Ecological intensity of food security: A cross-national study of sustainability

This dissertation explores the intersection of ecological resource consumption, economic development, inequality, and food security—an underrepresented aspect in sustainability literature, given the significant environmental impact of food production and the global prevalence of food insecurity. Chapter 4 analyzes the ecological footprint per capita as a predictor of food security across developed countries (DCs), least developed countries (LDCs), and a global sample. The results reveal a non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship, where moderate ecological consumption is linked to optimal food security, while further consumption diminishes food security gains. A decoupling effect observed since 2014 suggests that ecological footprint's influence on food security has weakened in both DCs and LDCs. Chapter 5 introduces the ecological intensity of food security (EIFS), calculated as the ecological footprint divided by food security rate, which highlights the ecological cost of food security. Using pooled OLS regression with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, the analysis tests for an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in the relationship between GDP per capita and EIFS. Contrary to the EKC’s predicted inverted U-shape, findings indicate a U-shaped relationship in developing countries and the full sample, with an N-shaped pattern in developed countries. Economic growth initially raises, then lowers, and finally raises EIFS at higher income levels. Chapter 6 examines the effect of income inequality, measured by the income share of the top 10%, on EIFS. Findings suggest that higher income concentration is associated with higher EIFS across all countries, indicating that reducing inequality could support food security and sustainable resource use. Overall, this dissertation’s findings underscore the need for equitable and ecologically conscious policy approaches to enhance sustainable food security across diverse development contexts. This dissertation finds that moderate ecological resource use optimizes food security without compromising sustainability and that balanced economic growth, rather than unrestrained expansion, supports these goals. Addressing income inequality is important, as equitable resource distribution improves both ecological and food security outcomes. Future research should extend these findings across longer timelines and explore successful policies from top-performing nations to guide sustainable development strategies globally.