Determinants of Food Security in ASEAN Rice-Producing Countries

This study analyzes the effects of agricultural trade openness, rice productivity, and employment in the agricultural sector on food security in seven major rice-producing countries in the ASEAN region during the period 2012–2022. Food security is measured using the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), and data are obtained from various official sources and processed using a multiple linear regression approach with panel data. The results show that agricultural trade openness has a positive and significant effect on food security, underscoring the importance of market integration in ensuring the stability of food supply and prices. Rice productivity also contributes positively to food security, reflecting efficiency and increased availability of staple food. Conversely, the proportion of labor in the agricultural sector has a negative effect on food security, indicating structural imbalances and low labor productivity in the sector. These findings highlight the need for reforms in agricultural systems and trade policies to sustainably strengthen food security in the ASEAN region.