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Research Focuses and Trends in Food Security: Bibliometric Analysis

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  • Yuh‐Shan Ho
  • Francis Lwesya

Abstract

In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the scientific production of food security research for the last 30 years. The study was motivated by the growing body of knowledge regarding global crises such as COVID‐19 and climate change, as well as the rise of new research frontiers such as digital agriculture and climate‐smart innovations, which all point to a change in scholarly focus. The results show that the environmental science category published the most articles, and a significant growth of articles was seen for food science and technology, agronomy, plant sciences, as well as green and sustainable science and technology. Similarly, we observed a shift of food security research to more integrating technology‐based solutions to address food security challenges. The results indicate that implementing digital technologies in conjunction with smart agriculture, developing inclusive food policies, guaranteeing fair trade practices, and strengthening social protection initiatives will contribute to the development of resilient, sustainable, and just food systems. The circular economy's tenets will also help reduce food waste, enhance urban food security, and boost shock resistance in order to attain global food security and sovereignty. Future studies could focus on identifying the main obstacles to digital inclusion in food systems, how ICT solutions can be developed and used to empower underserved communities, and how the circular economy can be effectively implemented to significantly reduce food loss and waste in the food system.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuh‐Shan Ho & Francis Lwesya, 2026. "Research Focuses and Trends in Food Security: Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S1), pages 297-317, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:s1:p:297-317
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70171
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    4. Huang Yi & Xiaolan Ao & Yuh-Shan Ho, 2008. "Use of citation per publication as an indicator to evaluate pentachlorophenol research," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 75(1), pages 67-80, April.
    5. Zhi Li & Yuh-Shan Ho, 2008. "Use of citation per publication as an indicator to evaluate contingent valuation research," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 75(1), pages 97-110, April.
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    8. Maribel Vega-Arce & Gonzalo Salas & Gastón Núñez-Ulloa & Cristián Pinto-Cortez & Ivelisse Torres Fernandez & Yuh-Shan Ho, 2019. "Research performance and trends in child sexual abuse research: a Science Citation Index Expanded-based analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 121(3), pages 1505-1525, December.
    9. Phemelo Tamasiga & Taghi Miri & Helen Onyeaka & Abarasi Hart, 2022. "Food Waste and Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-30, August.
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    12. Ling-Li Li & Guohua Ding & Nan Feng & Ming-Huang Wang & Yuh-Shan Ho, 2009. "Global stem cell research trend: Bibliometric analysis as a tool for mapping of trends from 1991 to 2006," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 80(1), pages 39-58, July.
    13. Yuh-Shan Ho & Sharif A. Mukul, 2021. "Publication Performance and Trends in Mangrove Forests: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-20, November.
    14. Yiyuan Pang & Francesco Marinello & Pan Tang & Hong Li & Qi Liang, 2023. "Bibliometric Analysis of Trends in Smart Irrigation for Smart Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-23, November.
    15. Gangfeng Zhang & Shaodong Xie & Yuh-Shan Ho, 2010. "A bibliometric analysis of world volatile organic compounds research trends," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 83(2), pages 477-492, May.
    16. Shahbaz Mushtaq & Jarrod Kath & Roger Stone & Ross Henry & Peter Läderach & Kathryn Reardon-Smith & David Cobon & Torben Marcussen & Neil Cliffe & Paul Kristiansen & Frederik Pischke, 2020. "Creating positive synergies between risk management and transfer to accelerate food system climate resilience," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 161(3), pages 465-478, August.
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