Efficiency of small-scale farmer's conservative behavior on their food security status in Iran

There is a strong relationship between water and soil conservation practices and food security in Lorestan province in Iran. Socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors effect adoption of conservation practices in the region. The food security status of 296 random households was assessed with face-to-face interviews using the Household Food Insecurity Assess Scale. Our findings revealed that 78.7% of the sampled households experienced varying levels of food insecurity, including marginal (22%), moderate (10%), and severe (46%) status, while 21.3% were food secure. Among the surveyed farmers, water conservation exhibited a stronger correlation with food security compared to soil conservation. We identified several key factors, including education, employment, microcredit funds, NGOs' supports, and government subsidies that influenced the adoption of different water and soil conservation practices. To effectively manage water and soil resources while considering socioeconomic factors, food security status, and the preservation of limited resources, it is crucial to reevaluate the existing practices and policies governing resource management in the study area.