Impact of Information & Communication Technology on Food Security in South Asian Countries

Abstract

This study empirically examines the impact of Information & Communication Technology Food Security in South Asian Countries. Panel data is collected from World Bank database over the period of 2002-2021. Food Security is dependent variable, ICT is the independent variable and governance, Income, Population and Inflation are control variables. Econometric models, including fixed effects, random effects, and generalized method of moments (GMM), are applied. Panel ARDL statistical approach is used for the estimation of long run and short-run results as the sample contains variables of mix order of integration. The result of the study shows that, Mobile internet or broadband has a positive impact, while agriculture and governance have a negative impact. Inflation shows a positive impact in the first two models of fixed and random effects, but a negative impact in the last model. In all three models of GMM, inflation has a negative impact. On the basis of results, study recommended that South Asian countries should improve agricultural trade in the region, increase investment in R&D in agriculture to improve food security, collaborate to made strategies to mitigate climate change impact, control population growth and provide subsidy on food items to improve food security and end hunger