Imports and Food Security

Abstract

The Food and Agriculture Organization considers imports crucial to food security (FS) based on their inclusion in the FS definition. Given the broadening of the definition of FS to more than just food availability, the real impact of imports on FS is questionable. This article analyzes the effect of imports on FS in 56 lower-middle income countries from 2011 to 2016. Adopting the generalized method of moments technique, the estimation results point to the negative effects of imports on FS. The breakdown analysis for each dimension indicates that the level of food availability tends to be higher with imports. This could be why imports are considered part of FS measurement. However, the remaining three dimensions, level of food accessibility, utilization, and stability, do against imports. This could explain why the negative impacts of imports outweigh the positive ones in the net. This study indicates that the inclusion of imports in FS can help to secure stable food supplies and meet shortfalls in local production through a better import regulation system. JEL Classification O11, Q00