scholarly journals The Role of Agriculture in Ensuring Food Security in Developing Countries: Considerations in the Context of the Problem of Sustainable Food Production

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (13) ◽  
pp. 5488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Pawlak ◽  
Małgorzata Kołodziejczak
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Strategic Role

Ensuring food security has become an issue of key importance to countries with different degrees of economic development, while the agricultural sector plays a strategic role in improving food availability. The aim of this paper is to identify relationships between the undernourishment scale and selected characteristics describing the agricultural sector within identified clusters of developing countries. Typological groups of countries were separated using Ward’s method. It results from the analyses that the greatest problems with maintaining food security are observed in the developing countries with a high share of agriculture in their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adverse conditions hindering agricultural production and deficient infrastructure. Based on research results desirable and tailored strategies for food security improvement in individual clusters were developed. Promoting investments in agricultural infrastructure and extension services along with adopting measures aimed at increasing the households’ purchasing power, especially those in rural areas, appear to be key drivers for improving both food availability and food access. The paper focuses not only on identifying the reasons of undernourishment, but also contributes to recognition of the most effective ways to solve the hunger problem under a country’s unique conditions. It offers a comprehensive perspective for the policy formulation in various areas world-wide, which may be of interest to scholars and policy makers.

scholarly journals Whose problem is it anyway? Narratives and counter-narratives and their impact on woodfuel policy formulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64
Author(s):  
P. A. Dewees
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Rural Economy ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Counter Narratives ◽  
Policies And Measures ◽  
Wood Energy ◽  
Growing Body

The perception that there were rapidly growing demands for woodfuel in developing countries was an early driver of policies and measures which had the objectives of increasing wood energy supplies or of attenuating demand. A series of compelling narratives developed around the "woodfuel crisis," in support of technocratic responses. Their shortcomings became evident with experience gained in implementation, and new narratives and counternarratives emerged, building on a growing body of research about the dynamics of woodfuel supply and demand.<br/> This paper examines the role of woodfuel narratives and counternarratives, and how they continue to inform policy. Evidence suggests that after nearly 40 years of focusing narrowly on woodfuel, policy makers remain poorly equipped to respond to the problem. Effective solutions to the problem of woodfuel must be rooted in a broader reframing of the role of trees, woodlands and forests in the rural economy, and how rights of use and access to these important resources can be mediated by policy and legislation, and supported by development investment.

scholarly journals The role of rural–urban linkages in perceived environmental effects of farmers for participation in sustainable food security plans

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naser Shafieisabet ◽  
Neginsadat Mirvahedi
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Sustainable Food

Abstract Background This study examines the rural–urban linkages about the perceived farmers' environmental effects of food security plans to participate in these plans in Iran's rural areas. We have also considered the mediating role of farmers' empowerment as the capacity of rural–urban linkages in this field. In the past, increasing food production and supply in the short term for urban and rural areas was concerned with food security. However, over time, in sustainable food security, instead of emphasizing increasing production and maximizing resource pressure, empowering farmers to become more involved in food security plans is essential. Therefore, using the capacity of rural–urban linkages and directing them towards empowering farmers reduces the negative consequences of food security plans. Methods The present research is quantitative and has been done by the descriptive-analytical method. Statistical methods in this study were performed by correlation analysis and regression using software (SPSS). In addition, the structural equation model (SEM) was performed using the least-squares method (PLS) and software (SMART PLS 3). Results The results showed that rural–urban linkages have a positive effect on empowering farmers. Empowerment of farmers affected by rural–urban linkages is effective on the environmental effects perceived of food security plans. Perceived environmental–ecological and political–cultural effects of farmers from implementing food security plans are not effective in their participation. However, socio-economic effects provide the basis for farmers' participation in the process of sustainable food security. In general, empowerment affected by rural–urban linkages in farmers' participation is effective for investment in diversifying products, improving agricultural and non-agricultural production infrastructure, and processing products. Conclusions Rural–urban linkages through the empowerment of urban specialists in formal and informal organizations are an essential step towards improving the farmers' perceived effects of implementing food security plans. This issue creates the context for increasing the participation of farmers in such plans. Thus, with increasing attention to empowering farmers in implementing sustainable food security plans, their perceived environmental effects of implementing these projects will increase. It also provides the basis for their participation in these plans.

