Effect of Public Agricultural Expenditure on Food Crop Production in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Analysis Using the System Generalized Method of Moments

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of public agricultural expenditure on food production in Sub-Saharan Africa, in a context marked by the persistence of food insecurity that continues to weaken the region. To address this issue, the study uses cross-national data covering the period 2000–2023. Based on the models developed by Ebi et Amaraihu (2018) and estimated through the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), the findings reveal that public agricultural expenditure exerts a positive and statistically significant effect on food production. These results confirm the hypothesis that public investment in agriculture can serve as a key lever for improving food security and fostering inclusive growth. Consequently, the study recommends that governments in Sub-Saharan Africa adopt coherent, predictable, and transparent budgetary policies in support of sustainable agricultural investments, with the aim of enhancing productivity, improving household welfare, and reducing the region’s dependence on food imports.

Keywords: Public agricultural spending, food production, and the Generalized Method of Moments.

JEL Classification: H59-Q14-Q18

Paper type: Empirical research.