Approaches to assessing the impact of conflict, injustice and weak institutions on food security and nutrition

Peace, justice and inclusiveness are crucial for attaining Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number two, i.e., zero hunger. However, the absence of peace, justice and strong institutions lead to different forms of food insecurity. Equally, food insecurity can fuel conflict (absence of peace) that weakens institutions and erodes justice for all. This bi-directional relationship is a source of endogeneity with consequences of biased empirical results. Previous analyses used propensity score matching, panel data, instrumental variables and simultaneous equation modelling to address endogeneity. Other than endogeneity, empirical analysts of the relationship between food security and conflict face the problem of data inadequacies mainly because it is dangerous to collect data in conflict zones. Recently, satellite imagery technology has become popular in collecting data in conflict-affected areas, although it does not collect data at household and individual levels. Therefore, the research community should consider developing methods to collect data in conflict hotspots at household and individual levels. Additionally, empirical studies related to SDG 16 should consider a country’s specific characteristics, such as conflict history, dynamics, and priorities.