Achieving Inclusive Growth through Food Security in Nigeria

Abstract

Achieving economic growth, whose dividends are shared more fairly, is now a center of discussion in many developing countries, including Nigeria. Thus, this study examined the impact of food security on inclusive growth in Nigeria between 2000Q1 and 2018Q4. The study utilized a dynamic Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique to solve the endogeneity problem. Also, the study employed a two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimator to test the robustness of the GMM estimates. Results showed that food security, government expenditure, and government stability have a significant positive effect, as expected, on inclusive growth, while income inequality, poverty, and population negatively influenced inclusive growth expectedly. The study findings implied that food security in relation to reductions in the level of poverty and income inequality would go a long way in achieving inclusive growth in Nigeria. Therefore, the study concluded that to achieve growth inclusiveness in Nigeria, poverty and inequality must be reduced, while people's access to food must be ensured. The study suggested that the Nigerian government should be involved in those activities that would help in achieving food security, creating employment opportunities, and reducing income inequality and poverty.