The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Security and Food Diversity of Iranian Rural Households

COVID-19 effect on food security, livelihood, and mental health in affected households of Jashore, Bangladesh

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified concerns about global food insecurity, with dietary diversity emerging as a critical indicator of nutritional adequacy. These challenges have far-reaching implications for mental health, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Objective

This study delves into the intersection of post-COVID-19 household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and mental depression among affected households.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study conducted with a sample size of COVID 19 affected 500 households. Bivariate linear regression performed to establish associations with food insecurity, dietary diversity, and depression.

Result

The study found that only 33.4 % of households were food secure, while 40.8 % experienced moderate food insecurity. Most households (82.2 %) had a medium level of dietary diversity, and 45.6 % of respondents reported experiencing different level of depression. Urban residency, higher education, stable employment, and higher income were associated with lower food insecurity and better dietary diversity ((p < 0.05), whereas female-headed households, joint families, and older family heads had higher levels of depression. Job losses (63 %) and income reductions (69.8 %) during COVID-19 contributed significantly (p < 0.05) to increased food insecurity and depression. Households with stable jobs, higher incomes, and access to nutritional information enjoyed better food security, greater dietary diversity, and lower depression. In contrast, rising food prices and job changes worsened both food insecurity and mental health outcomes.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted food security, dietary diversity and mental health in Jashore, Bangladesh, exacerbating food insecurity and mental depression, especially among vulnerable groups. However, households with stable jobs, better education, and access to information fared better.

Determinants of household's dietary diversity during the COVID-19 pandemic: A community-based study in rural Southwestern Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Inadequate dietary diversity is a significant challenge in public health for low-and middle-income countries, including rural communities in Bangladesh. These issues have intensified and become more tragic during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study evaluated the factors associated with household dietary diversity in rural Southwestern Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from 310 respondents using face-to-face interviews. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and sociodemographic characteristics were calculated from the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance III Project (FANTA) guidelines and related studies. A multinomial regression model was performed to identify factors associated with HDDS during the COVID-19 outbreak.

RESULT

The HDDS status of rural Southwestern households decreased (60.3%) during the initial COVID-19 pandemic. Socioeconomic factors including gender, level of education, occupation, household monthly income, and family size of the household head were significantly associated with dietary diversity. Additionally, income condition (RRR:5.46, 95% CI:2.73-7.47 and RRR:4.85, 95% CI:2.48-7.24), and dietary diversity knowledge of the household head (RRR:5.46, 95% CI:2.73-7.47, and RRR:4.85, 95% CI:2.48-7.24) were significantly associated with low and moderate HDDS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

This study found that households become more vulnerable to inadequate dietary diversity due to poor socioeconomic status during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings, public health workers should ensure adequate food access and proper food distribution among rural households and communities in this crisis to mitigate these negative consequences.

Direct and indirect crisis of food security due to COVID-19 emergence in Addis Ababa and Amhara regions, Ethiopia: a lesson for the inevitable pandemics

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 caused a significant impact on food security; particularly among low- and middle-income countries. The objective of the current study was to assess both the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 on individuals' food security in the metropolitan and regional context of Ethiopia.

METHODS

This project utilized a retrospective study design with a mixed methods approach. It assessed the food insecurity experience of individuals both before and after the emergence of COVID-19 through the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). Food sellers were interviewed to identify the factors that increased post-COVID-19 emergence food insecurity. Inferential analysis using ordinal logistic regression was undertaken based on the Polytomous Universal Model (PLUM) procedure.

RESULTS

The size of the family and the type of work for income generation were statistically associated (p < 0.05) with the food security of individuals, both before and after COVID-19 emergence. Location (p = 0.002, odds = 0.37), age (p = 0.002, odds = 2.57) and educational status (p = 0.001, odds = 0.24/) of individuals had a statistically significant effect on the food security of individuals before COVID-19 emergence only. The ordinal value of all FIES indicators increased after COVID-19 emergence compared with pre-pandemic food insecurity. Overall food security of individuals was reduced by 21.5%, with the moderate and severe food insecurity of individuals increasing by 13.1% and 15.9%, respectively. The COVID-19 preventive measures that affected the individuals' food security, in the order of their priority, were: transport bans; food price increment; lockdown measures; job loss; market bans; social distance restrictions; fear of the pandemic; movement restrictions; over-buying; food inaccessibility; and, lack of cash due to bank closure. In addition, pre-existing non-pandemic related natural and man-made disasters played a role in the food security crisis, including drought, war, and desert locust emergence.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has directly and indirectly affected individuals' food security. Learning from the experiences of COVID-19 may assist governments in preparing for future pandemics. Suggested improvements include forming impact reduction task forces and establishing disease prevention strategies that will not compromise food security.

