LIST OF PANELS

Food security in the Global South remains a critical concern, as these regions are home to the majority of the world’s undernourished population. The Global South, encompassing Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, faces a myriad of challenges, including climate change, inadequate agricultural policies, economic inequality, and geopolitical disruptions. Climate change and environmental degradation directly impact agricultural productivity, exacerbating food insecurity by affecting crop yields and livestock health (Sultan & Gaetani, 2016). In addition, socio-economic inequalities, such as income disparity and gender inequity, limit access to nutritious food, deepening hunger and malnutrition in vulnerable communities (Von Braun & Gatzweiler, 2014). The role of Global South is crucial in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, contributing to the global fight against poverty and hunger.

This call seeks to explore critical issues affecting food security across the Global South, focusing on the complex interactions of resource distribution, agricultural policies, climate change, and socio-economic inequalities.

1. General Objectives:

The conference aims to bring together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding food security in the Global South. The objective is to generate actionable insights into strengthening food systems in the region to achieve sustainable development and alleviate hunger.

Specific Objectives:

- Emphasize the analysis of policy frameworks and their effectiveness in addressing food security in Global South.

- Discuss how regional policies, governance structures, and institutional mechanisms contribute to or hinder food accessibility.

- To assess the current state of food security policies in various regions of the Global South.

- To analyze the role of governance, policies, and international trade in enhancing food security in Global South.

- To identify socio-economic barriers that exacerbate food insecurity in vulnerable populations.

- To propose sustainable strategies for improving agricultural productivity and food distribution systems.

2. Key Research Questions:

The submissions should focus on one or more of the following research questions:

- What are the most effective policy frameworks currently in place in the Global South for ensuring food security, and what lessons can be learned from their successes and limitations?

- How do different policy approaches between countries in the Global South compare in terms of outcomes for food security?

-  What are the challenges and barriers to implementing effective food security policies in regions with diverse socio-political landscapes?

- What are the main factors contributing to food insecurity in the Global South, and how do these factors differ across regions?

- How do climate change and environmental degradation affect food production, availability, and accessibility in the Global South?

- How do socio-economic inequalities, such as income disparity and gender inequity, influence food security?

3. Scientific Relevance:

This call is motivated by the urgent need to address the global challenge of food insecurity. A specific focus on the Global South is vital because these regions host the majority of the world’s undernourished population. Understanding the dynamics of food security in these countries is essential to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Additionally, this theme offers the opportunity to delve into the broader issues of climate change, governance, and socio-economic inequalities and their impact on food systems.

The panel aims to contribute to the scientific literature by offering an interdisciplinary platform that integrates insights from economics, environmental science, political science, and social studies. The findings could help inform the policy agendas of international organizations and governments seeking to enhance food security and promote sustainable development in the Global South.

To ensure a cohesive and impactful panel on "Food Security and the Global South," we invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit high-quality, original proposals. The panel is particularly interested in papers that provide comparative insights and multidisciplinary perspectives that can inform global and regional policy frameworks, aiding in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

Submission Criteria

1. Focus on Comparative Studies: While theoretical and empirical research is welcome, preference will be given to comparative studies involving more than one country in the Global South. Papers that analyze cross-country differences or similarities in food security policies, challenges, or innovations are highly encouraged.

We also encourage submitting of papers related country specific policy analysis.

2. Theoretical and Methodological Clarity:
• Theoretical Framework: Abstracts should clearly define the theoretical approach guiding the research. This could involve frameworks from economics, political science, environmental studies, or interdisciplinary methodologies that intersect with public policy and governance.
• Methodology: Specify the methods employed, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. Outline how these methods are used to gather and analyze data relevant to food security and policy effectiveness.
3. Multidisciplinary Contributions: Papers that draw from multiple disciplines, such as economics, environmental science, sociology, and political science, will be highly valued. Submissions should demonstrate how the research contributes to a broader understanding that can inform practical, policy-oriented outcomes.
4. Relevance to Policy and Practice: Proposals should articulate how their findings can influence regional and global policy initiatives aimed at achieving SDG 2. Papers that address real-world implications, suggest policy interventions, or assess current policy impact are particularly welcome.
5. Original Research: Abstracts should reflect original work not published elsewhere. Both traditional academic research and policy-oriented studies are suitable.

Abstract Submission Requirements

1. Word Limit: Abstracts must be between 300–400 words.
2. Content Structure:
• Research Focus: Clearly state the topic, objectives, and significance of the study.
• Methodology: Briefly describe the research methods and approach.
• Preliminary Findings: Summarize any preliminary results or expected contributions, if applicable.
• Relevance: Highlight how the research can contribute to global and regional policy solutions for food security.

Selection Criteria

Abstracts will be judged based on:

• Clarity and coherence of the theoretical framework.
• Appropriateness and transparency of the methodology.
• Contribution to the theme of the panel, especially regarding SDG 2.
• Potential impact on policy and practical applications.

References

Koch, J. (2011). The food security policy context in South Africa. International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth, UNDP. Accessed 08 August 2016. Link

Kumar, G. K. (2017). Food security and the Global South: A comparative policy analysis. Dynamics of Public Administration, 34(2), 209–221.

Mathew, C. K. (2015). Food security act in sleep mode. Economic and Political Weekly, 50(43), 20–22.

Ogwu, M. C., Izah, S. C., Ntuli, N. R., & Odubo, T. C. (2024). Food security complexities in the Global South. In M. C. Ogwu, S. C. Izah, & N. R. Ntuli (Eds.), Food Safety and Quality in the Global South (pp. 1–20). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-2428-4_1

Raj, S., Roodbar, S., Brinkley, C., & Wolfe, D. W. (2022). Food security and climate change: Differences in impacts and adaptation strategies for rural communities in the Global South and North. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.691191

Ray, R. (2005). Changes in food consumption and implication for food security and undernourishment: India in the 1990s. Development and Change, 321–348.

Souza, S. C. M., Filho, N. A., & Neder, H. D. (2015). Food security in Brazil: An analysis of the effects of the Bolsa Familia programme. Review of Agrarian Studies, 5(2). Accessed 30 May 2017.