Comparative Analysis of Global Food Security Index Components with Population Growth: A Focus on Pakistan and China

Global food insecurity, driven by population growth, is a critical issue. The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) serves as a pivotal tool, evaluating 113 nations on parameters such as affordability, availability, quality and safety, and sustainability and adaptation. This study analyzes GFSI and population growth in China and Pakistan from 2012 to 2022 using statistical tools. Pakistan ranked 84th on the GFSI scale, while China ranked 25th. The population growth rate decreased significantly in China. Both countries experienced increases in GFSI scores, but China consistently outperformed Pakistan. This disparity can be attributed to Pakistan's persistent challenges related to food insecurity. In Pakistan, the analysis reveals a positive and significant correlation between GFSI and the parameters of affordability and availability. However, the correlation with quality and safety was negative and insignificant, while sustainability and adaptation showed a positive but insignificant correlation. In contrast, China exhibited positive and significant correlations across all indicators. When comparing population growth rates, Pakistan demonstrated negative and significant correlations with GFSI and affordability, negative and insignificant correlations with availability, and positive but insignificant correlations with quality and safety, as well as sustainability and adaptation. China, however, showed negative and statistically significant correlations with all indicators except affordability and quality & safety, these are insignificant. This study underscores the importance of tailored policy interventions to bolster food security in both nations, addressing the key factors contributing to their respective challenges.