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Miloradovic Z, Kovacevic J, Miocionovic J, Djekic I, Kljajevic N, Smigic N. E-commerce readiness and training needs of small-scale dairy processors in Serbia: Understanding barriers and knowledge gaps. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27442. [PMID: 38500975 PMCID: PMC10945173 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify the requirements needed for selling dairy products through e-commerce, as well as current gaps and challenges that exist for small scale dairy processors (SSDPs), and need to be addressed in order to comply with those requirements. A mixed method research design was used for training needs assessment. Qualitative (in-depth interview with 7 online platform representatives (OPRs)) and quantitative approach (survey questionnaire with 58 SSDPs) were conducted. Interview transcripts were coded and codes were grouped into seven themes. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to 146 answers from 58 SSDPs. They were divided into 4 clusters. Mean sums of responses between clusters were compared by Mann-Whitney U test. OPRs suggested that SSDPs should be provided with tools and resources to help them achieve food safety and quality targets, as well as practical knowledge and skills. They reported that it is crucial to find a solution for the cold chain transportation, for maintaining consistent product quality. Survey results showed that SSDPs use kitchen equipment (79.3%) and kitchen cleaning products (81.0%) for dairy processing. In total, 43.1% process raw milk and only 24.1% have product label on the package. Only members of cluster 3 and 4 sell their products online (73.7% and 90.0%, respectively), mostly using their own social media platforms (57.9% and 60.0%, respectively), transporting products to end buyers by themselves in hand refrigerators (47.4% and 70.0%, respectively). By analyzing the differences among clusters of SSDPs, trainings can be tailored to the characteristics and knowledge gaps of each group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorana Miloradovic
- Department of Animal Source Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11081, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Kovacevic
- Food Innovation Center, 1207 NW Naito Parkway, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97209, USA
| | - Jelena Miocionovic
- Department of Animal Source Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11081, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ilija Djekic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11081, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Kljajevic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042, Belgrade, Serbia
- Cheese Academy Association, Jurija Gagarina 182, 11070, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nada Smigic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11081, Belgrade, Serbia
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El Bilali H, Ben Hassen T. Regional Agriculture and Food Systems Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Near East and North Africa Region. Foods 2024; 13:297. [PMID: 38254598 PMCID: PMC10815245 DOI: 10.3390/foods13020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy;
| | - Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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Hassen TB, Bilali HE, Allahyari MS, Berjan S, Radosavac A, Cvijanovic D, Bogevska Z, Despotovic A, Vaško Ž. No social distancing from food: How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped student food-related activities in the Western Balkans. Nutr Health 2023:2601060221143964. [PMID: 36627198 PMCID: PMC9836841 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221143964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced food preparation and consumption habits, as well as food wastage. The pandemic also affected the lives of university students worldwide; their learning and living environments changed, influencing their eating habits. AIM The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' food-related activities in four countries in the Western Balkans: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. METHODS The research draws upon an online survey gathered through the SurveyMonkey platform in four Balkan countries-viz. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro-and used a structured questionnaire. The information was collected during the second wave of COVID-19 in October-November 2020. A total of 1658 valid responses were received. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the survey findings. RESULTS The research results suggest that the pandemic influenced students' food purchase habits, diets, and food-related behaviors and practices such as food preparation, cooking, and food waste management at the household level. In particular, students have been eating healthier and shopping less frequently during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the pandemic improved their attitude toward food wastage. CONCLUSION This study is the first to examine how students in the Balkan region perceive the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their eating habits, laying the groundwork for future studies into the disease's consequences. This and other studies will assist in preparing students and education institutions for future calamities and pandemics. The findings will also help develop evidence-based postpandemic recovery options targeting youth and students in the Western Balkans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Mohammad S. Allahyari
- Department of Agricultural Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Sinisa Berjan
- Department of Agroeconomy and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of East Sarajevo, Lukavac, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adriana Radosavac
- Faculty of Applied Management, Economics and Finance in Belgrade, University Business Academy, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Drago Cvijanovic
- Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism Vrnjačka Banja, University of Kragujevac, Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia
| | - Zvezda Bogevska
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | | | - Željko Vaško
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Allahyari MS, Marzban S, El Bilali H, Ben Hassen T. Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on household food waste behaviour in Iran. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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English A, Ding Y, Zhang Q, Kulich SJ. Underpinning Chinese international students’ stress and anxiety during the first wave of COVID-19 outbreak: The moderating role of wisdom. Front Psychol 2022; 13:983875. [PMID: 36275211 PMCID: PMC9581177 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.983875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
During the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chinese diaspora, especially Chinese international students, were subjected to greater stress than others, because they were under pressure from both fear of infection and coping with acculturation (e.g., discrimination). Consequently, more research is needed to understand the anxiety induced by COVID-19 stresses on this specific cultural group. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 stress and individuals’ anxiety, and the moderating roles of Acceptance, Reframing, and Striving (ARS) coping, the family support coping strategy, and wise reasoning. To test our predictions, we collected data from 224 Chinese international students (CIS). Results indicated a strong and positive relationship between pandemic stress and anxiety. Surprisingly, both ARS and family support coping did not moderate the association between COVID-19 stress and anxiety. Instead, wise reasoning as a potential reflective coping strategy interacted with COVID-19 stress to predict anxiety. Specifically, wise reasoning predicted more anxiety when individuals perceived a low-level of COVID-19 stress, however, such a relationship disappeared when individuals perceived a high-level of COVID-19 stress. These findings about wise-reasoning extends our understanding of wisdom and how it plays a role in the context of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander English
