Assessing the Role of the Blue Economy in Strengthening Food Security: Evidence from Lower-Middle-Income ASEAN Countries

This study examines the relationship between the blue economy and food security in lower-middle-income ASEAN countries, specifically Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, over the period 2012–2022. While the blue economy holds significant potential for enhancing food security, its implementation is often hindered by environmental degradation, limited access to renewable energy, inadequate technological advancements, insufficient investment, and rapid population growth. By employing Ordinary Least Squares regression and a system of simultaneous equations, key interactions among environmental quality, renewable energy utilization, technological innovation, investment, and demographic dynamics are analyzed. The findings reveal that improvements in environmental quality foster the adoption of renewable energy, while technological advancements significantly contribute to the expansion of the blue economy. Furthermore, the development of the blue economy is identified as a critical driver of food security, with investment and effective population management playing essential roles in ensuring its long-term sustainability. The results indicate that a comprehensive strategy integrating environmental protection, technological progress, and renewable energy adoption is essential for enhancing food security through the blue economy. Based on these insights, policy recommendations are proposed, emphasizing the need for stringent emission controls, increased investment in renewable energy, promotion of technological innovation, and sustainable demographic policies. These measures are expected to facilitate a resilient blue economy, ensuring food security and long-term socio-economic stability in ASEAN’s lower-middle-income nations.