Zero Hunger: Health, Production, Economics and Sustainability

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

A severe problem for humanity is the extreme poverty of a significant part of the planet. Malnutrition and hunger are the cause of severe diseases, epidemics and death in the world’s poorest regions. Increasing economic development and productivity are key to achieving the goal of zero hunger. Undoubtedly, this is a complex problem that requires union and joint work from mixed disciplines in order to be rectified. The use of crop and livestock techniques that increase productivity and production in developing countries requires genetic research on seeds and animals. Moreover, it is necessary to develop a sustainable form of agriculture that respects ecosystems and adapts to climate change. All this requires international cooperation to provide the necessary investments in infrastructure and technology while adopting the necessary measures to avoid market distortion in terms of volume and prices.

This Topic aims to bring together research aimed at eradicating hunger in the world from a multifaceted point of view. We welcome contributions covering a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to, food safety, health aspects, sustainable crops, commercial practices, legal regulations, trade, business practices, investment, etc. We invite scholars and researchers to submit their original research, empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and case studies that illuminate the myriad dimensions of the fight against hunger.

Prof. Dr. Richard John Roberts
Prof. Dr. José-María Montero
Prof. Dr. María del Carmen Valls Martínez
Prof. Dr. Viviane Naimy
Prof. Dr. José Manuel Santos-Jaén
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Economies economies	2.1	4.0	2013	21.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Resources resources	3.6	7.2	2012	26.1 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Agriculture agriculture	3.3	4.9	2011	19.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Agronomy agronomy	3.3	6.2	2011	17.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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19 pages, 2005 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Growth and Bioactive Compound Production in Split Gill Mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) Using Methyl Jasmonate

by Preuk Chutimanukul, Siripong Sukdee, Kittichai Boonmee, Ornprapa Thepsilvisut, Onmanee Prajuabjinda, Ubonwan Saesiw, Pattama Sriumpai and Hiroshi Ehara

Resources 2025, 14(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14010003 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 648

Abstract

The split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) is a valuable natural resource with high nutritional value and diverse bioactive metabolites, underscoring its potential for sustainable applications. By applying elicitors, this study highlights the quality enhancement of S. commune fruiting bodies, a commercially [...] Read more.

The split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) is a valuable natural resource with high nutritional value and diverse bioactive metabolites, underscoring its potential for sustainable applications. By applying elicitors, this study highlights the quality enhancement of S. commune fruiting bodies, a commercially significant resource. While elicitors have been shown to stimulate beneficial bioactive compound production, research on their use in S. commune remains limited. This study applied methyl jasmonate (MeJA) at various concentrations (0, 4, 13, 22, 31, and 40 µM) to optimize growth, improve nutritional value, promote triterpenoid and phenolic compound synthesis, and boost antioxidant activity in S. commune. The results demonstrated that MeJA’s effects on growth and bioactive compounds are concentration-dependent. A concentration of 22 µM was identified as the most effective, resulting in the highest growth performance, including cap diameter (2.01 cm), fresh weight (24.10 g), and biological efficiency (15.21%). Furthermore, all MeJA treatments significantly enhanced triterpenoid, phenolic compound, and antioxidant activity compared to the control. These findings present a promising approach to enhance the sustainable use of S. commune as a natural resource by improving its quality and bioactive properties. Additionally, this research contributes to understanding the role of MeJA in promoting the growth and production of bioactive compounds in mushrooms, offering insights for advancing mushroom-based natural resource management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Zero Hunger: Health, Production, Economics and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 1161 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Hop Residue Reuse on the Chemical and Sensory Properties of Craft Beer

by Cesar I. Mejia-Llontop, Carlos E. Tirado-Rodríguez, Alanis Acosta-Baca, Maylee Aguayo-Flores, Manuel Ascate-Pasos, Carmen Ayala-Jara, Gilbert Rodriguez, Eudes Villanueva and Elza Aguirre

Resources 2025, 14(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14010002 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 630

Abstract

Hops are an important component of beer brewing, providing aromatic and bittering properties that are essential to consumer appeal. A significant amount of hop residue is generated in the dry-hop brewing process that cannot be reused due to bittering residues that disqualify them [...] Read more.

