Determinants of Food Security : A Comprehensive Analysis Across East, South, and Southeast Asia

Abstract

The role of food security has continuously been increasing during the recent decades and especially due to recent crises. This study investigates the determinants of food security in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia—regions that are critical to global food security due to their substantial population and agricultural output. Utilising a dataset spanning from 2001 to 2021 and employing a random effects regression model, this paper examines the influence of economic growth, agricultural performance, open economic activities, climate change, and crisis situations on food security. The study covers 357 observations from 17 countries within the selected regions. Results suggest that the relationship between economic growth and food security is not straightforward across the regions. While agricultural performance generally supports food security, the impact of open economic activities and external shocks like conflicts and climate change vary. Notably, recent global crises have had nuanced effects on food security, while the prevalence of undernourishment steadily decreased despite of the crisis events. The study highlights the complexity of achieving food security in Asia and the need for sustainable region-specific policies addressing both structural and transitory challenges. Policymakers need to consider a broader range of factors, related to sustainability, to effectively combat hunger and undernutrition.