How do policy measures affect the ability of poverty-stricken households to cope with external shocks? From the perspective of differences in the human capital endowment of households

Human capital plays a vital role in poverty-stricken households' efforts to cope with external shocks. Improving the human capital of poverty-stricken households to help them address external shocks can enhance the sustainability of poverty-stricken household livelihoods and support poverty alleviation. In this study, households with dependent children and older members were selected from questionnaires covering 6,463 poverty-stricken households from 33 poverty alleviation districts and counties in Chongqing municipality, China. Multiple linear regression model and stepwise regression methods were then used to compare the effects of the number of household members supported and the number of those working on the increase in income among poverty-stricken and nonpoverty-stricken households. Finally, the correlations between policy measures, dependent household members and household labor were examined. The results show the following: (1) Policy measures can alleviate the negative impact of a household's dependent population on household income. (2) Poverty-stricken households' access to policy support is closely related to the characteristics of their human capital. The household's dependent members and laborers are effectively protected by safety net and cargo net policies. (3) Policy measures can mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the income of nonagricultural laborers while increasing the income of agricultural laborers. The findings show that the ability of poverty-stricken households to overcome poverty and deal with external shocks can be increased by revitalizing rural industries, linking the development of rural industries with the income of poverty-stricken households, and rationally using rural labor resources.

Regional differences, distributional dynamics and convergence of multidimensional food security levels in China

Food security is one of the important issues in the current world development process. The article takes 31 provinces (districts and cities) in China as the research object and constructs a multidimensional food security level evaluation index system from four dimensions: quantitative security, nutritional security, ecological security, and capacity security. Using the entropy method, China's food security index was calculated for the ten-year period from 2013 to 2022. Overall, China's food security level showed an upward trend during the decade, with the provinces of Shandong, Heilongjiang, and Henan having the highest level of security. The distribution dynamics of food security and its spatiotemporal evolution in the seven regions were examined using the Dagum Gini coefficient and its decomposition, and the absolute and conditional convergence of food security in the different areas was verified. The results of the study show that the provinces within East China have the largest gap in food security levels between them, and there is absolute β-convergence. Looking at China as a whole, the development of its food security level is characterized by significant convergence, which means that provinces with a low level of food security will have a faster rate of growth than those with a high level of food security, resulting in a gradual narrowing of the gap in food security levels between provinces.

Unveiling the nexus of climate change, adaptation strategies, and food security: Insights from small-scale farmers in zagros mountains in Iran

In today's world, climate change and its unprecedented impact on food and nutrition security have emerged as a significant and formidable global challenge. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adaptation strategies on the food security of small-scale farmers in Khorramabad city, Iran, using a survey-based analysis. To assess the food security level, the Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) was employed. Additionally, Structural Equation Modeling was utilized to examine the relationship between adaptation dimensions and food security. The findings revealed that households without children exhibited a higher level of food security (48%) compared to households with children (6%). Moreover, the results demonstrated a positive and significant correlation between the food security of households, regardless of whether they had children, and the different adaptation components. Despite a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding climate change adaptation in the study area, the actual implementation of such measures remained low. While weed management, agricultural crop insurance, and access to meteorological information were identified as the top three strategies employed by farmers, the results suggested that sustainable-oriented operations and organic-oriented practices could serve as more effective strategies for both climate change resilience and enhancing food security status.

Impact of urbanization on the welfare of farm households: Evidence from Adama Rural District in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

Urbanization is a widespread phenomenon with varying causes, patterns, and effects across countries. However, existing studies have overlooked the specific impact of urbanization on households near urban areas by failing to compare them with households in more distant regions. This study examines the impact of urbanization on rural household welfare in the Adama Rural District of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, selecting a sample of 397 households from two distinct categories. Of these households, 148 were located near the urban center, while 249 were far away. The study utilized descriptive and inferential data analysis methods and employed the propensity score matching technique to investigate the impact on farm households. Data was collected through questionnaires to gather cross-sectional information, supplemented by qualitative insights from Key Informant Interviews. The findings revealed that households near urban areas had a significantly lower mean annual consumer expenditure of 5207 ETB compared to 8092 ETB spent by families in distant areas. The results from propensity score matching further indicated that households near urban centers experienced lower annual consumption expenditures than those located further away. These results highlight the influence of urbanization on the welfare of rural farming households near urban areas. To address the negative effects of urbanization on these households, city administrations, and regional governments need to prioritize the development and implementation of alternative livelihood support strategies. Additionally, the study emphasizes the necessity of implementing policies that mitigate farmland loss while considering the socioeconomic factors impacting farmers in the region.

