Food independence and efficient exploitation of natural resources

Abstract

We examine the efficiency of 113 countries in exploiting their natural resources to achieve food independence. Our results suggest that food independence is determined by natural resources endowments, and research and development. Per-capita agricultural land, renewable freshwater and irrigation increase food independence, whereas temperature rise and storm severity have the reverse effect. Food independence efficiency is promoted by the presence of strong legal rights and infrastructure, but inhibited by population growth, agriculture volatility and oil rents. Our findings also suggest that oil-producing countries are the least efficient, but contrary to expectations, low-income economies are more efficient than industrialized economies.