scholarly journals Determining Food Stability to Achieve Food Security

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7222
Author(s):  
Juan García-Díez ◽  
Carla Gonçalves ◽  
Luca Grispoldi ◽  
Beniamino Cenci-Goga ◽  
Cristina Saraiva
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Food Stability ◽  
Quantitative Definition

Food security, as part as public health protection, constitutes one of the main objectives for countries aiming to ensure the health of all their citizens. However, food security is compromised worldwide by conflict, political instability, or economic crises, both in developed and developing countries. Conversely, because of the importance of agriculture to the economies of rural areas both in developed and developing countries, this sector can contribute to improving food stability, as well as to furthering food security. Thus, livestock and traditional meat products represent a key factor in ensuring food availability. Overall, biosecurity measures improve animal welfare by decreasing the occurrence of diseases that compromise the stability by causing fluctuations in the availability of meat and animal-derived food products such as milk, eggs, or traditional fermented products. As a consequence, an absence of biosecurity measures affects food security (in its quantitative definition, as described above) as well as the productive, sanitary, and environmental sustainability of the rural environment. Products of animal origin support local trade and the regional economy, while contributing to the availability of foods without great external dependence. The manufacture of foods of animal origin aims to create products that are durable and that maintain food availability for long periods of time, even during seasons with scarce resources. Thus, dry-cured or fermented meat products play an important role in food availability. Food security also refers to food access under healthy economic conditions; therefore, knowledge of the main tools that guarantee the safety of these kinds of food products is essential to achieving food stability and further food security.

scholarly journals Seed industry and seed policy reforms in Bangladesh: impacts and implications

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 989-1002
Author(s):  
Deepthi Elizabeth Kolady ◽  
Md. Abdul Awal
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Cereal Crops ◽  
High Population Density ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Seed Industry

High population density in Bangladesh implies that agricultural productivity improvement is key to ensure food security. This raises the need for increased research and development investment in the agricultural sector. Although Bangladesh has enacted various seed policy reforms since 1990s to attract the private sector, the seed sector in Bangladesh still remains less developed and relies heavily on imports for the supply of quality seeds. Unlike in Bangladesh, the seed policy reforms in India contributed to the development of a competitive seed industry in India. In this study, we examine the characteristics of seed sector in Bangladesh, conduct a comparative analysis of seed policy reforms in Bangladesh and India, and empirically examine the effect of Bangladesh seed policy reforms on cereal crops’ productivity. Results from the study have implications for seed industry stakeholders and policy makers in developing countries, particularly in designing strategies and policies for seed industry development.

scholarly journals Vocational Education and Training in Rural Zimbabwe: Attitudes and Opinions of Students, Teachers and Education Inspectors: The Case of Murewa District

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 12-29
Author(s):  
Tapiwa Emmanuel Katsande
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Education Reform ◽  
Vocational Education ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
And Training

The 2008 global economic crisis has seen young people’s career and employment prospects dwindle, particularly for those based in rural areas. Governments in both industrialised and developing countries are considering vocational education reform to meet nations’ employment and economic needs. Despite renewed interest in VET, the sentiments of students and teachers remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the views and attitudes of students, teachers and education inspectors towards VET in rural Zimbabwe. The findings revealed divergent views. It emerged that most students did not necessarily have negative views of VET, but they were put off by the low status, lack of choice and the lacklustre delivery of VET. Teachers and students alike were sceptical about the role of VET in securing employment. This study will contribute to the on-going review of Zimbabwe’s education system and will inform school managers and policy makers on curriculum development and culture change in rural communities and schools.

scholarly journals Natural Disasters and Economic Growth: The Mitigating Role of Microfinance Institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5055
Author(s):  
John Sseruyange ◽  
Jeroen Klomp
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Natural Event ◽  
Negative Effect

In this study, we explore whether microfinance institutions (MFIs) can mitigate the adverse macroeconomic consequences of natural disasters. The provision of capital immediately following a natural event is recognized as one of the necessary conditions for a fast economic recovery. However, one concern is that a large majority of natural disasters occur in developing countries where households and the private sector have only limited access to the formal banking system. As an alternative, MFIs may fill up this gap in providing liquidity in the form of microcredit. The existing evidence on how MFIs respond to disaster effects is foremost based on case and micro-level evidence. In turn, the focus of this study is more on the macro impact of MFI activities after a natural disaster. Based on the finding obtained from an OLS-FE model using an unbalanced panel considering more than 80 developing countries and emerging economies, we can conclude that natural disasters harm macroeconomic performance primarily through their effect on the agricultural sector. However, access to lending facilities from MFIs mitigates a large part of this negative effect. Moreover, the extent to which MFIs are able to mitigate these effects depends to a great extent on their nature, i.e., their organizational structure, profitability, legal status, age, and the number of clients they serve.

