Food Security and Healthy Nutrition

Broiler meat remains an important source of food with immense potential for ending hunger as well as achieving food and nutrition security (SDG 2). We apply the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to time-series data spanning from 2010 to 2021 to ascertain the response of South Africa’s broiler meat supply to changes in imports, exports, and inflation. The results show that broiler supply from local producers is negatively affected by the quantity of broiler meat imported. For every unit increase in broiler meat imports, domestic broiler supply decreases by −0.12% in the long run. However, in the short run, for every 1% increase in the broiler imports, there is an increase of 0.07% in domestic broiler supply. The supply of domestic broiler meat increases by 0.37% for every 1% increase in the consumer price index in the long run, while the unit increase in the consumer price index is associated with a decrease of 2.12 in domestic broiler supply in the short run. In the short run, broiler exports have a positive relationship with domestic broiler supply. A unit increase in broiler exports is associated with a 0.04 increase in the domestic broiler supply. The earlier finding could allow for greater development of the local broiler industry through South Africa’s Poultry Masterplan, by increasing domestic broiler meat supply to discourage imports and to increase broiler exports contributing to the pressing need for job creation and food security, but the latter can exact an inhibiting effect on the accessibility of broiler meat. We concluded that the attainment of SDG 2 in South Africa is possible if policy strikes a balance between food availability and accessibility, particularly when it comes to broiler meat as it is the cheapest source of protein. This could be achieved through increased investment towards expanding domestic broiler production and promoting strategies for reasonable pricing of poultry, while giving priority to consumer health concerns. Full article

Dietary diversity is essential for healthy diets and crucial for academic research and policymaking. However, existing measures often lack conceptual clarity, which limits their interpretability. This study proposes a new framework that classifies dietary diversity indices along two dimensions: whether they account for nutritional functional dissimilarity and whether they incorporate dietary guidelines. Based on this framework, four index types are defined. Using per capita consumption data for 14 food categories across countries from 1981 to 2022, eight indices were applied to assess global dietary diversity and its variation across 13 dietary patterns. The results show a general upward trend in global dietary diversity and dietary quality, with notable regional disparities influenced by dietary patterns, resources, culture, and socioeconomic factors. This study also finds non-linear links between dietary diversity, income, and urbanization, consistent with Bennett’s Law and empirical evidence. These findings underscore the utility of the proposed indices in capturing complex dietary dynamics. This study recommends context-specific use of indices, policy attention in developing countries to maintain diversity during dietary transitions, and the development of more inclusive dietary guidelines that emphasize not only variety but also balance and nutritional function. Full article

As an important carrier for the application of digital technologies, digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in promoting the digital transformation of the grain system and ensuring food security in the current era. This study utilizes panel data from 31 provinces (municipalities) in China, spanning the years from 2006 to 2022, and constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system for grain system resilience, grounded in its core components of resistance, recovery, and transformation. The grain system resilience index is measured using the entropy method. A spatial Durbin model is employed to estimate the impact of digital infrastructure on grain system resilience, and a panel threshold model is used to analyze the nonlinear effects of digital infrastructure on grain system resilience. The research findings are as follows: (1) Both the direct and spatial spillover effects of digital infrastructure on grain system resilience are significantly positive, but considerable regional heterogeneity is observed. Due to differences in economic development levels, digital infrastructure investments, and policy priorities, the indirect and total effects of digital infrastructure on food system resilience are more pronounced in the southeast region, whereas the direct effects are more significant in the northwest region. (2) The threshold regression results show that when market integration is below the threshold value, the estimated coefficient of digital infrastructure is 0.2242, which is significant at the 1% significance level. When market integration is above the threshold value, the estimated coefficient of digital infrastructure is 0.0790, which is also significant at the 1% significance level. However, its regression coefficient significantly decreases, indicating that the impact of digital infrastructure on food system resilience will weaken as the degree of market integration increases. (3) The analysis of the attenuation boundary of spatial spillover effects shows that within a distance of 225 km, the estimated coefficients of the indirect effects of digital infrastructure on grain system resilience are positive and statistically significant at least at the 10% significance level. However, beyond 225 km, the regression coefficients become negative and insignificant, indicating that the effective boundary of the spillover effect of digital infrastructure on grain system resilience is 225 km, after which the spillover effect gradually diminishes. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the southeast region further strengthen regional digital governance collaboration to maximize spillover effects, whereas the northwest region should prioritize improving digital infrastructure and introduce digital technologies through models such as an “enclave economy” to bridge the digital divide. This study reveals the impact of digital infrastructure on grain system resilience and provides a new perspective for scientifically evaluating the spatial spillover effects of digital infrastructure. Full article

