Food Security and Trade in Regional ASEAN

This study investigates the relationship between trade and food security in ASEAN countries by employing a panel data approach with the Common Effect Model (CEM) as the preferred specification. Food security is measured using the prevalence of undernourishment, while trade serves as the main independent variable, complemented by control variables including access to safely managed water and sanitation, water use efficiency, nutrient balance, and GDP per capita. The analysis is based on annual data from ASEAN member countries, providing a comprehensive overview of regional dynamics. The results indicate that trade has a significant negative effect on undernourishment, highlighting its role in improving food security by enhancing food availability and accessibility. Water use efficiency and GDP per capita are also found to contribute significantly to reducing undernourishment, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management and inclusive economic growth. However, access to water and sanitation, as well as nutrient balance, do not exhibit significant direct effects, suggesting their impact may be more indirect or mediated by other socio-economic conditions. Country effect estimations further reveal heterogeneity among ASEAN nations, with the Philippines and Laos experiencing stronger unobserved influences on food insecurity, while Malaysia demonstrates a relatively lower baseline effect. These findings underscore the multidimensional nature of food security and the need for tailored policy responses. Strengthening trade cooperation, improving resource efficiency, promoting inclusive growth, and addressing structural disparities are essential to achieve sustainable food security in the region.