Relationship between food security, agriculture and the sustainable development goals: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose. Given the urgent need to save the planet, countries are striving to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Agriculture is one of the sectors that contributes to the achievement of these goals on a global scale. As practices in this sector change, direct impacts on soil, air and water are evident, calling into question the sustainability of these practices. Furthermore, food security or food availability is also directly linked to the achievement of the SDGs. With limited research, this study examines the relationship between food security, agriculture, and SDGs. Methodology / approach. This research conducted a bibliometrics analysis from two databases, Web of Science (WoS), with 1450 papers and Scopus 463 documents for 10 years from 2014 to May 2024. Key parameters are identified and ranked, including highly productive authors, countries, disciplines, and institutions. The bibliometric software VOSviewer was used to perform co-word analysis and identify research clusters. Results. The research findings indicate that the United States, followed by India and China, have demonstrated the highest levels of publication activity within the field. The literature predominantly emphasises the SDGs, particularly Zero Hunger, Climate Action, and Life on Land, through the lens of agriculture and food security. The study underscores the leadership of the United States, India, and China in agricultural research, highlighting the critical necessity for concerted collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to foster a transformative food system globally. The findings suggest that agriculture is crucial in attaining food security by guaranteeing sustainable food production, combating hunger, and encouraging activities that improve environmental conservation – all critical for long-term food availability –because of SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Originality / scientific novelty. This paper stands out for its originality as, by using bibliometric analysis, the study systematically maps the scientific literature and uncovers nuanced connections between food security, agriculture, and SDGs. Such an analysis has not yet been widely documented. This study contributed to a deeper understanding of the relationships and dynamics shaping global efforts to achieve food security and sustainable agriculture. Practical value / implications. This study offers a new perspective on how these critical areas of food security, agriculture, and SDGs interplay and evolve, providing crucial insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners alike. Moreover, the paper contributes to the academic discourse by synthesising trends, identifying gaps, and suggesting future research directions, paving the way for informed decision-making and impactful interventions in global food security and sustainable agriculture efforts.