Outcomes of a homestead food production program on nutritional knowledge, dietary diversity, food security and empowerment of rural women in Tehran province, Iran

BACKGROUND

Food and nutrition insecurity is a major health issue in developing countries. Homestead food production (HFP) programs are strategies for improving food and nutrition security of a country. Iran implemented a HFP program entitled "Nutrition Improvement of Rural and Nomadic Women" in its villages for a five-year period from 2017. The current study assessed the outcomes of this mentioned program and its determinants among rural women in Tehran province.

METHODS

The population of this cross-sectional study comprised a group covered by the program (n = 143) and a non-covered group (n = 160). The participants were selected randomly from 32 villages of five counties in Tehran province. Data was collected using five questionnaires: (1) General information, (2) Women's empowerment, (3) Nutritional knowledge, (4) Dietary diversity, and (5) Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 21 and the IBM Amos SPSS version 22 software.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed no significant improvement in the expected indicators, such as frequency of home gardening, nutritional knowledge, dietary diversity, women's empowerment, and household food insecurity status among women covered by the program (p > 0.05). The structural equation modelling (SEM) results indicated that women's empowerment from the dimension of decision-making power (r = 0.151) and nutritional knowledge (r = 0.135) were the significant positive predictors of dietary diversity (p < 0.05), while household food insecurity predicted it negatively (r=-0.138) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Because the current evaluated program has not been able to improve the expected indicators, modification of the program implementation may be needed, such as: addressing the probable barriers and challenges and strengthening the facilities in the covered villages. The current study presents a model of the dietary diversity predictors for consideration in redesigning or enhancing the program.

Triple-crises-induced food insecurity: systematic understanding and resilience building approaches in Africa

The triple crises of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict and climate change have severely impacted food systems, leading to socio-economic consequences and undermining food and nutrition security across Africa. To address the malnutrition and poverty affecting approximately 700 million people in Africa, there is potential for the One Health approach implementation and operationalization to bring together multidisciplinary solutions for tackling food insecurity and ensuring food safety net. However, there is limited documentation on the potential of the One Health approach system thinking implementation to guide responses to triple crises-induced food insecurity. Therefore, this article aims to systematically understand the triple crises-induced food insecurity, connect existing solutions, and explore the role of the One Health approach in strengthening food and agriculture systems in Africa. Our finding showed the impact of triple crises exacerbating food system vulnerability in Africa and worldwide. Mitigating and resilient actions are urgently needed in tackling the emerging and persisting challenges, and infectious diseases menace and burden across Africa. We present a conceptual model illustrating the complex nature of triple crises-induced food insecurity, vulnerability areas within the food system, and actionable strategies for building community food resilience. Additionally, recommendations are provided to create an enabling environment that supports One Health approach implementation and addresses food insecurity challenges through innovative partnerships, local-led initiatives, and enhanced governance and artificial intelligence technology capacities in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth to reduce socio-economic inequalities. Stepping up integrated, actionable, and sustainable food systems programs and innovative long-lasting solutions requires investing in promoting new partnership and research collaboration in building conflict resolution and peace towards strengthening and reshaping local and global food security related climate change adaptations actions for most vulnerable communities' benefits. These are ingredients in fastening preparedness, prevention and control of infectious diseases prevention and control, reducing food supply chains disruption towards accelerating equitable benefits of Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals, 2030 across Africa.

Comparing food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of household income and expenditure survey data in Iran

BACKGROUND

On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak of the infectious disease COVID-19 as a pandemic. The health strategies of nations lead to possible changes in lifestyle and increase poor eating habits. Hence, the purpose of this study is to compare food consumption during COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Households Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) conducted annually by the Statistical Centre of Iran. Food cost data of HIES included the amount of all food items in household food baskets during the last month. Then, they were classified into six food groups to evaluate their energy intake. The consequence of food consumption was analyzed as a function of socioeconomic status (SES) variables and residence pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

In total, 75,885 households (83.5% male) were included in the study. Among the population of urban and rural areas as well as in different SES categories, people tended to increase the consumption of meat (P < 0.05) and fresh foods, especially vegetable groups (P < 0.001) and decrease the consumption of fruit (P < 0.001), fat and sweets groups (P < 0.05) and also in energy intake (P < 0.05). Macronutrient changes were different in the category of SES, urban and rural.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic had different effects on food groups, energy and macronutrients consumption, which could be due to possible changes in food patterns as a result of the pandemic.

Predictors of food insecurity among older adults before and during COVID-19 in the United States

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the health and wellbeing of older adult populations through increased morbidity, mortality, and social exclusion. However, the impact of COVID-19 on the health of older adults through food security has received relatively little attention, despite the strong impact of diet quality on the health and longevity of older adults.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify sociodemographic and socioeconomic predictors of self-reported food insecurity before and early in the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults in the United States.

