Analysing the Role of Food Security, Agricultural Exports and Income Inequality in Shaping Economic Growth Trajectories in Developing Countries

Abstract

This study examines the impact of food security, agricultural exports
and income inequality on economic growth in 89 developing nations
from 1990 to 2020. Employing Method of Moments Quantile
Regression (MMQR), it analyses all four dimensions of food security,
which include availability, access, stability and utilization. Key findings
include positive impact of adequate food availability on economic growth
through promoting health as well as productivity. Prevalence of
undernourishment negatively affects economic growth, indicating its
role in reducing labor productivity and exacerbating poverty. Food
stability, measured by per capita food production variability, shows a
significantly negative impact on economic growth. Access to improved
drinking water is positively associated with food utilization and
economic growth. The study recommends interventions to promote
labor force participation, infrastructure investment, reduced income
inequality and financial system development for sustainable economic
growth in developing countries.