International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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17 pages, 533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Household Vulnerability to Food Insecurity in Rural South Africa: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey Data

by Sandile Mthethwa and Edilegnaw Wale

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041917 - 17 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4544

Abstract

Using a nationally representative dataset from rural areas in South Africa, the study examines vulnerability to food insecurity using the Vulnerability as Expected Poverty framework. The dataset used was large and comprehensive to develop robust profiles of vulnerable households. This is executed employing [...] Read more.

Using a nationally representative dataset from rural areas in South Africa, the study examines vulnerability to food insecurity using the Vulnerability as Expected Poverty framework. The dataset used was large and comprehensive to develop robust profiles of vulnerable households. This is executed employing the sustainable livelihoods framework. The findings show that human and financial capital plays a critical role in making rural households resilient from vulnerability to food insecurity. The failure of natural resources to support agricultural livelihoods emerged as an important factor for rural household vulnerability to food insecurity. Gender-based imbalances still prevail, explaining most of the rural household vulnerability to food insecurity. Female-dominated households still endure most of the prevailing vulnerabilities to food insecurity, and this is even worse for households headed by younger females. Policies, strategies, and institutions in South Africa have not been able to address household vulnerability to food insecurity. The study identified Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal as the most vulnerable provinces where food policy has to be a top priority agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

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18 pages, 2028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating Catastrophic Risks and Food Security Threats: Effects of Land Ownership in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

by Awais Jabbar, Qun Wu, Jianchao Peng, Ali Sher, Asma Imran and Kunpeng Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9258; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249258 - 11 Dec 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3015

Abstract

In the wake of environmental challenges, the adoption of risk management strategies is imperative to achieve sustainable agricultural production and food security among the Pakistani farmers of Punjab. For a deeper insight into farmers’ adaptive behavior towards climate change, this study explored the [...] Read more.

In the wake of environmental challenges, the adoption of risk management strategies is imperative to achieve sustainable agricultural production and food security among the Pakistani farmers of Punjab. For a deeper insight into farmers’ adaptive behavior towards climate change, this study explored the role of land tenancy in the adoption of risk management instruments, such as off-farm diversification, improved varieties, and crop insurance. Off-farm diversification was found to be a preferred instrument among landless tenants. The study also employed a multivariate probit model that further signified the role of land tenure in risk-related decisions. Apart from land tenancy, the results identified the prominence of risk perception, information access, and extension access in adoption decisions. This study also investigated the association between risk management approaches and food security indicators (household hunger scale, food consumption score). Analysis revealed a significant association between risk management tools and food security indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

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13 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of a Household Food Garden Intervention on Food Security in Lesotho

by Corinna May Walsh, Michelle Shannon Fouché, Mariette Nel and Frederik Booysen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8625; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228625 - 20 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4614

Abstract

Food insecurity is a challenge in the developing world, where many are finding healthy food inaccessible due to poverty. A pre-test, post-test design was applied to determine the impact of a vegetable gardening intervention in 25 experimental and 25 control households in Lesotho. [...] Read more.

Food insecurity is a challenge in the developing world, where many are finding healthy food inaccessible due to poverty. A pre-test, post-test design was applied to determine the impact of a vegetable gardening intervention in 25 experimental and 25 control households in Lesotho. Information about sociodemographic conditions and indicators of food security was collected by trained fieldworkers. As evidenced by the Living Poverty Index of 2.5, the sample was characterized by high levels of poverty. Although almost no households were scored very low or low using the Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning (MAHFP) tool, less than half of households were categorized as food-secure. Household Dietary Diversity (HDD) showed infrequent intake of vegetables and fruits and regular intake of fats and sugar. After intervention, the percentage of households with a low HDD score improved significantly in the intervention group (12%) compared to the control group (40%) (95% CI (2.5%; 50.7%)). Despite this, the percentage of households that consumed vegetables during the previous day was still below 30%. Food gardens have the potential to improve availability of food and frequency of vegetable consumption, but harsh environmental conditions need to be considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

19 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Place Effects and Chronic Disease Rates in a Rural State: Evidence from a Triangulation of Methods

by Mohamed Shabani Kariburyo, Lauri Andress, Alan Collins and Paul Kinder

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6676; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186676 - 14 Sep 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3726

Abstract

High rates of chronic diseases and increasing nutritional polarization between different income groups in the United States are issues of concern to policymakers and public health officials. Spatial differences in access to food are mainly blamed as the cause for these nutritional inequalities. [...] Read more.

