Food Security in D8 Countries: Comparative Challenges and Sustainable Strategies

Abstract Food security is a critical global issue, and the D8 countries (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey) represent a significant group of emerging economies with diverse agricultural systems and challenges. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of food security in the D8 countries using panel data regression analysis. The study utilizes a panel dataset covering a time period of 9 years (2012-2020) for the eight members of D8 countries, except Iran, with variables representing the proportion of agriculture's added value to GDP, the value of agricultural production per capita, the share of agricultural exports to total exports, and land productivity. The panel data regression analysis employs appropriate econometric techniques, which is random effects model, to account for cross-country and time-series variations. The result of the study shows that the value of agricultural production per capita has a positive relationship with Food Security variable. While the variables of the share of the added value of agriculture in GDP and the share of export of agricultural products in total export have a negative correlation with Food Security. There is also no correlation between land productivity and food security. The results of this paper will provide valuable information for policymakers and stakeholders to formulate effective strategies and interventions to improve food security in the region. The results of this research will also provide implications for other developing countries facing similar challenges in ensuring food security for their populations. Keywords: Food security, D8 countries, Random Effect Model, Agricultural production, Agricultural export.