Introduction

This research examines the interconnections between food security, environmental sustainability, and sustainable growth in 63 countries from 2010 to 2021. It underscores the significance of food security not only in combating hunger but also as a critical driver of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis employs econometric models, including Generalised Method of Moments (GMM), Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), to establish robust findings.

Literature review, concepts, and theoretical review

Food security is identified as a transformative factor for achieving various SDGs, including quality education (SDG 4), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis highlights a relationship where economic growth initially exacerbates environmental degradation but eventually improves it once a threshold is crossed. The report stresses the need for environmentally sustainable practices to mitigate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Prior studies provide mixed results on food security’s environmental impact, motivating this analysis to explore how sustainable food systems can address hunger and poverty while ensuring environmental quality.

Data and method

The study uses panel data from the World Development Indicators database (2010–2021) for 63 countries. Key indicators include GDP, unemployment, and poverty as dependent variables. Explanatory variables cover food exports and imports, agricultural production, FDI, fertiliser use, and population growth. Advanced econometric techniques are applied to identify long-term relationships.

Empirical results

Food exports positively affect economic growth (0.196% per 1% increase) and reduce unemployment and poverty by 0.264% and 0.431%, respectively. Conversely, food imports hinder growth, increasing poverty and unemployment by 0.679% and 0.186%, respectively. This underscores the economic benefits of strengthening local food production over reliance on imports.

Agricultural production boosts GDP by 0.137% and reduces poverty and unemployment by 0.381% and 0.945%, respectively. The agricultural sector accounted for 27% of the global workforce in 2020, highlighting its role in poverty reduction and job creation.

Environmental degradation, measured through CO2 emissions, negatively impacts GDP (-0.185%) while increasing poverty and unemployment. The EKC hypothesis is validated, showing that emissions initially rise with growth but decrease after a threshold as nations adopt greener policies.

Fertiliser consumption enhances agricultural output, increasing GDP by 0.169% while reducing poverty and unemployment. FDI contributes significantly, with a 1% increase boosting GDP by 0.573% and reducing poverty and unemployment by 0.154% and 0.210%, respectively.

Food inflation poses a challenge by limiting access to affordable nutrition, which impacts household spending on education and healthcare, thereby affecting quality education (SDG 4) and good health and well-being (SDG 3).

Discussion

The study identifies disparities in food security between developed and developing regions, with Africa and Asia most affected by subsistence farming and limited technological adoption. The reliance on food imports in these regions exacerbates inflation and weakens economic resilience.

Recommendations include promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as eco-fishing and aquaculture, which can address pollution and support biodiversity (SDGs 14 and 15). Stronger international collaboration is essential for sharing technological advancements and enhancing resource allocation.

The research emphasises the critical role of agricultural innovation and investment in mitigating food insecurity. Addressing food waste through improved supply chains and innovative technologies can support environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

Conclusions and policy recommendations

Food security is central to achieving SDGs, including zero hunger, poverty alleviation, and economic growth. Policymakers should prioritise:

• Reducing reliance on food imports and boosting local production.
• Promoting agricultural exports to enhance trade balance and economic growth.
• Supporting environmentally friendly practices to achieve climate action goals (SDG 13).
• Encouraging FDI to introduce advanced agricultural technologies and improve job creation.

Collaboration across borders and sustainable innovations, such as improved fertiliser use and eco-friendly farming, are crucial. Nations must integrate food security into broader economic and environmental policies to achieve long-term inclusive growth and sustainability.