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaxin Ding
- Shanghai Intercultural Institute, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qionghan Zhang
- School of Business Administration, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Qionghan Zhang,
| | - Steve J. Kulich
- Shanghai Intercultural Institute, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China
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The Clean Your Plate Campaign: Resisting Table Food Waste in an Unstable World. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic threatens global food security and has created an urgent need for food conservation. This article presents a review of clean plate campaigns around the world. It aims to fight food waste and reveal the factors that may influence food waste. The Clean Plate Club in the US developed during wartime and relied heavily on political power for compliance, whereas the Clean Plate movement in South Korea was based on religion. China’s Clean Your Plate Campaign (CYPC) has gone through two stages: CYPC I and CYPC II. The latter occurred during the unstable period of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was large-scale and more strongly enforced than CYPC I. In China, CYPC has relied more on personal virtue than on politics or religion. Culture, policy, COVID-19, and behavior are all important social factors that influence food waste. Specifically, two cultural values are drivers of food waste in China: hospitality and face-saving (mianzi). In terms of policy, China’s food waste law mainly relies on persuasion; it lacks any power of enforcement. Laws in France and Italy, by contrast, focus on re-using food and involve both coercion and incentives. COVID-19 may have led to panic purchasing and stockpiling, but, in general, it has resulted in a reduction in food waste.
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Ben Hassen T, El Bilali H, Allahyari MS, Kamel IM, Ben Ismail H, Debbabi H, Sassi K. Gendered Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Behaviors in North Africa: Cases of Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042192. [PMID: 35206378 PMCID: PMC8872065 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic-related measures in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region have resulted in many lifestyle modifications, including changes in diet and food buying patterns among adults. However, the pandemic has impacted women and men differently and exacerbated existing socio-economic and gender inequalities. Indeed, numerous studies conducted worldwide have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionately negative impact on women compared to males. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the effects of COVID-19 on women’s food behaviors in three countries of the North Africa sub-region, namely, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. The study was based on an online poll conducted by SurveyMonkey from 15 September to 5 November 2020, with 995 participants. The outcomes of the research found that when compared to men, (1) women tend to consume more food out of fear, anxiety, or boredom; (2) women prefer to eat more unhealthy food; (3) women tend to stockpile a greater amount of food; and (4) women tend to modify their shopping habits more often. The findings should inform gender-sensitive strategies and policies to address the negative impacts of the pandemic and foster transition towards healthier diets and resilient food systems during the recovery period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano (Bari), Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mohammad S. Allahyari
- Department of Agricultural Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht 41476-54919, Iran;
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Internal Box 575, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Islam Mohamed Kamel
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano (Bari), Italy;
| | - Hanen Ben Ismail
- Department of Agri-Food Industries, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis 1082, Tunisia; (H.B.I.); (H.D.)
| | - Hajer Debbabi
- Department of Agri-Food Industries, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis 1082, Tunisia; (H.B.I.); (H.D.)
| | - Khaled Sassi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Biotechnology, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis 1082, Tunisia;
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Ben Hassen T, El Bilali H, Allahyari MS, Al Samman H, Marzban S. Observations on Food Consumption Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Oman. Front Public Health 2022; 9:779654. [PMID: 35145946 PMCID: PMC8821884 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.779654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to study the perceptions of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on behaviors related to diet and food shopping on a sample of 356 adults in Oman. The study is based on the results of an Arabic-language online survey conducted between September 15 and October 10, 2020, using the Survey Monkey platform. The questionnaire had 25 questions (multiple options and one option), subdivided into three parts. Respondents were asked to disseminate the survey to their networks as part of the study's snowball sampling method. Descriptive statistics and various statistical tests (e.g., U-Mann Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square) have been used to evaluate the study results. The study showed a significant shift in the attitude and behavior of respondents regarding food and health. Indeed, the paper findings indicated (i) a shift to healthier diets, as shown by the fact that 45.5% of the participants increased their intake of fruits and vegetables, 42.4% ate more healthy foods, and 53.1% reduced their intake of unhealthy foods; (ii) an increase in the consumption of local products, owing to food safety concerns, with 25.8% of the cohort stating that they purchase more local food items; (iii) a shift in grocery shopping behaviors, especially with 28.1% of the participants buying more groceries online; (iv) the absence of panic buying in Oman, since 62.36% of the participants said they did not stockpile food items; and (v) a reduction of food waste. Indeed, 78.9% of the participants specified they were not wasting more food than average since the beginning of the pandemic, and 74.72% indicated they were more aware of how much food they were wasting. Surprisingly, COVID-19 appears to bring many beneficial adjustments in Oman to make food consumption more sustainable and healthier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Tarek Ben Hassen
| | - Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Mohammad S. Allahyari
- Department of Agricultural Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Hazem Al Samman
- Department of Finance and Economics, College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman
| | - Soroush Marzban
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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