Using K– means cluster analysis for profiling citizens on perception of key factors of food security

Food security is currently at the centre of the global economic and social debates, so it has a crucial role in ensuring economic physical access to food for present and future generations, one of the dimensions of food security. Agri-food system security has been reported on in recent years. Conventional agri-food systems actually have limited resilience, being vulnerable to several shocks such as increasing occurrence of extreme natural events, COVID-19 pandemic and the current Russia–Ukraine conflict. This situation threatens the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the Zero Hunger Goal (SDG 2), aiming at fighting hunger and granting food security and quality-wise food from sustainable farming systems. Cities have been increasingly involved in the development of food policies and fostering the transition to sustainable food systems. The urban agro-ecological transition, including food policies, may be crucial in facing environmental emergencies and improving agri-food systems, but is also key in solving political and social issues with an agro-ecological approach. Metropolitan areas are a key point and must be acknowledged in research and policy. The aim of this study is to identify citizens’ profiles of the area of Metropolitan City of Bari (MCB), based on citizens’ perceptions on the key factors related to food security and their socio-demographic characteristics. This is the first study attempting to classify citizens into different categories based on their viewpoints on food security. The segmentation and classification of these citizens could provide concrete basis to guide policy makers and other stakeholders toward a more effective creation of the MCB and to propose effective long-term measures aimed at ensuring safe, healthy, sustainable, and nutritious food for residents and surrounding communities.