Food Insecurity, Dietary Diversity, and Coping Strategies in Jordan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Regional Agriculture and Food Systems Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Near East and North Africa Region

The COVID-19 pandemic affected agri-food systems worldwide. However, while the impacts differed from one country/region to another, the scholarly literature seems to focus on developed countries in the Global North. Consequently, this review scrutinizes the literature on the pandemic's impacts in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. A search on the Web of Science in March 2023 generated 334 documents, of which 151 were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. According to the bibliometric analysis, the most active nations are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. In general, the coverage of studies is better in the Gulf region than in the less developed countries of North Africa and those suffering from wars (cf. Libya, Syria, and Yemen). Studies generally focus on crop production and the downstream food chain (cf. distribution and consumption). While the pandemic influenced every pillar of food security, this research concentrates on access and utilization. Meanwhile, the lion's share of the literature deals with the pandemic's socio-economic effects, especially those linked to food (in)security and health. The pandemic, which laid bare the agri-food system vulnerabilities, should be seized to foster the transition towards more resilient agri-food systems in the NENA region.

Household food security, child dietary diversity and coping strategies among rural households. The case of Kole District in northern Uganda

Household food security, feeding practices, dietary diversity and coping strategies to household food insecurity are largely interconnected. Using a cross sectional study approach involving 162 mothers and care givers of children 0-36 months of age in Kole district of northern Uganda, this study examined the household food security status, child dietary diversity and household coping strategies. The study revealed that a slight majority of the households (55%) were food secure although with a low level of child dietary diversity experienced (68.1% for children 6-23 months age group and 55.3% for 24-36 months age group). We found that starch-based foods derived from cereals, roots and tubers were the most predominantly used food group in child feeding (82%), with limited consumption of other essential food groups, notably fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products (18% combined). Additionally, only 57% of children 0 to 6 months old were receiving exclusive breastfeeding, and the introduction of complementary foods is often delayed and not well planned for those above 6 months of age. Results also showed that a wide range of coping strategies are employed however the major ones were, reliance on less preferred food (54.9%), limiting portions of meals (35.2%), reducing number of meals taken in a day (29%), and gathering wild fruits and harvesting immature crops (29.6%). It was observed that household food security is a strong determinant of child dietary diversity, may influence feeding practices and the range of coping strategies applicable to households when they experience food insecurity. Furthermore, nutritional education, household size and livelihood diversity play a significant role in determining household food security status, child dietary diversity and coping with food insecurity within rural households. In conclusion, addressing household food security, and coping strategies can play an important role in improving child feeding practices and dietary diversity in rural communities.

Financial satisfaction, food security, and shared meals are foundations of happiness among older persons in Thailand

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between happiness and food-related behaviours and other potential factors among older persons in Thailand. This was a cross-sectional study with multistage random sampling. In total, 1,197 older (age 60 + years) persons participated in this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to obtain information about socio-demographic characteristics, health status, household chores, home gardening, financial situation, family meals, and food security. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were performed for data analysis. The analysis found that age, health status, household chores, and home gardening were found to be significantly associated with happiness. Statistically-significant associations of financial situation, family meals, and food insecurity with happiness were also observed. People who were not dissatisfied with their financial situation were happier than people who were unhappy with their financial situation. Older people who ate every meal with a family member(s) were happiest. People who had severe food insecurity were less happy than those with food security. The findings suggest the need for investment priorities on food and nutrition with a long-term policy to ensure financial self-sufficiency and food security among older persons and their family.

Impact of COVID-19 on Micronutrient Adequacy and Dietary Diversity among Women of Reproductive Age from Selected Households in Bangladesh

Women of reproductive age (WRA) are recognized as a nutritionally sensitive demographic that is vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. The purpose of this study is to determine the situation and influencing factors of diet diversity and micronutrient adequacy during the pandemic-induced economic lockdown period among women living in a selected area of Bangladesh. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall was used to measure the nutrient intake and also used for constructing the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) and nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR). Household food insecurity and coping strategies were also measured. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to identify the link between potential risk factors and MDD-W. About two-thirds (59.9%) of the study subjects did not meet the MDD-W threshold. The women's total energy and protein consumptions were 1475.1 kcal and 46.3 g, respectively, with the diversified diet group consuming more than the non-diverse diet group. Except for vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin D, all micronutrients evaluated in the diversified diet group had significantly higher NAR values than the non-diverse diet group. The mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of the overall reproductive women was 0.468 ± 0.096, and it was significantly associated with MDD-W. Another notable finding is that attainment of minimal diversity was not sufficient to achieve acceptable nutrient adequacy for women, pertaining to their low-quantity intake. In addition to this, household size, women's education, coping strategy, and the MAR were found to be significant determinants of MDD-W in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The findings of the present study therefore highlight the impending need for interventions that ensure good dietary quality for women even during crisis periods.

Food demand displaced by global refugee migration influences water use in already water stressed countries

Millions of people displaced by conflicts have found refuge in water-scarce countries, where their perceived effect on water availability has shaped local water security discourses. Using an annual global data set, we explain the effects of refugee migrations on the host countries' water stress through the food demand displaced by refugees and the water necessary to produce that food. The water footprint of refugee displacement increased by nearly 75% globally between 2005 and 2016. Although minimal in most countries, implications can be severe in countries already facing severe water stress. For example, refugees may have contributed up to 75 percentage points to water stress in Jordan. While water considerations should not, alone, determine trade and migration policy, we find that small changes to current international food supply flows and refugee resettlement procedures can potentially ease the effect of refugee displacement on water stress in water-vulnerable countries.

Is food insecurity related to sustainable and healthy eating behaviors?

