Examining the Long- and Short-Run Asymmetric Effects of Climate Change on Food Security in Tunisia

Environment change has recently emerged as a prominent global concern, widely attracting the attention of environmentalists. This heightened concern primarily stems from its enduring and detrimental impacts on agricultural and food production, water supply, and, ultimately, household well-being. This chapter examines the relationship between climate change and food security in Tunisia. Using the NARDL model-based cointegration approach, we uncovered significant insights into this relationship. The findings underscore that while mean temperature negatively affects long-term food security, it exerts a positive influence in the short term. Additionally, positive shifts in annual precipitation levels and increased water stress rates notably undermine food security across short- and long-term horizons. Rigorous robustness checks affirm these results. In light of the empirical results, a structured set of critical policy implications is considered. It is strongly recommended that policymakers prioritize future strategies emphasizing adaptation measures and investments in green technologies to mitigate the persistent adverse effects of climate change.