<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe economic and social implications, placing a heavy burden on developing countries. The COVID-19-induced lockdown worsened income levels and food security of many households. This study used a Generalized Structural Equations Modeling (GSEM) approach to assess the impact of pandemic related changes in income and the labour market on food insecurity among Egyptian households, based on data from the COVID-19 MENA Monitor rapid phone surveys (CMMHH). GSEM results indicate that individuals in the highest income quartile are 36% less likely to experience severe food insecurity, but more likely to face moderate (+ 7%) and low (+ 29%) food insecurity compared to those in the lowest quartile. Conversely, households with declining income are 12% more likely to suffer severe food insecurity. Respondents who were temporarily or permanently laid off are significantly more vulnerable, with a 17% and 8% increased probability, respectively, of experiencing severe food insecurity. Additionally, those who experienced income deterioration are 7% more likely to suffer severe food insecurity. Demographic factors also play a significant role where women are 7% more likely to face severe food insecurity than men. Highly educated individuals are less likely to experience severe food insecurity (-10%) but more likely to face moderate (+ 3%) or low (+ 6%) food insecurity. A larger household size also increases the risk: each additional member raises the probability of severe food insecurity by 2%. The findings confirm the significant impact of changes in income, employment status, and demographic factors on food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. These results highlight the vulnerability of certain groups to economic shocks and the need for further research into effective responses to mitigate food insecurity in future crises.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

COVID-19, labor markets and household food security in Egypt: evidence from a generalized structural equation model

  • Hatem E. Semary,
  • Abdelhamid Elshabrawy,
  • Ibrahim Elbatal,
  • Diaa S. Metwally,
  • Suzan Abdel-Rahman

摘要

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe economic and social implications, placing a heavy burden on developing countries. The COVID-19-induced lockdown worsened income levels and food security of many households. This study used a Generalized Structural Equations Modeling (GSEM) approach to assess the impact of pandemic related changes in income and the labour market on food insecurity among Egyptian households, based on data from the COVID-19 MENA Monitor rapid phone surveys (CMMHH). GSEM results indicate that individuals in the highest income quartile are 36% less likely to experience severe food insecurity, but more likely to face moderate (+ 7%) and low (+ 29%) food insecurity compared to those in the lowest quartile. Conversely, households with declining income are 12% more likely to suffer severe food insecurity. Respondents who were temporarily or permanently laid off are significantly more vulnerable, with a 17% and 8% increased probability, respectively, of experiencing severe food insecurity. Additionally, those who experienced income deterioration are 7% more likely to suffer severe food insecurity. Demographic factors also play a significant role where women are 7% more likely to face severe food insecurity than men. Highly educated individuals are less likely to experience severe food insecurity (-10%) but more likely to face moderate (+ 3%) or low (+ 6%) food insecurity. A larger household size also increases the risk: each additional member raises the probability of severe food insecurity by 2%. The findings confirm the significant impact of changes in income, employment status, and demographic factors on food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. These results highlight the vulnerability of certain groups to economic shocks and the need for further research into effective responses to mitigate food insecurity in future crises.