Consumer Behavior and Food Insecurity of Urban Residents: Dynamic Analysis of its Controlling Factors

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
F. Ganjkhani 1
S. Dehyouri 2
V. Borimnejad 1
D. Samari 1
N. Nozari 1
1 Department of Agricultural Economic, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 Department of Agriculture, Environmental Sciences Research Center, Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Islamic Republic of Iran.
10.22034/JAST.26.3.483
Abstract
Careful and focused decision-making in the food sector reduces the challenges threatening food systems' stability. Besides, it can optimally control any changes that result in food shortages. The present study aimed to identify identifiable factors' effects on food insecurity using a dynamic system with an emphasis on consumption behaviors. A dynamic model was developed to understand the long-term interaction between individual characteristics, average cost, average income, and hygiene status, and a dynamic model was then validated and operationalized among 1,000 Alborz Province’s households randomly using a questionnaire. The base scenario for predicting food insecurity changes revealed that food insecurity had increased over ten years, resulting in changes in social and economic status and vulnerability of urban society. Four additional scenarios indicated that the average cost and income could directly affect the food insecurity status in Iran by indirectly influencing policies to increase food security, health, and hygiene. Individual characteristics and food security also influence food insecurity and reinforce the relationship between these variables. The study revealed that dynamic systems modeling could be a valuable tool for assessing food insecurity policies and their factors in developing countries.

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Reference
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 26, Issue 3
May and June 2024
Pages 483-499