An analysis of food security in selected ASEAN countries

This study examined the annual food security situation and its determinants in selected ASEAN countries for the period of 1967 to 2009. The data analysis techniques involved both descriptive and econometric analyses, where ordinary least square procedure of regression was used in the econometric analysis. The results of the study revealed that the selected ASEAN countries were food secure, although, the long run sustainability of food security remains to be an issue. This was based on per capita food availability and dietary energy supply as well as dietary energy requirement. The determinants of food security were analysed in the empirical analysis. Total food production, per capita income and access women status were significant factors in explaining the level of food security in the long term in the selected four ASEAN countries. The regression model showed that 1% increase in total food production would result in increase food security by 0.036%, whereas each 1% increase in per capita income increases the food security by 0.027%. Similarly, access women status has positive relationship with food security, 1% increase in access women status would result in increase food security by 0.397%