Methods

Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States, we examined the associations between sociodemographic and socioeconomic predictors of self-reported food insecurity between 2018 (N = 2,413) and June 2020 (N = 2,216) using population-weighted multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

The prevalence of food insecurity doubled among participants from 2018 (4.83%) to June 2020 (9.54%). In 2018, non-Hispanic Black and rural residents were more likely to report food insecurity, while individuals with higher education and greater wealth were less likely to report food insecurity in adjusted models. In June 2020, those who were relatively younger, not working due to a disability, and renting were more likely to report food insecurity. Those with an increased number of functional limitations, a recent onset of a work-limiting disability, and those who were no longer homeowners experienced an elevated longitudinal risk for food insecurity.

Conclusion

Future research should examine effective policies and interventions to address the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on populations at a heightened risk of experiencing food insecurity.

Perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production: an implication for food security in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Risk perception is a subjective psychological construct that is influenced by cognitive, emotional, social, cultural, and individual differences, both within and between individuals and across countries. Although the impact of COVID-19 on short- and long-term food security is difficult to predict, some risk factors and lessons from previous pandemics can be identified. The goal of this study is to assess rural farmers' perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on crop production and its implications for food security in West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 634 small-holder farmers in the west Arsi zone district. From November 1-30, 2020, data was gathered through interviews with local farmers. Data was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. Six trained expert agricultural workers were used as data collectors and supervisors, respectively, and both were trained. The questionnaire had been pre-tested. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 was used to analyze the data. To identify factors associated with risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic on crop production, binary and multivariable logistic regression were used, with statistical significance determined at a p-value of 0.05.

RESULTS

This study found that among farmers in West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, about 32.5% reported having perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production, and that age greater than or equal to 57, female sex (AOR,1.48 95% CI (1.03-2.12)), primary Educational status (AOR,2.85(1.78-4.58)), and permanent employed occupation of the house head (AOR, 2.27(1.24-4.17) were found to be independent predictors of perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production among farmers in West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION

Perceived risk of COVID-19 on crop production was high and varied across age groups, sexes, educational attainment levels, and the occupation of the head of the household.

Food insecurity status and its contributing factors in slums' dwellers of southwest Iran, 2021: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

One major factor causing food insecurity is believed to be poverty. Approximately 20 million Iranians live in slums with a vulnerable socioeconomic context. The outbreak of COVID-19, on top of the economic sanctions against Iran, has increased this vulnerability and made its inhabitants prone to food insecurity. The current study investigates food insecurity and its associated socioeconomic factors among slum residents of Shiraz, southwest Iran.

METHODS

Random cluster sampling was used to select the participants in this cross-sectional study. The heads of the households completed the validated Household Food Insecurity Access Scale questionnaire to assess food insecurity. Univariate analysis was utilized to calculate the unadjusted associations between the study variables. Moreover, a multiple logistic regression model was employed to determine the adjusted association of each independent variable with the food insecurity risk.

RESULTS

Among the 1227 households, the prevalence of food insecurity was 87.20%, with 53.87% experiencing moderate and 33.33% experiencing severe food insecurity. A significant relationship was observed between socioeconomic status and food insecurity, indicating that people with low socioeconomic status are more prone to food insecurity (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study revealed that food insecurity is highly prevalent in slum areas of southwest Iran. The socioeconomic status of households was the most important determinant of food insecurity among them. Noticeably, the coincidence of the COVID-19 pandemic with the economic crisis in Iran has amplified the poverty and food insecurity cycle. Hence, the government should consider equity-based interventions to reduce poverty and its related outcomes on food security. Furthermore, NGOs, charities, and governmental organizations should focus on local community-oriented programs to make basic food baskets available for the most vulnerable households.

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.

The Global Burden of Food Insecurity Due to COVID-19

The insurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that no country or region was prepared to face such a devastating emergency, nor have researchers uncovered permanent solutions to solve this everlasting crisis thus far [...]

Factors Associated with Food Insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean Countries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 13 Countries

It is estimated that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is the region with the second highest figures for food insecurity (FI) globally, with a prevalence of 40.9% in the entire region. This cross-sectional study analyzes the household factors associated with FI across 13 LAC countries. We used data from the first round of high-frequency phone surveys, conducted by the World Bank. Approximately 4 out of 10 people in LAC experienced FI during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. FI was positively associated with the number of individuals aged from 5 to 18 years, the number of men, the illness, accident, or death of an income-earning household member, and health expenditure due to COVID-19 or other illnesses, as well as the increase in food prices, reduced family income, and job loss by a member of the household. On the other hand, households located in capital cities and those with more bedrooms were less likely to have experienced FI. The design of social policies must focus on the economic deficiencies experienced by the LAC population, with unemployment, reduced income, and high food costs being the main factors that must be addressed to ensure adequate nutrition.