Impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on food security: bibliometric analysis and empirical evidence

Abstract

Impact of coronavirus disease on sustainable growth and food security is dramatically negative. Despite significant number of publications focused on food security and coronavirus disease issues, a deeper analysis of food security damages activated by COVID-19 is necessary. This determines the main task of this research. Theoretical block of the study involves bibliometric analysis of relevant Scopus publications using VOSviewer. Empirical block of the study involves: 1) formation of Food Security Index for 15 European countries based on a combination of Principal Component Analysis, ranking, Fishburn formula and additive convolution; 2) panel data regression modelling aimed at clarifying impact of macroeconomic indicators and healthcare expenditures on food security during 2000–2021 (model 1), 2000–2019 (model 2) and 2020–2021 (model 3). Model 1 demonstrates that 1% increase in current health care expenditures leads to 0.003 units increase in Food Security Index; impact of the dummy variable characterizing COVID-19 pandemic is also positive. Model 2 demonstrates similar results. Model 3 confirms only positive and statistically significant impact of trade and agricultural land on Food Security Index. The results can be useful to government officials for adjusting political measures in food governance, political decision-making and good governance, recovery of sustainable growth in post-pandemic period.