Spatial Transformation and Food Security: A Mixed-Method Socio-Spatial Study in East Manggarai Regency

Abstract

Food security is crucial for sustainable development, especially in highly vulnerable areas, particularly in East Manggarai Regency. This regency is vulnerable to food insecurity due to difficulties in accessing markets and low agricultural diversification that depends on the weather. Therefore, Socio-Spatial study using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based spatial mapping and qualitative exploration through interviews and field observations are required. This aims to reveal resource distribution across villages and socio-cultural practices in shaping food access. This study revealed that Spatial-based food security mapping should be combined with economic analysis that considers market structure, financial access distribution, and households' economic capacity to access food. Food security cannot solely depend on the increased production, but should be achieved through comprehensive improvements to the spatial system, social relations, and economic base of local communities. Accordingly, the study concluded that spatial inequalities in food security are required integrative, contextual, and participatory solution.