Research on World Agricultural Economy

Food Insecurity in West Africa: Is Global Warming the Driver?

Kafilah Lola Gold

DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa; Department of Economics, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, 241103, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i4.1186

Received: 22 July 2024 | Revised: 29 August 2024 | Accepted: 12 September 2024 | Published Online: 22 November 2024

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Abstract

This research explores the causal correlation between food insecurity and global warming in West Africa, utilising secondary panel data from 2000 to 2020 and employing the Kao co-integration, FMOLS and GLM techniques. The variables studied include malnutrition prevalence, CO₂ emissions, inflation, foreign direct investment (FDI), GDP per capita, population growth, food imports, and arable land. The econometric analysis provides evidence of a positive long-term correlation between food insecurity and climate change. This finding underscores the region’s agricultural sector’s vulnerability to atmospheric changes, potentially worsening food insecurity. Based on the findings, the study proposes a comprehensive approach to addressing climate-induced food insecurity in West Africa. Recommendations include implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, reducing carbon emissions, increasing agricultural investment, improving incomes, adopting enhanced farming techniques, activating climate change mitigation programs, investing in agricultural research, and diversifying economic structures.

Keywords: Climate Change; Global Warming; Food Security; CO2 Emission; Economic Growth; West Africa; Panel Data Models

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