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Item Multi-scalar policy uptake of the six-dimensional food security framework(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-11-01) Clapp J; Moseley WG; Termine P; Burlingame BIn 2022, along with colleagues, we proposed a six-dimensional food security framework in a Food Policy viewpoint article that argued for the need to expand the commonly cited four pillar approach (availability, access, utilization and stability) by adding two additional dimensions: agency and sustainability. The proposal was not just for a new conceptual framework for scholarly analysis, but also for its application in policy settings. Over three years later, we are humbled to see widespread uptake of our call to embrace agency and sustainability as dimensions of food security in multiple tyles of policy settings at different scales. This brief policy comment outlines the growing recognition and application of the six-dimensional framework for food security in policy contexts from the global to the local level. We are hopeful that the growing application of this idea will help to make improvements in the global quest to end hunger.Item Food security and disability in South Africa: an analysis of General Household Survey data(informa UK limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-08-14) Pillay M; Kara R; Govindasamy P; Motala RPURPOSE: We investigated the relationship between disability and food security in South Africa using data from the General Household Survey (GHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Regression models were utilised with GHS data (2014-2018) to gauge the likelihood of food insecurity (the dependent variable) among individuals with disabilities. Socioeconomic and demographic traits of the 2018 GHS sample were analysed. All estimates were weighted and represented nationally at the individual level. RESULTS: In this study population (32 187) of food insecure people, 9.64% are disabled. Food insecurity impacts more Black people with disabilities (91%) versus those without disabilities (90%), and disabled women (65%) versus nondisabled women (58%). Most reside in KwaZulu-Natal. Those with disability grants lower food insecurity odds, while child support grant recipients face higher odds. Household size and education are significant predictors, while marital status and gender are not. CONCLUSION: This study data justifies the need for disability-inclusive food security programmes in South Africa, especially amid crises like COVID-19. Significantly, there is a nil data finding about people with eating/swallowing disabilities whose needs intersect with food security. This emphasises the need for inclusive data collection that operates within a food sovereignty framework to increase the visibility of people with disabilities.Item Complex network analysis and health implications of nutrient trade(Elsevier BV, 2024-03) Silvestrini MM; Smith NW; Fletcher AJ; McNabb WC; Sarti FMFood trade plays a key role in global nutrition, but the essential nutrients within this trade are understudied. We investigated the global nutrient trade network from 1986 to 2020, examining the relationship with income level and health outcomes. Bilateral nutrient trade data for 48 nutrients and 254 countries/economies was produced, made accessible through an interactive online application. Nutrients of interest in the context of food security and health (protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and B12) were examined using network analysis, animated graphs, and logistic regression to demonstrate the inequitable nature of nutrient trade, but its positive role in current nutrition-related disease. Food trade policy should be set with micronutrient content and deficiency in mind to address food security, nutrition, and health.Item Dietary intake, household food insecurity, and their associations with anthropometric status and sociodemographic factors amongst young New Zealand children : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-04-08) Jupiterwala, Rosario Pillar MonzalesBackground: Household food insecurity is a serious public health concern that may impact young children's dietary intake. In New Zealand (NZ), there are limited studies on young children’s dietary intake. However, comprehensive dietary data is crucial to ensure that young NZ children obtain adequate energy and nutrient intakes to support their optimal growth and development. Certain sociodemographic groups are disproportionately affected by household food insecurity, which may have been reflected by the high proportion of obesity in NZ compared to other high-income countries and poor dietary consumption indicative of suboptimal nutrition. Aim: Therefore, this thesis aims to describe the energy and nutrient intakes, food group consumption, and household food security status of young NZ children, their relationship, and associated correlates such as anthropometric status, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sex, age, caregiver characteristics, and household size and structure. Methods: Two 24-hour food recalls from 289 children aged 1-3 years participating in the Young Foods NZ (YFNZ) study were analysed to obtain energy, nutrient, and food group intake data. YFNZ is an observational cross-sectional study of children living in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin, NZ. Household food security status was measured using the NZ food security scale, a NZ-specific and validated questionnaire. NZ Index of Deprivation was utilised as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status. Anthropometric status was measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score. Data on other sociodemographic characteristics such as ethnicity, sex, age, caregiver characteristics, household size and structure were collected through online and interviewer-assisted questionnaires. Results: Overall, most nutrient intake recommendations were met except for fibre, iron, calcium, and vitamin C, with a proportion of inadequacy at 54.0%, 15.2%, 3.8%, and 4.8% respectively. Additionally, high protein and saturated fat intakes were observed. Māori, Pacific, Asian, and children living in areas of high deprivation were more at risk of lower fibre intakes than their counterparts, whilst children living in areas of high deprivation had a higher fat intake than those living in low-deprived neighbourhoods. Grains and pasta (n=276 participants), fruits (n=266), and biscuits, crackers, cakes, and desserts (n=242) were most commonly consumed. Formulae (i.e., infant and follow-on formula mixes) and mixed dishes primarily contributed to the intake of energy and most nutrients. Children who were more likely to consume dairy products and dairy-alternative products were children with healthy weight compared to those who were overweight (p=0.036), NZ European compared to Māori, Asian and Pacific children (p=0.005), and children living in areas of low deprivation compared to those who live in highly deprived areas (p=0.014). Food insecure children were more likely to consume pies and pasties (p=0.013), potatoes, kūmara and taro (p=0.040), and beverages (i.e., all fluids except for milk and water) (p=0.011) but less likely to consume biscuits, crackers, cakes and desserts (p=0.001), vegetables (p=0.005), and nuts and seeds (p=0.004). Energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods such as sausages and processed meats; sugar, confectionery, sweet spreads; and pies and pasties were the primary contributors to Pacific children's energy intake and those living in areas of higher deprivation and food insecure households. Over a third of young children experienced food insecurity in the past year. Being overweight, Māori or Pacific, living in areas of high deprivation; having a caregiver who was younger, not in paid employment, or had low educational attainment; living with at least two other children in the household, and living in a sole parent household were associated with household food insecurity. Compared to food-secure children, moderately food-insecure children had higher fat and saturated fat intakes, consuming 3.0 (0.2, 5.8) g/day more fat, and 2.0 (0.6, 3.5) g/day more saturated fat (p<0.05). Moderately and severely food insecure children had lower fibre intake, consuming 1.6 (2.8, 0.3) g/day and 2.6 (4.0, 1.2) g/day less fibre, respectively, compared to food secure children. Severely food-insecure children had three times the prevalence of inadequate calcium intakes and over three times the prevalence of inadequate vitamin C intakes compared to food-secure children. Conclusion: Young NZ children consume a diet that is mostly adequate in terms of most nutrients with the exception of fibre, iron, calcium, and vitamin C. High intakes of nutrients of concern (i.e., saturated fat and protein) were detected and reported to be commonly sourced from low-cost, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor foods. The consumption of these foods mirrors the high prevalence of household food insecurity and obesity amongst young NZ children. Other sociodemographic factors closely related to poverty or low income were associated with food insecurity. Therefore, targeted policies and programmes are imperative, particularly for the most vulnerable groups, to ensure young children's optimal growth and development and attain more equitable health outcomes in NZ.Item Viewpoint: The case for a six-dimensional food security framework(Elsevier Ltd, 2022-01-12) Clapp J; Moseley WG; Burlingame B; Termine PThe definition of food security has evolved and changed over the past 50 years, including the introduction of the four commonly cited pillars of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability, which have been important in shaping policy. In this article, we make the case that it is time for a formal update to our definition of food security to include two additional dimensions proposed by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition: agency and sustainability. We show that the impact of widening food system inequalities and growing awareness of the intricate connections between ecological systems and food systems highlight the importance of these additional dimensions to the concept. We further outline the ways in which international policy guidance on the right to food already implies both agency and sustainability alongside the more established four pillars, making it a logical next step to adopt a six dimensional framework for food security in both