High rates of chronic diseases and increasing nutritional polarization between different income groups in the United States are issues of concern to policymakers and public health officials. Spatial differences in access to food are mainly blamed as the cause for these nutritional inequalities. This study first detected hot and cold spots of food providers in West Virginia and then used those places in a quasi-experimental method (entropy balancing) to study the effects of those places on diabetes and obesity rates. We found that although hot spots have lower rates of chronic diseases than non-hot spots and cold spots have higher rates of chronic diseases than non-cold spots—the situation is complicated. With the findings of income induced chronic disease rates in urban areas, where most hot spots are located, there is evidence of another case for "food swamps." However, in cold spots which are located mainly in rural areas, higher rates of chronic diseases are attributed to a combination of access to food providers along with lacking the means (i.e., income for low-income households) to form healthier habits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

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15 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Rural Food-Insecure Families’ Perceptions of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: A Qualitative Study

by Lindsey Haynes-Maslow, Annie Hardison-Moody, Megan Patton-Lopez, T. Elaine Prewitt, Carmen Byker Shanks, Lauri Andress, Isabel Osborne and Stephanie Jilcott Pitts

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176390 - 2 Sep 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5699

Abstract

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical program that helps reduce the risk of food insecurity, yet little is known about how SNAP addresses the needs of rural, food-insecure residents in the United States (U.S.). This study examines how rural, food-insecure [...] Read more.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical program that helps reduce the risk of food insecurity, yet little is known about how SNAP addresses the needs of rural, food-insecure residents in the United States (U.S.). This study examines how rural, food-insecure residents perceive SNAP. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 153 individuals living in six diverse rural regions of Arkansas, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and West Virginia. SNAP was described as a crucial stop-gap program, keeping families from experiencing persistent food insecurity, making food dollars stretch when the family budget is tight, and helping them purchase healthier foods. For many rural residents interviewed, SNAP was viewed in a largely positive light. In efforts to continue improving SNAP, particularly in light of its relevance during and post-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, policymakers must be aware of rural families’ perceptions of SNAP. Specific improvements may include increased transparency regarding funding formulas, budgeting and nutrition education for recipients, effective training to improve customer service, connections among social service agencies within a community, and increased availability of automation to streamline application processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

20 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Curated Food System: A Limiting Aspirational Vision of What Constitutes “Good” Food

by Lauri Andress, Carmen Byker Shanks, Annie Hardison-Moody, T. Elaine Prewitt, Paul Kinder and Lindsey Haynes-Maslow

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6157; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176157 - 25 Aug 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4299

Abstract

In an effort to elucidate an aspirational vision for the food system and explore whether the characteristics of such a system inadvertently set unattainable standards for low-wealth rural communities, we applied discourse analysis to the following qualitative datasets: (1) interviews with food experts [...] Read more.

In an effort to elucidate an aspirational vision for the food system and explore whether the characteristics of such a system inadvertently set unattainable standards for low-wealth rural communities, we applied discourse analysis to the following qualitative datasets: (1) interviews with food experts and advocates, (2) scholarly and grey literature, (3) industry websites, and (4) email exchanges between food advocates. The analysis revealed eight aspirational food system discourses: production, distribution, and infrastructure; healthy, organic, local food; behavioral health and education; sustainability; finance and investment; hunger relief; demand-side preferences; romanticized, community led transformations. Study findings reveal that of eight discourses, only three encompass the experiences of low-wealth rural residents. This aspirational food system may aggravate the lack of autonomy and powerlessness already experienced by low-wealth rural groups, perpetuate a sense of failure by groups who will be unable to reach the aspirational food vision, silence discourses that might question those that play a role in the inequitable distribution of income while sanctioning discourses that focus on personal or community solutions, and leave out other policy-based solutions that address issues located within the food system. Further research might explore how to draw attention to silenced discourses on the needs and preferences of low-wealth rural populations to ensure that the policies and programs promoted by food system experts mitigate poor diets caused by food insecurity. Further research is needed to inform policies and programs to mitigate food insecurity in low-wealth rural populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

14 pages, 1043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural SNAP Participants and Food Insecurity: How Can Communities Leverage Resources to Meet the Growing Food Insecurity Status of Rural and Low-Income Residents?

by Emily DeWitt, Rachel Gillespie, Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Kathryn M. Cardarelli, Stacey Slone and Alison Gustafson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176037 - 19 Aug 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6912

Abstract

The burden of obesity disproportionately influences poor health outcomes in rural communities in the United States. Various social and environmental factors contribute to inadequate food access and availability in rural areas, influencing dietary intakes and food insecurity rates. This study aims to identify [...] Read more.

The burden of obesity disproportionately influences poor health outcomes in rural communities in the United States. Various social and environmental factors contribute to inadequate food access and availability in rural areas, influencing dietary intakes and food insecurity rates. This study aims to identify patterns related to food insecurity and fruit and vegetable consumption within a SNAP-eligible and low-income, highly obese rural Appalachian community. A prospective cohort was implemented to identify gaps in resources addressing obesity and food insecurity challenges. SAS 9.4 software was used to examine differences in dietary intakes and shopping practices among SNAP participants. Among participants (n = 152), most reported an annual household income less than USD 20,000 (n = 90, 60.4%), 29.1% reported food insecurity, and 39.5% reported receiving SNAP benefits within the last month. The overall mean FV intake was 3.46 daily servings (95% CI: 3.06–3.91) among all participants. SNAP participation was associated with food insecurity (p = 0.007) and those participating in SNAP were two times more likely to report being food insecure (OR = 2.707, 95% CI: 1.317, 5.563), relative to non-participants. These findings further depict the need for intervention, as the burden of food insecurity persists. Tailoring health-promoting initiatives to consider rurality and SNAP participation is vital for sustainable success among these populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

