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Review
. 2023 Apr;30(17):48721-48738.
doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-25997-4. Epub 2023 Mar 4.

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

Affiliations
Review

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

Thierry Messie Pondie et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Driscoll-Kraay; Energy poverty; GMM; Lewbel 2SLS; Starvation; Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Relation between energy and food security index. Source: authors
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Evolution of access to electricity and access to clean energy for cooking with food security. Source: authors
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Endogeneity test. Source: authors
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Transmission channels. Source: authors

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