Hops are an important component of beer brewing, providing aromatic and bittering properties that are essential to consumer appeal. A significant amount of hop residue is generated in the dry-hop brewing process that cannot be reused due to bittering residues that disqualify them as animal feed or other products. The purpose of this research was to reuse four varieties of hop waste (Citra, Mosaic, Hallertau Blanc, and Mandarina Bavaria) through a repalletization process with the objective of integrating them into a new craft beer brewing process. Chemical properties such as the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and α- and β-acids were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) due to the reuse of the repelletized hops, leading to a decrease in the bitterness levels in all of the craft beers brewed with dry-hop residues. Finally, the sensory study conducted with non-habitual craft beer consumers revealed significant general acceptability for beers brewed with repelletized dry-hop residues (Mandarina Bavaria, Citra, and Mosaic). The reuse of hop residues for brewing presents a promising opportunity for further development in the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Zero Hunger: Health, Production, Economics and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 1031 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Dairy Goat Production: Socioeconomic, Environmental, and Cultural Importance Across Time (1970–2022) and Possible Scenarios (2050)

by Cayetano Navarrete-Molina, Cesar A. Meza-Herrera, Angeles De Santiago-Miramontes, Luis M. Valenzuela-Núñez, Ruben I. Marin-Tinoco, Miguel A. Soto-Cardenas and Maria A. Sariñana-Navarrete

Resources 2024, 13(12), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13120177 - 20 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Inequality, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation are some of the global challenges facing humanity. These are aggravated in the context of climate change (CC), envisioning as a utopia to guarantee food security without risking sustainability. Considering the increase in scientific attention on dairy [...] Read more.

Inequality, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation are some of the global challenges facing humanity. These are aggravated in the context of climate change (CC), envisioning as a utopia to guarantee food security without risking sustainability. Considering the increase in scientific attention on dairy goat production (DGP), we aimed to carry out an exhaustive analysis regarding the evolution of DGP to determine both its socioeconomic and cultural importance during the period 1970–2022 and its possible scenarios for 2050. Over the last half century (1970–2022), dairy goats (DG; 214.01 million heads) have shown an inventory growth of 182%, and this is estimated to increase by 53.37% over the next 28 years (2023–2050). While DGP increased 196% during 1970–2022, it is projected to increase around 71.29% by 2050. Notably, however, the economic value of DGP almost quadrupled (+375%) during 1991–2022, and the same trend is estimated for 2023–2050. Historically, Asia has excelled in both goat inventory and goat milk production volume. This research highlights the crucial role of both goats and DG in the socioeconomic issues in various regions of the world, as they most often represent the only source of income for millions of smallholder families, particularly in developing countries. In the face of CC challenges, goats in general, and DG in particular, show an exceptional potential to be considered the “animal of the future” due to their refined and sophisticated ethological, adaptive, and physiological plasticity under generally clean, green, and ethical production schemes, mainly in marginal contexts in the arid and semi-arid zones of the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Zero Hunger: Health, Production, Economics and Sustainability)

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22 pages, 2064 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Wheat Value Chains and Vertical Price Transmission in South Africa: A Nonlinear Autoregressive Diagnostic Lag Bound Approach

by Asemahle Swapi, Joseph Akande and Yiseyon Sunday Hosu

Economies 2024, 12(12), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12120340 - 12 Dec 2024

Viewed by 539

Abstract

This study examined the vertical transmission of wheat price among the main value chain, looking at the pricing behaviour of certain role players in the wheat production/supply and the distribution of bread, which is a major staple food consumed in South Africa. A [...] Read more.

This study examined the vertical transmission of wheat price among the main value chain, looking at the pricing behaviour of certain role players in the wheat production/supply and the distribution of bread, which is a major staple food consumed in South Africa. A nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model was used to analyse the yearly time series data for the period of 2000 to 2022. The results of the stationarity test showed that all variables were of order one, I (1). The study used two pairs, namely farmgate price and retail price, and farmgate price and wholesale price, to examine the existence of asymmetry between these prices, with rainfall and temperature as control variables. The results indicate the existence of a positive long-run asymmetry of 35.9% between the farmgate price of wheat and retail price of bread, and 3.49% asymmetry between the farmgate price and wholesale price of wheat. To develop informed policies on food security, this study suggests that the government should enhance regular access to data and sustain its monitoring and communication of food price information across the whole country. For farmers, a policy on price transparency can help them to establish a public platform to share market prices, ensuring that they receive fair prices. This paper also recommends the provision of subsidies for wheat farmers to help the wheat industry, reduce the cost of bread production, and make bread more affordable and accessible for consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Zero Hunger: Health, Production, Economics and Sustainability)

