Multidimensional Determinants of National Food Security in Azerbaijan: an Application of the ARDL Approach

Abstract

Food intake is a prerequisite for human beings to live a healthy life style. The attainment of food security is crucial and is a prime development priority for all developing countries. The inability to provide reliable evidence of national food security has remained a problem for both policymakers and researchers alike. The present study helps fill this gap by incorporating the multidimensional determinants of food security at the national level in Azerbaijan. The specific objectives of the study are to evaluate the short-term and long-term dynamics of these determinants on food security. The empirical analysis draws from nationally representative time series data over the period 1991 to 2018, taken from FAO and WDI. The ARDL model suggested that food import, exchange rate, inflation, climate change, and urban population growth harm national food security dynamics of Azerbaijan. On the other hand, trade to GDP ratio has a positive impact on food security. Overall results suggest that there is a pressing need to improve its institutional framework if the Azerbaijan government sincerely desires to have sustainable food security, as organizations control all other issues.