Food security in the 21st century and in the role of biotechnology

foresight ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
pp. 399-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Pinstrup‐Andersen ◽  
Marc J. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Adequate Diet ◽  
The World ◽  
Productivity Gains ◽  
Global Population ◽  
Global Food

Although global food production has consistently kept pace with population growth, the gap between food production and demand in certain parts of the world is likely to remain. More than 800 million people in developing countries lack access to a minimally adequate diet. Continued productivity gains are essential on the supply side, because global population will increase by 73 million people a year over the next two decades. In this article we assess the current global food situation, look at the prospects through to the year 2020, and outline the policies needed to achieve food security for all. Emphasis is on the role that agricultural biotechnology might play in reaching this goal.

Сonceptual assessment of the implementation of the principles of inclusive rural areas development with the participation of agroholding integrated formations

Ekonomika APK ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 317 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-111
Author(s):  
Oleksandr Shpykuliak ◽  
Mykola Ihnatenko ◽  
Andrii Shvets
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Responsible Management ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Methodological Assessment

The purpose of the article is to make conceptual assessments of the implementation of the principles of inclusive rural areas development with the participation of agroholding integrated formations. Research methods. In the course of the research a number of general scientific and special methods were used, in particular: system-structural analysis and synthesis as the main methodological tool (in the analysis of directions of social responsibility and inclusive development of agroholding integrated formations); monographic (in determining the essence and methodological assessment of the role of agroholding integrated formations as integrated structures in the inclusive development of Ukraine's economy); extrapolations (with substantiation of potential and possibilities of strengthening of inclusive orientation in development of agroholding integrated formations for the future). Research results. The methodological context of inclusiveness in the effects of management in the agricultural sector of the economy in the formation of the concept of sustainability is outlined. Institutional and organizational-economic characteristics are revealed and priority roles of agroholding integrated formations in realization of principles of inclusive development of rural territories are identified. The emphasis on the direction of development of agroholding integrated formations on realization of projects of socially responsible management which will consider features of development of rural territories is defined as effective and methodically expedient. Scientific novelty. The methodological context of inclusiveness in the effects of management in the agricultural sector of the economy in the formation of the concept of sustainability is outlined. Institutional and organizational-economic characteristics are revealed and priority roles of agroholding integrated formations in realization of principles of inclusive development of rural territories are identified. The emphasis on the direction of development of agroholding integrated formations on realization of projects of socially responsible management which will consider features of development of rural territories is defined as effective and methodically expedient. Practical significance. Methodological substantiation of organizational and economic characteristics and conceptualization of the role of agroholding integrated formations in the implementation of the principles of inclusive rural areas development with proof of the need for stimulating involvement of this type of structures in the implementation of socially responsible management with projection to achieve sustainability through inclusiveness. Tabl.: 2. Refs.: 50.

scholarly journals Integration Efforts in Agriculture

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 91-96
Author(s):  
Judit Beke Lisányi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Consumer Prices ◽  
Downward Pressure ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Capital Intensive

The economic and political transition brought many challenges for the Hungarian agricultural sector. The break-up of large agricultural holdings had serious negative impacts on food production and on the export of agricultural products. Capital intensive profit-seeking intermediaries dominate the trading of agricultural goods that has injurious effects in terms of downward pressure on production prices and an increase in consumer prices. Cooperatives have a key role in effectively tackling the common challenges that small-scale producers have to face. More vertical integration along the food chain could contribute to providing rural employment and to an increase in living standards in rural areas. This study reviews the development, the specific features and the driving forces of modern cooperatives in Central Europe in general, and in Hungary in particular. The focus is on the integrator role of cooperatives and their future role in our globalised world. JEL Classification: Q10, Q13

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