Does energy poverty increases starvation? Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

This study contributes to the existing literature on energy poverty and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study is conducted on a panel of 36 SSA countries over the period 2000 to 2020. Using several estimation methods, such as fixed effects, Driscoll-Kraay, Lewbel 2SLS, and the generalized method of moments, we find positive results for energy on food security. In SSA, the energy development index, access to electricity, and access to clean energy for cooking positively influence food security. This can encourage policy makers to prioritize investments in off-grid energy for vulnerable households through small-scale energy systems, which can promote food security by directly affecting local food production, preservation, and preparation, and contribute to human well-being and environmental conservation.

Automated summary

This study contributes to the existing literature on energy poverty and food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest that energy development index, access to electricity, and access to clean energy for cooking positively influence food security in the region. These results highlight the importance of investing in off-grid energy systems to improve local food production, preservation, and preparation, and ultimately enhance human well-being and environmental conservation.