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

Article Information

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

Authors: Sumaira Batool, Muhammad Ramzan Sheikh

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Economic Studies

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2021-07-01	2022-06-30

Publisher: Islamia University, Bahawalpur

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 7

Issue: 2

Language: English

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.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To explore the impact of short-run and long-run demand-side drivers on the four dimensions of food security (availability, access, stability, and utilization) in developing countries.

Methodology

The study utilizes a dataset of 89 nations from 1990 to 2020. The primary methodology employed is Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR). The research models food security dimensions using variables such as agricultural raw material exports, Gini index, income share ratio, GDP per capita growth, urban population growth, population growth, and net official development assistance received.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Data Collection 89 nations, 1990-2020] --> B[Model Specification for 4 FS Dimensions]
    B --> C[Method of Moments Quantile RegressionMMQR]
    C --> D[Analysis of Demand-Side Drivers PG, UPG, ODA, ARM, GI, HLIS, GDPPC]
    D --> E[Results Interpretation]
    E --> F[Conclusion and Policy Implications]

Discussion

The study validates the Malthusian theory by demonstrating the negative impact of population growth on all dimensions of food security. It highlights that while economic growth can improve food availability and utilization, it may worsen food stability and undernourishment if not accompanied by equitable income distribution. ODA is identified as a crucial short-run driver that can enhance food security through various interventions. The research also points out the detrimental effects of agricultural exports and income inequality on food security dimensions.

Key Findings

- Overall population growth (PG) and urban population growth (UPG) are persistent impediments to sustainable food security.
- Official Development Assistance (ODA) shows a positive impact on the availability and utilization dimensions of food security and can reduce undernourishment.
- Agricultural raw material exports (ARM) have a negative impact on food availability and utilization, and a positive impact on food stability and undernourishment.
- Income inequality (GI and HLIS) negatively affects food availability and utilization, and positively impacts food stability and undernourishment.
- GDP per capita growth (GDPPC) has a positive impact on food availability and utilization, and a negative impact on food stability and undernourishment.

Conclusion

Population growth poses a significant challenge to food security in developing countries. Official Development Assistance (ODA) plays a vital role in improving food security by supporting agricultural development, nutrition interventions, and infrastructure. Policy recommendations include promoting family planning and actively engaging with international donors for technical and financial assistance.

Fact Check

- The study covers data from 1990 to 2020.
- The dataset includes 89 nations.
- The methodology used is Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR).

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