policy and scholarly settings. We also show that advances have already been made with respect to providing measurements of agency and sustainability as they relate to food insecurity.Item Dietary agrobiodiversity for improved nutrition and health outcomes within a transitioning indigenous Solomon Island food system(Springer Nature BV on behalf of the International Society for Plant Pathology, 2021-08) Vogliano C; Raneri JE; Coad J; Tutua S; Wham C; Lachat C; Burlingame BIndigenous food systems of Pacific Small Island Developing Countries contain vast biological and cultural diversity. However, a nutrition transition is underway, characterized by shifts away from traditional diets in favour of imported and modern foods, contributing to some of the highest rates of obesity and Diabetes Type 2 Mellitus in the world. Using a mixed method approach, this study aimed to assess dietary agrobiodiversity’s relationship with nutrition indicators related to diet quality and anthropometrics within the context of the rural and Indigenous food system of Baniata village, located in the Western Province of Solomon Islands (Melanesia). A secondary aim was to evaluate the contribution of agrobiodiversity from the local food system to diet quality. A comprehensive nutrition survey was administered to the women primarily responsible for cooking of randomly selected households (n = 30). Additionally, 14 participatory focus group discussions captured the historical narrative of food system transitions, were hosted over a period of seven days, and included men, women and youth. Dietary intakes of the participants were reported below the estimated average requirement (EAR) for several essential nutrients, including protein (53%), calcium (96.6%), vitamin B1 (86.6%), vitamin B2 (80%), vitamin A (80%), zinc (40%) and fibre (77%). Focus group participants built a timeline of key historical and climatic transitions perceived to be drivers of dietary shifts away from traditional foods and towards imported and processed foods. Participants identified 221 species and varieties of agrobiodiverse foods available for cultivation or wild collection. Based on 24 h diet recalls, 87 were found to be utilised. Participants who consumed foods of a wider diversity of species richness had a higher probability of achieving recommended nutrition intakes and a lower body fat percentage (r2 = 0.205; p = 0.012). Our results suggest a nutrition transition is underway, and strategies harnessing traditional knowledge of nutrient-dense, agrobiodiverse foods can help improve food and nutrition security.Item “Na mata ni Civa au a vakawaletaka” : an ethnobotanical study on kumala (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) and its contribution to climate-smart agriculture in Ra, Fiji : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture, Massey University, School of Agriculture and Environment, Palmerston North, Aotearoa(Massey University, 2022) Leweniqila, Ilisoni Lasaqa VuetinabouonoGlobally, sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) or kumala is regarded as an essential, versatile, and under-utilised food security crop. In Fiji, kumala has a strong traditional base, and our ancestors valued this crop as a lifesaver to people during and after natural disasters to act as food security since both the tubers and leaves are consumed. This research weaves together two methodologies; the Fijian Vanua Research Framework (FVRF) which involves ethnobotany studies, and a western sciences (field trials) research element to support and reinstruct smallholder farmers on the value of kumala as a significant crop for subsistence and a source of livelihood for rural economic development in Fiji. The three research sites were Nabukadra (<20m asl ) located in the coastal land area, Bucalevu (>150m asl) in the high altitude inland, and Burenitu (80-100m asl) in the district of Nalawa which is situated at a lower altitude. The implementation of FVRF in this research paid specific attention to indigenous Fijian society aligning to future food security issues in an agricultural context. This research sought a solidarity approach for the rural areas in Fiji adopting their systems of knowledge and perception as the basis for inquiry extending the knowledge base of indigenous people and transforming their understanding of the social-cultural world like solesolevaki, which is our current cultural currency. The Dre’e metaphor was generated to discuss the findings from this research. The findings of this research discussed the cultural role of kumala production in the I-Taukei context under four components: values and beliefs, practices, skills, and knowledge. