Drivers of food security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Food security is crucial for sustainable development, global health, and economic stability, yet remains a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This major aim of the study is to assesses the impact of governance, nutrition, circular economy, innovation, and climate change on food security across SSA's upper-middle, lower-middle, and lower-income countries using panel data from 2002 to 2021. A two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) and two-stage least squares instrumental variables (2SLS-IV) are used for analysis and robustness testing. The results show that governance quality improves food security in lower-income countries, especially dietary energy supply (ADES) and reductions in undernourishment (POU), while the effects in middle-income countries are mixed. Nutrition consistently reduces POU, emphasizing its importance in addressing food insecurity. Climate change, measured by CO2 emissions, negatively affects ADES but may boost food production (FP) in the short term. Innovation in water management is often inefficient and undermines food security. Structural factors such as HDI and GDP show limited direct effects, highlighting the need for inclusive growth. The study highlights the need for tailored policies, strengthened governance, enhanced agricultural productivity, climate adaptation, and sustainable practices to ensure equitable food security outcomes in SSA.