Sustainable natural resource management and food security in rural communities.
Keywords:
food security, natural resources, rural communities, sustainable agriculture, sustainability, production systems.Abstract
Sustainable natural resource management is a fundamental component for ensuring food production, strengthening the resilience of production systems, and improving food security conditions among rural populations. Soil degradation, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, climate variability, and limited access to technology and technical assistance are factors affecting food availability, access, utilisation, and stability. The objective of this research was to analyse the relationship between sustainable natural resource management and food security in rural communities, identifying productive and environmental practices associated with improved household food conditions. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted in six rural communities. The sample consisted of 240 households selected through stratified probability sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess soil, water, biodiversity, and production system management practices, while food security was analysed through indicators related to availability, access, utilisation, and stability. The results showed that 32.1% of households had a high level of sustainable management, 44.6% a medium level, and 23.3% a low level. Households with high sustainable management presented higher levels of food security, productive diversity, and stability in food availability. The correlation between sustainable management and food security was positive and significant (r = 0.71; p < 0.001). The regression model showed that water management, soil conservation, productive diversification, and the use of agroecological practices explained 68.7% of the variability observed in food security. It is concluded that the sustainable use of natural resources contributes significantly to strengthening rural food systems, although its effectiveness depends on the integration of productive practices, community organisation, technical assistance, and territorial development policies.
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