Demand-Driven Challenges to Food Security: A Developing World Perspective

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the impact of short-run and long-run demand-side drivers on the food security in developing countries.

Research Gap: The paper utilizes a rich dataset consisting on 89 nations spanning from the years 1990 to 2020. A research gap exists in the collective exploration of all four dimensions of food security. Prior to the present study, there was a scanty literature addressing this comprehensive approach.

Methodology: The present study employs Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR). The application of the MMQR technique to analyze the interconnections among food security, agricultural exports, income inequality, economic growth and demand-driven forces of food security has limited in previous literature. This underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between these variables.

The Main Findings: The results reveal that overall population growth (PG) as well as urban population growth (UPG) serves as the persistent impediment towards the achievement of sustainable food security. However, official development assistance (ODA) shows a positive impact on availability and utilization dimensions. As well as, ODA can reduce undernourishment leading to improved access to nutritious food in developing countries.

Implications of Findings: The study recommends promoting family planning to address population pressures and emphasizes active engagement with international donors for technical and financial support in enhancing food security.

Originality/Value: The existing literature was limited in its coverage of this holistic approach prior to the current research. Additionally, this study applied the MMQR, a novel technique in this field, to assess such associations.