Determinants of food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America

Abstract

The paper analyzes various correlates of food security, viz. availability, access, utilization and stability in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America. Econometric estimates, based on pooled data (1990-2012 for over 40 countries), indicate that while regional variations do exist, nevertheless, broad conclusions can be drawn in terms of determinants of food security. While increases in GDP per capita, as well as its growth; improvement in infrastructure, food production, and access to better drinking water reduce both undernutrition, and the depth of food deficit significantly, food inflation (as also its volatility) has a significant adverse effect on food security. Also, increase in food imports as a percentage of total merchandize exports, in general, has a negative (though non-significant) impact. Given that access to healthy food is a basic human right, steps need to be taken to build resilience of the poor. It is in this context that the paper concludes from a broad policy perspective.