ISSN 2360-798X
Abstract
Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the socio-economic determinants of household food insecurity in Senegal using Afrobarometer Round 9 data. However, this first basic need is not met for numerous families globally. Food supply shortages remain for a very large number of households. The ongoing nature of this problem raises key questions of how frequently families experience food insecurity and the extensive social and economic significance of such deprivation on a national and global level. The objective of this study is to analyse the social and economic determinants of household exposure to food insecurity, which is characterised by meal deprivation in Senegal. A multinomial logistic regression model is employed to distinguish between different levels of food insecurity. Unlike a binary model, this approach distinguishes multiple levels of food deprivation intensity. Results show that cash income shortages significantly increase the likelihood of severe food insecurity (OR = 3.31), while education reduces moderate food insecurity (OR = 0.88). While educational attainment provides a moderate but significant buffer against moderate food insecurity, broader national economic conditions only show a significant impact on severe situations. These findings underscore the necessity of a multi-tiered approach that integrates micro-level interventions (income support, education) with macroeconomic policies (stabilisation, inclusive growth).
Keywords: Food Insecurity, Meal Deprivation, household exposure, multinomial logistic regression