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Southeast Asia Trends on Food Security Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

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Food security pertains to the sufficient availability, accessibility, utilization, and consistency of food resources to meet the needs of all individuals in their daily lives. The primary objectives of this study were twofold: first, to delve into the patterns characterizing publications related to food security; and second, to pinpoint the predominant subject areas explored within the realm of food security in Southeast Asian countries between the years 2012 and 2022. The research employed a Bibliometric Analysis methodology, encompassing three key stages: data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation. The primary data source for this analysis was the Scopus database, and the analysis itself was conducted using tools like Microsoft Excel and VOS viewer. The outcomes of this analysis shed light on the trajectory of publications concerning food security in Southeast Asia. Notably, the findings aligned with global trends, illustrating a substantial increase in the volume of food security-related publications. This suggests an augmented awareness and emphasis on addressing food security concerns within the Southeast Asian context. Among the topics scrutinized within the realm of food security, several key themes emerged as focal points. These included climate change, agriculture, rice production, sustainability, and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study highlighted other noteworthy subjects such as food insecurity, nutritional considerations, poverty alleviation, adaptation strategies, and biodiversity conservation. The complexity of the food security issue necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, indicating that numerous angles need to be explored to comprehensively address the challenges at hand. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge certain limitations associated with this bibliometric analysis. These limitations encompass potential biases in citation practices, variances specific to different academic disciplines, and the absence of qualitative insights that could offer a deeper understanding of the topics under scrutiny. Despite these limitations, the study offers valuable insights into the trends and primary themes encompassing food security, contributing to a better understanding of the multifaceted nature of this critical issue.


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