This study aimed to verify that enriching hens’ diets with pomegranate seed (PSO) and linseed oils (LSO) would maintain egg foaming and leavening capacity and improve the nutritional profile of egg-based products without compromising technological properties. It was shown in the previous studies that fortifying hen feed with PSO increased CLnA and CLA concentrations in raw eggs. In this study, two experiments with 25-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens have been carried out. Experiment 1 modified hens’ feed by incorporating PSO (0.5–1.5%) and 1.5% LSO. In Experiment 2, hens received feed containing PSO (0.5–1.5%). This research involved cake preparation, quality evaluation, and the assessment of egg white foam properties (stability, density, and gas bubble distribution). The chemical composition of sponge cake was determined. Results showed that PSO and LSO in hen feed enhanced egg leavening properties, while egg white-based foam properties matched the control group. The cakes showed improved health-promoting properties due to CLA and CLnA presence. The research confirmed that these beneficial acids were retained in the final sponge cake. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food insecurity (FI) is the ‘limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods’. Although the literature suggests a strong association between FI, socioeconomic status (SES), and health, the nature of their relationship is not well specified in vulnerable population groups such as university students. To address this gap, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of FI among university students, examine its association with various health outcomes, and explore the potential mediating effect of SES. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included a convenience sample of 394 participants from the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU (Spain). Data on SES, demographic and lifestyle factors, and health outcomes were collected between December 2021 and January 2022, using a questionnaire developed by the Food Insecurity among European University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic (FINESCOP) consortium. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed at the UPV/EHU using Cronbach’s α. FI was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) from the FAO, which was validated through testing of Rasch model assumptions. Results: Overall, 19% of university students were food insecure, with 2.5% experiencing moderate and 0.8% experiencing severe FI. Adjusted linear regression models showed that FI was associated with a higher body mass index (BMI), poorer self-rated health, and worsening health during the pandemic. SES mediated the relationship between FI and health outcomes, with the strongest mediation observed for BMI (indirect association: B = 0.25, 95% CI = −0.17–0.75; total association: B = 1.85, 95% CI = 0.14–3.56; 15.3% of mediation). Conclusions: FI is prevalent among UPV/EHU students, and it is associated with multiple negative health outcomes, partly explained by SES. To effectively address FI, higher education institutions should consider implementing comprehensive strategies. For future research, longitudinal studies would be recommended to systematically monitor FI and examine causal relationships. Full article

Objective evaluation and in-depth systematic analysis of the effectiveness of implementing a grain support policy series represent an important entry point for improving incentives to grow food, improving grain production support and protection systems, and guaranteeing national food security. Thus, we collected and organized grain support policies during the study period according to the government work reports of 31 provinces in China from 2001 to 2022 and applied a two-way fixed-effects model based on the variables constructed using textual analysis to further explore the effects of a range of grain support policies on grain production gains. The conclusions are as follows: (1) grain support policies significantly contributed to an increase in grain production; (2) grain production gains from grain support policies are more pronounced in less industrialized and disaster-affected areas; (3) a mechanism analysis showed that grain support policies enhanced grain production by expanding the scale of food cultivation, upgrading agricultural mechanization, and strengthening soil erosion control; and (4) further analysis showed that grain support policies increased pesticide use. These conclusions are of great significance for improving grain production support and protection systems, enhancing incentives for farmers to grow food and for local governments to control food, and achieving the goal of food security. Full article

This study examined the effects of varying microwave treatment durations (0–120 s) on the structural and functional properties of glycosylated soybean 7S protein. The results indicated that microwaving for 60 s significantly altered the structure of 7S, resulting in a more ordered protein configuration. The treated protein exhibited the largest particle size (152.3 nm), lowest polydispersity index (0.248), highest α-helix content (47.86%), and lowest β-sheet, β-turn, and random coil contents (12.33%, 16.07%, and 22.41%, respectively). It also showed the lowest endogenous fluorescence and surface hydrophobicity, and the highest thermal denaturation temperature (76.8 °C). Additionally, microwaving for ≤90 s led to increased peptide modifications, with carbamylation and deamidation being the most prevalent. A microwave treatment time of 60 s also notably enhanced the functional properties of glycosylated soybean 7S protein, optimizing water-holding capacity (6.060 g/g), emulsification activity, and stability (45.191 m²/g and 33.63 min). The foaming capacity was second only to the 120 s treatment (32% at 60 s versus 34% at 120 s), though the oil-holding capacity (22.73 g/g) and foaming stability (33.42%) were significantly lower than those of the controls. Microwave treatment durations exceeding or below 60 s led to the structural disintegration of the protein, diminishing most of its functional properties. This study explores the mechanism of how microwave processing time affects the structure and functional properties of glycosylated soybean 7S protein and identifies 60 s as the optimal microwave processing time. It meets the demands for healthy and delicious food in home cooking, providing scientific evidence for using microwave processing technology to enhance the nutritional value and quality of food. Full article

