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

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.