Integrated assessment of environmental factors influencing food security in the Zhambyl region in the context of food technology development

In arid regions, food security is constrained by land degradation, unstable water resources, and
localized environmental pollution, which reduce the resilience of agri-food systems and negatively
affect product quality and processing potential.
The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of environmental factors on food security in
the Zhambyl region and to substantiate the role of food technologies in improving product quality and
safety. The study applies a systems approach, comparative geographical analysis, and environmental
monitoring data on soils, air, and surface waters for 2023-2024, followed by scientific interpretation of
the results.
Land degradation, including humus decline and deflation processes, is identified as the main
limiting factor for agricultural productivity. Heavy metal concentrations in soils remain within
permissible limits. Air quality is generally characterized by low pollution levels, although local
exceedances of maximum allowable concentrations are observed. Surface water quality shows a
positive trend with no cases of extreme pollution. The findings emphasize the importance of
implementing resource-efficient and treatment technologies and can be used in developing regional
food security policies.