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20 pages, 5433 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Transforming Agriculture: Empirical Insights into How the Digital Economy Elevates Agricultural Productivity in China

by Hao Xu, Peilin Wang and Kai Ding

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10225; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310225 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1091

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize enhancing agricultural productivity sustainably and strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems amidst rising economic uncertainties, escalating climate change risks, and geopolitical tensions. Amidst these challenges, the relentless progress of digital and information technologies heralds the [...] Read more.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize enhancing agricultural productivity sustainably and strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems amidst rising economic uncertainties, escalating climate change risks, and geopolitical tensions. Amidst these challenges, the relentless progress of digital and information technologies heralds the digital economy as a potential game-changer for agricultural productivity. In 2023, the scale of China’s digital economy reached 7.64 trillion US dollars, accounting for 42.8% of China’s GDP, with the contribution of digital economy growth to GDP growth reaching 66.45%. As a nascent yet formidable force in the global economy, the digital economy is reshaping industries worldwide, particularly the agricultural sector. Food security and sustainability could potentially be affected by the digital economy, while agricultural productivity is a crucial element of food security and sustainability. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the extent to which the digital economy (DE) contributes to agricultural technical efficiency (ATE) in the context of China and to explore the mechanisms through which this impact is mediated and the implications for regional disparities. This study delves into the Chinese context, examining the empirical evidence of how the DE bolsters ATE utilizing provincial panel data. Key findings reveal the following: (1) DE exerts a significant and positive impact on ATE, demonstrating robust effects. (2) Marketization acts as a pivotal mediation mechanism in transmitting the positive influence of DE on ATE. (3) DE fosters convergence in ATE, narrowing regional disparities. Based on these insights, we propose strategic recommendations to mitigate agricultural production risks in agricultural productivity and propel food security and sustainability in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Zero Hunger: Health, Production, Economics and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 1217 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Developing Guidelines for Azolla microphylla Production as Compost for Sustainable Agriculture

by Ornprapa Thepsilvisut, Nuengruethai Srikan, Preuk Chutimanukul, Rusama Marubodee and Hiroshi Ehara

Resources 2024, 13(11), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13110158 - 8 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1104

Abstract

Azolla is a substitute compost that has the potential to enhance nutrient cycling in agricultural systems for sustainable development. In this study, four experiments were conducted to compare the Department of Agriculture (DOA, Thailand)’s methodology for determining the suitable type and rate of [...] Read more.

Azolla is a substitute compost that has the potential to enhance nutrient cycling in agricultural systems for sustainable development. In this study, four experiments were conducted to compare the Department of Agriculture (DOA, Thailand)’s methodology for determining the suitable type and rate of animal manure and the optimal light intensity for the growth and yield of Azolla (Azolla microphylla). The results revealed that applying 100% pig manure gave the highest yield of Azolla compared to the other manures. However, there was no discernible (p > 0.05) difference in yield across the various doses (20.16, 30.16, and 40.16 gN m⁻²) of pig manure treatments, for which the minimal pig manure dosage of 20.16 gN m⁻² was chosen. For further experimentation in the optimal light intensity, the 40% shading gave the highest yield of Azolla compared to no shading or 20 and 60% shading (p ≤ 0.01). When compared with the DOA Thailand methodology (1.27 kg m⁻² of cow manure and covered with a size 32 mesh net), the findings indicated that the modified method (20.16 gN m⁻² of pig manure + 40% shading) gave a 16% greater Azolla yield than that under the DOA Thailand methodology. The current finding method can produce a monthly fresh biomass of A. microphylla of 40.7 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ with higher contents of total N (4.92%) and lower C:N ratio (≤10:1) that could release minerals relatively rapidly. Its use can be encouraged by farmers to produce their own ecofriendly biofertilizer or soil amendment for sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Zero Hunger: Health, Production, Economics and Sustainability)

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