Optimal control strategies for reducing the interrelated issues of food insecurity and disease dynamics: A mathematical modelling approach using Nigeria as a case study

Food insecurity and the spread of infectious disease are among the two major problems facing the world today especially in poor rural communities. Unfortunately, these two problems are related as many poor rural communities with food insecurity issues are also endemic to some food and waterborne diseases. A mathematical model that takes into consideration the major factors affecting food insecurity and disease is developed and used to analyse the problems. The essential features of the model are obtained and analysed analytically. Model fitting and parameter estimation is performed using Nigeria as a case study. To determine how to reduce food insecurity and disease, the model is extended by introducing appropriate control intervention. Optimal control analysis is conducted to determine how to reduce food insecurity and disease with minimum cost. The study reveals the interrelated issues of food insecurity and disease dynamics which is crucial for proper management and better decision making.