CALORIC INSUFFICIENCY IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT(USING THE EXAMPLE OF ARMENIA)

Abstract

Despite sufficient global food production, millions of people still go hungry or are undernourished because safe and nutritious food is not available or, more often, affordable. The relevance of the research is conditioned by the need to identify the causes of malnutrition in the Armenian population and ways to mitigate it.
The aim of this research is to identify the macroeconomic determinants of calorie insufficiency and assess the impact of socio-economic factors on calorie insufficiency in Armenia during the period 2010–2024. For this purpose, the task was set to study the dynamics of calorie deficiency, identify and assess the main factors influencing it, and based on the research results, present priority measures to reduce calorie deficiency.
The research was conducted using Pearson correlation analysis and OLS (ordinary least squares) regression modeling methods. Regression analysis showed that calorie deficiency in Armenia is caused by a number of factors: income inequality, rising food prices, instability of agricultural production, as well as lack of awareness about a healthy diet. Therefore, its reduction requires a comprehensive policy that will include social, economic, and agricultural measures. This will allow strengthening the food security of the population and support the implementation of sustainable development goals.