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) exists across all facets of the I-Taukei way of life, which includes health, belief system, and environmental survival. Given that each genotype or variety of kumala may respond differently to production factors, there was a need to evaluate available sweetpotato genotypes across geographic zones where it can be grown in Fiji. The application of agronomic field trials at different altitudes for this research provided a valuable recommendation that will assist farmers in decision-making for growing kumala at different altitudes in Ra. This will enhance food security and create economic opportunities. Furthermore, this extension of traditional and agronomic knowledge will support climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and help achieve food security in the province of Ra, Fiji Islands.Item Assessing the sustainability of indigenous food systems in Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Nutrition & Food Systems at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2022) Vogliano, ChristopherIndigenous Peoples living in Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) who have traditionally relied on locally grown, biodiverse foods for their primary source of nutrition are now seeing the adverse impacts of changing diets and climate change. Shifts away from traditional diets towards modern, imported and ultra-processed foods are likely giving rise to noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, which are now the leading causes of mortality. Climate change is magnifying health inequities and challenging food and nutrition security through heavier rains, longer droughts, and rising sea levels. COVID-19 has highlighted additional challenges for those living in PSIDS, exposing vulnerabilities across global food systems. Using Solomon Islands as a proxy for the broader Pacific, this thesis aims to assess PSIDS food system sustainability, including diet quality and diversity, as well as perceived food system transitions. Findings from this thesis can help strengthen discourse around promoting sustainable and resilient food systems and help achieve food and nutrition security targets set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Item Food security and community development in the Pacific: Case studies from Fiji(https://crawford.anu.edu.au/rmap/devnet/dev-bulletin.php, 2021-02) Vunibola, Suliasi; Leweniqila, IlisoniThis paper considers the role of bola vakavanua (the Fijian way of life) in two indigenous Fijian communities, Saroni ¹ and Bucalevu,² in helping rural villages achieve food security. Traditional mechanisms such as so/esolevaki (cultural capital through collective work), together with monthly community work structures in place, can help households achieve food security. Revitalising these traditional mechanisms, encouraging wider use of them, and establishing legal frameworks for protecting traditional food security could have widespread benefits. (¹ Saroni village is in Dogotuki district, Macuata; ² Bucalevu village is in Nakorotubu district in west Viti Levu)Item Extending the knowledge system and food value of kumala (lpomoea batatas or sweetpotato) in Vanuatu as a response to climate change : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Horticultural Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2018) Setak, PatriciaLoss of traditional knowledge in food production is a major problem occurring in many countries due to modernization and globalization. Additionally, further compelled by the impacts of climate change, this can have a devastating effect on the livelihood of people. As a result, farmers are therefore compelled to revive the use of traditional knowledge in food production especially its blended use with contemporary knowledge in adapting to and mitigating climate change impacts. The aim of this study is to identify the contribution of traditional knowledge of kumala (Ipomoea batatas) production in sustaining the livelihoods of people in Vanuatu. The target population of this study was kumala farmers in two villages: Lorevulko and Sara 1 in East Santo, Vanuatu where qualitative data using semi-structured interviews was obtained. A literature review was also undertaken on kumala production in other countries where kumala is commonly grown. The younger generations should be educated on traditional knowledge and skills, and efforts should be made to document traditional knowledge. Traditional knowledge is being used in the pre-production activities of kumala such as planting calendar, site selection, land clearing and soil preparation. Both knowledge systems are used in the production of kumala for example in kumala cultivar selection, division of labour, planting, crop maintenance, preparation and management of kumala during droughts and cyclones. In addition, both traditional and contemporary knowledge are used in post-production of kumala in different storage methods such as field, bag, basket, and food bed. Overall, the findings in this study confirm compelling evidence that traditional knowledge contributes towards the sustainable livelihood of the people in Lorevulko and Sara 1. It shows that there is an assimilation of knowledge systems and they create a cultural output that is unique to location and time, and provides a good example of cultural dynamics which never stand still and which respond to environmental and other pressures. Findings from this research will contribute immensely in improving food security at the household and national level in Vanuatu, and generate sustainable income for farmers and livelihoods for farmers. Researchers can also use the findings of this study as a basis to undertake further studies on traditional knowledge of kumala in Vanuatu. Moreover, the results will be useful for informing and influencing government policy and farming practices.