Green economic growth, renewable energy and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
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Date
2024
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Energy Strategy Reviews
Abstract
This study examines the impact of green economic growth and renewable energy on food security in Sub-Saharan
Africa (SSA). The rationale for the study comes from the background that with a fast rate of growing population,
there is a high pressure on natural resources, which often leads to resource depletion, being experienced across
the globe. This study utilises panel data analysis consisting of 37 SSA countries that are members of the Official
Development Assistance (ODA). Data was obtained from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World
Development Indicators (WDI) for the period 2005–2022. To control for endogeneity, the study applies the
system Generalised Method of Moments (GMM). The result shows that renewable energy and green economic
growth have a positive significant impact on food security, though this impact is asymmetric across SSA subregions. On the other hand, industrialisation through its emissions, contributes negatively to food security.
The implication is that SSA countries should focus on policies aimed at improving green economic growth and
renewable energy consumption; while policies aimed at reducing the inefficient adoption of renewable electricity
and discouraging industrialisation aimed at suppressing agricultural practices should be adopted.