors, strategies to prevent or address food insecurity, and the implications of the experience. Interview data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Five themes emerged from the analysis: (i) food decision experiences, (ii) assets, (iii) triggers, (iv) activation of assets, and (v) consequences and emotion related to walking the food security tightrope. The leverage points across all themes were more volatile for FIS participants. Low-to-middle income Australians are facing the challenges of trying to maintain or improve their food security status, with similarities to those described in lower income groups, and should be included in approaches to prevent or address food insecurity.

scholarly journals The Food Pharmacy Network: An Alternative Method for Addressing Food Insecurity and an Assessment of Its Effectiveness (OR02-08-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Wang ◽  
Abby Gilbert ◽  
Anke Wessels
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Food Pantries ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The number of food pantries in the U.S. has grown dramatically over 3 decades, yet food insecurity remains a persistent public health problem, consistently affecting 1 in 8 Americans. The goal of the study was to examine the impact of an intervention called The Food Pharmacy Network, designed to promote food security amongst patients of health clinics. The Food Pharmacy Network is an alliance of food pharmacies, hubs for free fresh produce within health clinics across the nation. The Network includes 15 member clinics from across the United States. While food pantries only provide food, each individual Food Pharmacy included a client-choice pantry, monthly meetings with a nutritionist or dietician to receive motivational interviewing, and targeted referrals to community services. Methods Control group participants went to traditional food pantries where they received bags of food. Using randomized parallel-group study with equal randomization, data were collected from September 2017 to September 2018; a total of 1028 adults were recruited over 1 year from traditional food pantries and randomized to the Food Pharmacy Network intervention (n = 513) or control group (n = 515), with quarterly follow-ups for 12 months. Data analyses were conducted from July 2018 to November 2018. Outcomes were food security, self-sufficiency, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Multivariate regression models were used to predict the three outcomes, controlling for age, gender, household size, income, and presence of children in the household. Results At baseline, half of the sample experienced very low food security. Over 1 year, Food Pharmacy Network patients were less than half as likely to experience very low food security, increased self-sufficiency by 5.2 points, and increased fruits and vegetables by 1.5 servings per day compared to the control group, all outcomes P < 0.01. Conclusions Our research demonstrates that Food Pharmacies are a more effective model to promote food security than short-term assistance through traditional food banks by addressing the underlying causes of poverty. The research provides convincing evidence of increased self-sufficiency and support for growth and scaling of the program to other areas. Funding Sources Rawlings Presidential Research Scholars Program. Public Service Center Scholars Program Clinton Global Initiative University

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