Factors affecting the food security of farmers' households in small-scale farming units of Hamedan province with an emphasis on the effect of resilience

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Planning and Agricultural Development, Agricultural Education and Extension Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

10.22059/jhgr.2024.369816.1008658

Abstract

ABSTRACT
In various societies, including Iran, the increasing demand for food due to current population growth trends necessitates improvements in the food supply chain, starting at the farm level. Recent challenges, such as drought in food production systems linked to climate change, emphasize the need to enhance the resilience of farming units. This enhancement holds the promise of fortifying food security for farming households and brings advantages to other sectors within the society or contributes to national food security. Maintaining the hypothetical connection between the resilience of small farms and the food security of their households, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the food security of small-scale farming households in Hamedan province, placing a particular emphasis on the role of resilience. The research targeted active farmer households operating on small-scale farming units (below 10 hectares), with a sample size of 300 individuals determined using Cochran's formula. Cluster sampling was employed in two stages, and farmers were surveyed through researcher-designed questionnaires. The validity of the main research tool was confirmed by a panel of agricultural development experts and faculty members from Tehran University. Reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SMART PLS3 and SPSSwin25 software, revealing that food security was most significantly impacted by social participation, use of new technologies, and resilience of farming units. Based on these findings, adopting agroecological methods such as mixed farming, mulching, and socio-economic empowerment of farming families are recommended to enhance resilience and fortify food security
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In line with ongoing global population growth, including in Iran, the demand for food is steadily increasing. Meeting this demand and ensuring food security require improvements throughout the food supply chain. Recent years have presented challenges to food production, notably climate change-induced factors such as drought. A practical response involves bolstering the resilience of farming units, strengthening food security for agricultural households, and benefiting various sectors. Iran has faced food security challenges due to climate change, population growth, and water scarcity, affecting agriculture. Safeguarding food security necessitates resilience against natural and economic fluctuations, enabling households to withstand crises. Resilient farmers can absorb, react, recover, and learn from climate impacts. Sustainable food production requires attention to traditional tools and knowledge in small-scale agriculture.
Climate change has adversely affected strategic food production in Hamedan province, particularly impacting small-scale farming systems crucial for livelihoods. The absence of risk reduction systems exacerbates the impact, diminishing farmers' resilience. Mitigation strategies focus on enhancing resilience, reducing vulnerability, and adapting small-scale units to establish resilient agricultural systems. Technological interventions such as water-saving technologies positively influence farmers' income and food security. Changes in cultivation patterns toward drought-resistant crops and improved water management contribute to increased crop production and quality. However, small-scale farmers often face reduced food production and income, leading to heightened rural poverty and food insecurity. Despite efforts by small farmers, concerns persist regarding food security and resilience against climate change. Household vulnerability to climate change correlates with varying levels of food insecurity. Enhancing resilience becomes crucial in ensuring food security, enabling farmers to sustain livelihoods amidst evolving climate conditions. Resilience-building emerges as a key strategy in the agricultural sector to address climate challenges and secure food production. However, limited studies examining the relationship between farm resilience and food security highlight the need for further research. This study aimed to identify factors influencing food security in small-scale farming units in Hamedan province, a key agricultural region, with a focus on resilience.
 
Methodology
This applied research evaluated factors influencing food security among small-scale farmers in Hamedan province, emphasizing resilience. Factors were identified through a comprehensive literature review, and an adapted resilience assessment model was employed. The model incorporated three primary structures: government policies and support, socio-economic capacities, and local-agricultural measures. The study used "The Household Food Insecurity Scale" (HFIAS) to assess food security levels. The study targeted small-scale farmers with less than 10 hectares of land, amounting to a population of 75,442 individuals. Data collection involved interviews with a representative sample of 300 farmers, selected through cluster and random sampling. Content validity confirmed the questionnaire's accuracy, while reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Statistical analysis using SMART PLS3 and SPSS revealed internal validity, coherence, and reliability.
 
Results and Discussion
The study identified key factors influencing food security among small-scale farmers in Hamedan province. Access to clean water, financial resources, effective financial management, organic fertilizers, personal savings, and risk management were crucial contributors. Higher economic status correlated with better food security, allowing greater food choices and purchasing power. Psychological factors, including self-confidence and belief in individual capabilities, also positively influenced food security, fostering well-being and life satisfaction. Social factors, such as participation in household decision-making, collaboration with villagers, and involvement in local organizations, significantly contributed to food security. A strong correlation was found between the resilience of agricultural units and food security. Challenges related to food insecurity, including reduced children's meals due to financial constraints, highlighted its prevalence among farming households. The research emphasized the importance of maintaining and securing production resources for sustainable food security. Although cultivating crops like potatoes and cereals positively impacted food security, reliance on the market complicated the situation. Overall, the results underscored the complexity of food security, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies.
 
Conclusion
The study revealed that 69.7% of small-scale farmers' households in Hamedan province experienced food insecurity to varying degrees. Resilience to climate change had a strong association with food security, exerting a positive impact. Economic, psychological, and social factors emerged as key determinants of food security levels. The dietary emphasis on grains and the importance of self-reliant crop production underscored the intricate link between agricultural practices and food security. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies integrating economic empowerment, psychological well-being, social cooperation, and sustainable agricultural practices. The findings provide valuable guidance for interventions to improve food security among small-scale farmers in the region, particularly by enhancing farmers' adaptive capacity to climate change.
 
Funding
This research was conducted with the financial support of the Vice Presidency for Research and Technology of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Tehran and the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF). Therefore, we hereby extend our gratitude to these organizations for their cooperation and assistance.
 
Authors’ Contribution
All authors equally contributed to the conceptualization and writing of the article. Each author reviewed and approved the final content of the manuscript, agreeing on all aspects of the work. The authors declare no competing interests.
 
Conflict of Interest
All authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the University of Tehran and Iran's National Science Foundation (Grant No. 98002929) for supporting this study.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Human Geography Research
Volume 57, Issue 2
August 2025
Pages 1-15

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