A bibliometric analysis of climate change and food security research

Abstract Background Climate change has become a global concern, influencing water resources, food security, public health, and societal progress worldwide. Floods, droughts, and irregular monsoons, as manifestations of climate change, adversely affect crops, farmers' livelihoods, and food security. A bibliometric analysis of climate change and food security (CCFS) research can indicate progress and emerging research directions on adaptation and risk-management practices, supporting farmers, policymakers, and investors in decision-making. Methodology Bibliometric analysis was conducted on articles and book chapters published between 2002 and 2024 in Scopus-indexed journals. The keywords “climate change” AND “food security” were used to retrieve documents, with the search constrained to economics, econometrics, finance, and social sciences. Bibliometric indicators, author keywords, research themes, and international research collaboration were examined. After manual screening, 2,366 documents were selected for analysis from 14,188 retrieved records. VOSviewer and the Biblioshiny package were used for science mapping and performance analysis. Results Publications and cumulative citations on climate change and food security increased over the study period, reflecting growing research attention to climate-related risks to food systems. Climate change, food security, adaptation, agriculture, and sustainability were the five most prominent keywords. The USA had the highest number of publications and citations, while the UK recorded the highest average article citations. Sustainability and Nature Climate Change were among the most relevant sources, with Nature Climate Change receiving the highest citations. Science mapping identified seven major research clusters related to climate change and vulnerability, sustainable food systems, adaptive strategies, resource resilience, new plant breeding technologies, livelihood vulnerability, and food security. The International Food Policy Research Institute was the leading affiliated institution. Future research should focus on uncertain meteorological drought projections, the socio-economic impacts of urban food forestry, differentiated policy responses, integrated climate and socio-economic scenarios, interacting factors affecting food security, livelihood renewal processes, and regulatory challenges related to new plant breeding technologies. Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of international research collaboration and coordinated policy approaches in addressing climate-related food security challenges. The literature also points to the potential role of newer technologies and region-specific adaptation strategies. However, their effectiveness in reducing wider consequences such as migration and famine requires further empirical investigation.