Food security, agriculture, and health outcomes: Evidence from selected high-agricultural economies using FMOLS, DOLS, and DKSE approaches

Health has been a nation’s priority since the beginning of civilization. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in average life expectancy, primarily attributed to improvements in socioeconomic conditions and advancements in the healthcare field. This study examines the impact of agriculture, food production, population density, and income levels on life expectancy in seven countries with the largest agricultural land areas. The study began with assessment involving diagnostic examinations for multicollinearity, cross-sectional dependence, second-generation unit root properties, and Westerlund cointegration patterns. Upon substantiating these issues, the study applied advanced econometric tools, specifically the Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS), Dynamic OLS (DOLS), and Driscoll-Kraay Standard Errors (DKSE) estimators. The findings indicate that a 1% increase in agricultural land results in a decrease in life expectancy of approximately 0.18–0.21%, reflecting the negative health impacts of unsustainable farming practices. By contrast, a 1% rise in food production improves life expectancy by 0.11–0.12%, while population density has a positive contribution, raising life expectancy by 0.15–0.16%. Surprisingly, a 1% increase in GDP is associated with a decrease in life expectancy of around 0.08%, which may be linked to income inequality, industrialization, and environmental degradation. The implications of these findings highlight the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, income growth, and effective population management strategies in promoting longer and healthier lives. This research offers policymakers and stakeholders valuable insights for developing evidence-based strategies that promote sustainable development and enhance public health outcomes in agricultural contexts.