Afghan Households' Food Security - Vatanparast Nutritional Epidemiology Lab (VNEL)

Introduction

This project aims to assess the food security status of Afghan households in Afghanistan, Iran, Canada, and the U.S. following the Taliban's return to power. With Afghanistan ranking 109th out of 121 countries on the Global Hunger Index, the situation is dire, as 93% of Afghans reportedly lacked enough food. Economic challenges, displacement, unfavorable weather, and COVID-19 have exacerbated the crisis. The research will explore how Afghan families are coping with food insecurity, examining factors like socioeconomics, geography, and support systems. The study involves a multidisciplinary team and will use both qualitative and quantitative methods to inform policy and aid interventions for Afghan families across their migration paths.

Study Recruitment Posters

Afghan Project - Questionaire

Afghan Project - Interview

About Us:

Vatanparast Nutritional Epidemiology Lab:

Dr. Vatanparast's Nutritional Epidemiology Lab (VNEL) is located in the University of Saskatchewan's College of Pharmacy & Nutrition. The Lab employs undergraduate Nutrition Students, Master of Public Health Students, and Biostatistics students to build capacity in upcoming research professionals. The VNELab focuses on research and health promotion initiatives targeting children's health and chronic disease. Dr. Hassan Vatanparast, the Head of the VNELab, is leading several projects at the local, national and global levels aimed to improve the nutritional health of the general population, newcomers, and Indigenous communities. The VNELab collaborates locally through the College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, School of Public Health, and other organizations, provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Who are we?

We are a team of researchers from the University of Saskatchewan, University of Idaho, McGill University, Toronto Metropolitan University and University of Tehran with backgrounds in nutrition, epidemiology, Public Health, food security, food policy and sociology of immigration who study The food security status of Afghan households in Afghanistan, Iran, Canada, and the U.S. after the Taliban's takeover.

Team members

Investigators

Dr. Hassan Vatanparast

Hassan Vatanparast is a Professor in the field of nutritional epidemiology at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan.

Dr. Mustafa Koc

Mustafa Koc is a professor at the Department of Sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University. He also serves as the director of the Centre for Studies in Food Security.

Dr. Daniel Béland

Daniel Béland is a Canadian political sociologist, currently Director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada and James McGill Professor in the Department of Political Science at McGill University.

Dr. Ginny Lane

Ginny Lane is an Assistant Professor of Nutrition at the University of Idaho and a registered dietitian.

Dr. Nancy Clark

Nancy Clark is an an Associate professor in the Faculty of Human and Social Development, School of Nursing at the University of Victoria.

Dr. Nasrin Omidvar

Nasrin Omidvar is a Professor at the faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.

Dr. Rasoul Sadeghi

Rasoul Sadeghi is Associate Professor of Demography of the Tehran University, and Deputy for Research of the National Institute of Population Research, Iran.

Dr. Mohammad Reza Pakravan

Mohammad Reza Pakravan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at Lorestan University in Iran.

Staff

Zoe Longworth

Zoe Longworth works for the Vatanparast Nutritional Epidemiology Lab as the Lab manager. She has a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and nutraceuticals sciences and a master’s degree in public health.

Funders

Partner Organizations