In this cross-sectional study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between sustainable and healthy eating behaviors such as nutritional insecurity and a healthy and balanced diet, interest in regional and organic food products, consumption of seasonal food and avoidance of food waste, preference for locally produced foods, reduction of meat consumption, preference for eggs from free-range chickens, and sustainable fishery products, and consumption of low-fat food products in adults. The study included 410 adults who were reached through social media applications. Data were collected through an online questionnaire including the Descriptive Information Form, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and the Sustainable Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale (SHEBS). The proportion of participants determined as mildly food insecure, moderately food insecure, and severely food insecure was 10.2%, 6.6%, and 7.6%, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed that in Models 1, 2, and 3, there was a statistically significant negative association between food insecurity and the components of sustainable and healthy eating behaviors such as healthy and balanced diet (β - 0.226, p < 0.001), quality labels (β - 0.230, p < 0.001), seasonal foods, which are of avoidance of food waste (β - 0.261, p < 0.001), animal welfare (β - 0.174, p < 0.001), and fat intake (β - 0.181, p < 0.001). In conclusion, food insecurity negatively affects healthy and balanced diet behaviors, interest in regional and organic food products, seasonal food products consumption and avoidance of food waste, consumption of low-fat food products, and the choice of products such as free-range chicken eggs, and sustainable fisheries.

Covid-19 related factors to food security and dietary diversity among urban households in western Oromia, Ethiopia

Background

This study aims to assess factors associated with food security and dietary diversity among poor urban households of western Oromia, Ethiopia, after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Method

A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in May to June 2021 with 361 poor urban households in the Horo Guduru Wollega zone, western Oromia, Ethiopia. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Twenty-four hour reminder points were used to assess household dietary diversity, and household food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale tool. Data were evaluated using the statistical software SPSS version 25.0.

Results

This study showed a prevalence of food insecurity in households of 59.6%. The mean and standard deviation of household dietary diversity values were 4.19 ± 1.844. Family size (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI:3.295-21.92), monthly income (AOR = 3.52; 95% CI; 1.771-6.986), dietary diversity (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI; 3.92-18.59), knowledge (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.08-)8.347), attitude (AOR = 8.35, 95% CI:3.112-22.39) and practices against Covid-19 (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI:1.299-11.4) were factors significantly associated with food insecurity. Variables like educational status (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI:1.44-8.312), increased family size after the Covid-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI:1.02-5.04), food security (AOR = 6.7; 95% CI:4.01-19.01), knowledge (AOR = 3.96; 95% CI:1.57-10.0), attitude (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI:1.75-8.82) and practices toward coronavirus (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI:2.18-23.95) were predictors significantly associated with dietary diversity.

Conclusion

This study concluded that family size, monthly income, and dietary diversity were factors contributed to household food security. On the other hand, variables such as educational status, family size, and food security were highly relevant factors for dietary diversity after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices were also variables related to both household food security and dietary diversity. Therefore, immediate interventions such as nutrition-specific interventions can be suggested to address food insecurity and problems of inadequate food intake in poor urban households. In addition, governmental and non-governmental organizations should raise awareness and policies to support those at higher risk by developing affordable, sustainable and targeted social protection systems that ensure food security and adequate dietary intake at the household level.

Socio-demographic and geographic disparities of population-level food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand

Introduction

This study investigated the prevalence of food insecurity, and the association between socio-demographic and geographic factors and food insecurity in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The study extracted data on 5,066 persons age 15 years or older from a nationally-representative sample survey of Thai households, conducted during June-December 2021. The respondents were asked about food insecurity, socio-demographic characteristics, debt, and role of the primary household food provider. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the variables and food insecurity.

Results

Of the total sample, 28.6% had food insecurity. The highest probability of having food insecurity (p < 0.001) was observed in persons age 15-29 years, with no formal education, and in the lowest quartile of income. The highest probability of having food insecurity was found among respondents residing in the northeast, which is the poorest and with the least development status among geographic regions in Thailand. Respondents who reported having onerous personal debt and being the main household food provider were 1.4 and 2.3 times as likely to have food insecurity as those with no debt and not being the main food provider, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This suggests that government attention is required in developing policies and strategies to improve food security through addressing the socio-economic determinants, and buffer the negative impact of a national crisis on diets. Investment to improve household income and raise the educational profile of the population is needed. Addressing the regional disparities in food security requires area-specific measures which target the most vulnerable population groups.

The Ukraine–Russia War Is Deepening Food Insecurity, Unhealthy Dietary Patterns and the Lack of Dietary Diversity in Lebanon: Prevalence, Correlates and Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Due to Russia and Ukraine’s key roles in supplying cereals and oilseeds, the Russia–Ukraine war intensifies the current food availability and price challenges in Lebanon, which is a major wheat importer. Given these constraints, we conducted this study to assess the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity, low dietary diversity (DD), unhealthy dietary patterns, and the shifts in households’ food-related habits in response to the Russia–Ukraine war among a representative sample of Lebanese household’s members aged 18 years and above (N = 914). Methods: Data were collected between June and July 2022 using self-administered questionnaires; Results: Findings showed that nearly half of the households consume an undiversified diet (46%), and 55.3% ate fewer than two meals per day. The prevalence of food insecurity among Lebanese households was 74%, with one in every four households being severely food insecure. In addition, the majority of households’ members went out shopping and purchased food less than the pre-war period (68.7% and 70.3%, respectively). Furthermore, almost 68.3% of households’ members highlighted price increases for cereal products, which were the least available and most stocked items. Findings obtained through binary logistic regression also showed that food insecurity was two times higher among households with low monthly income, 35% higher among females, and three times higher among married participants; Conclusions: The impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict on food security in Lebanon requires a systems-thinking approach as well as international effort to understand the challenges and find solutions to minimize the war’s negative effects.