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The Evolution of Food Security: Where Are We Now, Where Should We Go Next?

Author

Listed:
  • Morteza Akbari

    (Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439813141, Iran)

  • Pantea Foroudi

    (Department of Marketing Branding & Tourism, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK)

  • Mohana Shahmoradi

    (Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Razi University, Kermanshah 6714414971, Iran)

  • Hamid Padash

    (Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439813141, Iran)

  • Zahra Shahabaldini Parizi

    (Department of Management, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan 7718897111, Iran)

  • Ala Khosravani

    (Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417713114, Iran)

  • Pouria Ataei

    (Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 111-14115, Iran)

  • Maria Teresa Cuomo

    (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy)

Abstract

Food security is one of the most challenging topics globally; however, the concept of food security has taken on additional dimensions that are general and are less detailed. This study aims to identify the intellectual structure of food security research and the changes in this structure. This paper analyzed 3169 documents from the Web of Science database through a bibliometric review. A review of the published documents shows an increasing trend over the past 46 years. In accordance with co-occurrence analysis, 125 keywords were grouped into five clusters: food security and sustainable development; food security and socioeconomic factors; food security policy and governance; coping strategies for poverty, inequality, and hunger; and modern food security management. This study identifies four streams within food security research: sustainability and environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors. The paper concludes that even though food security might investigate many significant areas, other new dimensions should still be considered. Further gaps in the literature emerge that present avenues for future research directions. Reviewing indicators and techniques of food security assessment and identifying high-risk groups should be a priority.

Suggested Citation

  • Morteza Akbari & Pantea Foroudi & Mohana Shahmoradi & Hamid Padash & Zahra Shahabaldini Parizi & Ala Khosravani & Pouria Ataei & Maria Teresa Cuomo, 2022. "The Evolution of Food Security: Where Are We Now, Where Should We Go Next?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:6:p:3634-:d:775096
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    References listed on IDEAS

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