Targeting zero hunger to ensure sustainable development: Insights from a panel structure

AbstractThe article aims to estimate the impact of food prices, food production, per capita income and financial inclusion indicators on reducing the prevalence of undernourishment in 61 developing and least developed countries across 2004–2019. Applying panel co‐integration and error correction model it concludes that an increase in food production, income and financial inclusion indicators reduces the pervasiveness of undernourishment, whereas rising food prices exacerbates undernourishment significantly in the long run. The error correction term appears to be negative and significant. Apart from other exogenous variables considered in the model governments' effectiveness and political stability with absence of violence reduces whereas, corruption increases undernourishment significantly in the short run. This study is important for the policymakers in the developing and least developed countries to formulate effective strategies addressing undernourishment, thus achieving the target of zero hunger.