Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Undernourishment in Central Asia

Stalbek Bopushev; István Fehér; Norbert Bozsik

doi:10.33565/MKSV.2024.KSZ.01.02

Stalbek Bopushev Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Doctoral School of Economic and Regional Sciences https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4228-9442
István Fehér Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Norbert Bozsik Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3115-6118

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33565/MKSV.2024.KSZ.01.02

Keywords: undernourishment, food security, political stability, Central Asia

Abstract

The Global Hunger Index reports a troubling rise in the global number of undernourished people, increasing from 572 million in 2017 to 735 million in 2023, highlighting persistent global challenges. In Central Asia, undernourishment poses a serious threat to public health and impedes both economic and social progress for millions. This study emphasizes the critical roles of political stability and remittances as primary determinants influencing undernourishment in the region. Utilizing a fixed-effects panel data model, we analyze the impact of these key factors, alongside other economic and social indicators, on food security. Our findings indicate that higher remittance inflows are inversely related to undernourishment, suggesting that increased household income from remittances greatly enhances food access and security. Furthermore, the analysis highlights that political stability plays a crucial role in mitigating undernourishment, with more stable governance correlating with lower rates of food insecurity. These insights emphasize the necessity for targeted policies that foster political stability and encourage remittance flows while ensuring inclusive food access and local production.

Author Biographies

Stalbek Bopushev, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Doctoral School of Economic and Regional Sciences

PhD Student

István Fehér, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Professor Emeritus

Norbert Bozsik, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Economics

College Professor

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