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14 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions of the Food Environment and Access among Predominantly Black Low-Income Residents of Rural Louisiana Communities

by Denise Holston, Jessica Stroope, Matthew Greene and Bailey Houghtaling

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155340 - 24 Jul 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4568

Abstract

Food insecurity in rural settings is complex and not fully understood, especially from the perspective of low-income and Black residents. The goal of this study was to use qualitative methods to better understand experiences with food access and perceptions of the food environment [...] Read more.

Food insecurity in rural settings is complex and not fully understood, especially from the perspective of low-income and Black residents. The goal of this study was to use qualitative methods to better understand experiences with food access and perceptions of the food environment among low-income, predominately Black rural Louisiana residents in the United States. Data were collected from focus group discussions (FGD) and focus group intake forms. Study participants were all rural residents eligible to receive at least one nutrition assistance program. FGD questions focused on perceptions of the food environment, with an emphasis on food access. Participants (n = 44) were predominately Black and female. Over half (n = 25) reported running out of food before the end of the month. Major themes included: store choice, outshopping, methods of acquiring foods other than the grocery store, and food insecurity. Concerns around price, quality, and transportation emerged as factors negatively impacting food security. Understanding residents’ perceptions and experiences is necessary to inform contextually appropriate and feasible policy and practice interventions that address the physical environment and social conditions that shape the broader physical food environment in order to achieve equitable food access and food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

12 pages, 318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Shopping Patterns, Use of Food-Related Resources, and Proposed Solutions to Improve Healthy Food Access Among Food Insecure and Food Secure Eastern North Carolina Residents

by Mary Jane Lyonnais, Ann P. Rafferty, Stephanie Jilcott Pitts, Rebecca J. Blanchard and Archana P. Kaur

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103361 - 12 May 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4368

Abstract

In the Southern United States (U.S.), food insecurity rates are higher in rural (20.8%) versus urban communities (15%). Food insecurity can exacerbate diet-related disease. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in the use of food-related community resources and potential [...] Read more.

In the Southern United States (U.S.), food insecurity rates are higher in rural (20.8%) versus urban communities (15%). Food insecurity can exacerbate diet-related disease. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in the use of food-related community resources and potential solutions proposed among food insecure versus food secure residents. A community survey (n = 370) was conducted in rural eastern North Carolina, with questions pertaining to food security status and food-related resources. The IBM SPSS Statistics software and SAS software were used to examine differences in food-related resources, and qualitative data analysis was used to examine differences in solutions offered between food insecure and food secure participants. Of the 370 respondents, forty-eight-point-six percent were classified as food insecure. Food insecure participants were more likely to report shopping for groceries at a convenience/discount store, less likely to use their own vehicle for transportation, and less likely to purchase food from local producers. Food insecure participants were more likely to suggest solutions related to reducing the cost of healthy food, while food secure participants were more likely to suggest educational or convenience-related interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

Review

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17 pages, 520 KiB

Open AccessReview

Drought Influences on Food Insecurity in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

by Bethuel Sibongiseni Ngcamu and Felix Chari

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165897 - 14 Aug 2020

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 10916

Abstract

African countries continue to be prone to drought, caused mainly by unfavorable weather patterns and climatic variations which have an adverse impact on rural households and agricultural production. This literature review article accounted for the aforesaid drawbacks and attempted to assess the effect [...] Read more.

African countries continue to be prone to drought, caused mainly by unfavorable weather patterns and climatic variations which have an adverse impact on rural households and agricultural production. This literature review article accounted for the aforesaid drawbacks and attempted to assess the effect of drought on food insecurity in African countries. This article further sought to dissect the resilience and climate change adaptation strategies applied by African countries to mitigate the adverse effects of drought on food insecurity in rural livelihoods. The hermeneutic framework was adopted in this study, where the secondary data sources were searched from credible bibliographic and multidisciplinary databases and organizational websites. Thereafter, it was classified, mapped, and critically assessed using the qualitative data analysis software NVivo to generate patterns and themes. The NVivo program is a qualitative data analysis software package produced by QSR International and which helps qualitative researchers to organize, analyze, and find insights in qualitative data; for example, in journal articles where multilayered analysis on small or large volumes of data are required. This article has the potential to contribute in theory, concept, policy, and practice regarding best practices, resilience, and climate change adaptation strategies that can be harnessed by rural people. Furthermore, this article has the potential to shed light on the role played by traditional leadership and policy improvements in ensuring there is sufficient food during periods of drought. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining the Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Food Insecurity in Rural Areas)

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