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This study examines the connections between gender inequality, health infrastructure, urbanization, economic growth, and hunger, using the Gender Inequality Index as the independent variable and the Hunger Index, stunting, wasting, child mortality, and the prevalence of undernourishment as dependent variables from 2006 to 2021. Applying Driscoll-Kraay standard error estimation and ordered logit regression, we find that higher gender inequality is strongly linked to increased hunger and malnutrition, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Urbanization plays a dual role in food security, improving market access, healthcare, and employment while also worsening food insecurity in overcrowded, poorly serviced areas. Sanitation and water access significantly reduce the negative effects of gender inequality on hunger, emphasizing the importance of public health infrastructure. The study also identifies a non-linear relationship between gross domestic product per capita and hunger outcomes, where economic growth initially reduces hunger, but its effects are reversed beyond a threshold, stressing the need for inclusive economic policies. This study highlights that eradicating hunger requires addressing structural gender disparities and ensuring equitable access to resources, education, and economic opportunities, integrating Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 5 (Gender Equality). The research underscores the interdependencies between gender, urbanization, health, and nutrition, advocating integrated policies for hunger reduction.
Saharawat et al. (Mon,) studied this question.