Armed conflict remains a significant global issue, with several studies highlighting its detrimental impact on the affected communities, making it a critical area of research. This study aimed to examine the effects of prolonged armed conflict on food security among urban households in Tigray, Ethiopia, and to examine their coping mechanisms. Primary data were collected from 740 urban households between May and June 2024. The Food Insecurity Access Scale (FIAS), Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and Food Consumption Score (FCS) were employed to assess the levels of food security, while the Livelihood Coping Strategy Index (LCSI) was used to identify coping strategies. The findings revealed that female-headed households were more affected by food insecurity than male-headed households. FIAS (FIES) scores indicated that 17% (2%) of households were food-secure, with 20% (25%) mildly, 35% (32%) moderately, and 29% (30%) severely food-insecure. The FCS analysis showed that 52% of households had poor food consumption, 33% were borderline, and 16% were acceptable. The findings show that 39% of urban households experienced hunger in the post-conflict period. Stress-level strategies are the most widely adopted coping mechanisms. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions that address the specific vulnerabilities of female-headed households and ensure the development of sustainable coping strategies to mitigate the long-term effects of food insecurity in war-affected urban settings. This study offers novel insights into the urban dimensions of food insecurity and coping strategies in post-conflict settings. Full article

Leveraging the transformative potential of digital technologies to support the farmers’ green production transformation (FGPT) is a critical catalyst for facilitating the accelerated green transformation and upgrading of agricultural systems, thereby achieving high-quality agricultural development. Using survey data from major watermelon- and muskmelon-producing regions in Henan, Shandong, and Xinjiang, and employing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Propensity Score Matching (PSM), and the Logit model, this study examines the mechanisms through which digital technology influences FGPT. The findings reveal that the adoption of digital technology significantly reduces farmers’ use of pesticides and fertilizers, with a particularly pronounced effect on pesticide reduction. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of digital technology on reducing pesticide and fertilizer usage varies across regions: while its adoption leads to significant reductions in Henan and Shandong, the positive effects in Xinjiang remain statistically insignificant. Mechanism analysis shows that digital technology enhances FGPT by reducing information asymmetry, improving market access, and enhancing precision management practices. Based on these findings, this study recommends expanding awareness campaigns to accelerate the adoption of digital technology, enhancing digital infrastructure to bridge the urban–rural digital divide, and optimizing digital technology promotion systems. These actions can be taken alongside the implementation of economic incentives and compensation mechanisms. The insights and policy recommendations from this research provide valuable guidance for China and other countries seeking to leverage digital technology for sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Algae are a complex source of crucial nutrients, including proteins, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates. The use of marine algae, specifically Sargassum species, Gracilaria species, and Spirulina species, as feed ingredients in poultry feed was examined in the current research. This study’s aims were to carry out lipid profiling, proximate analysis, and heavy metal toxicity testing, as well as to evaluate the presence of hazardous hydrocarbons in the algae and investigate the effect of the fatty acid profile of Sargassum species on broilers. The proximate analysis was conducted on the algae types containing considerable quantities of fats and proteins and a sizable quantity of omega-3 fatty acids. This research assessed the productive effectiveness of broilers with 2.5%, 6%, and 10% algal additions in their diet. Fatty acid profiling of Sargassum species was performed at 1% and 2% levels in the bursa, fat pads, heart, liver, spleen, thymus, thighs, and breast. The findings showed no significant differences in the development performance or feed utilization efficiency of broilers with 2.5%, 6%, and 10% algae supplementation in their diet. The results of fatty acid profiling showed changes in the heart, liver, and spleen at 1% and 2% supplementations levels. However, this research concludes that if algae partially replaces the imported feed proteins used in animal feed, then these can achieve maximum beneficial effects on poultry health and performance. Algae are sustainable, easy to produce, and cost-effective sources of nutrients and contain numerous bioactive compounds, which will contribute to sustainability and food safety. Full article