The effect of formal education on food security in Togo

Human capital is a critical factor in the development and well-being of an individual. To assess this critical role, this paper proposes to analyze the effect of formal education level on food security status at the individual level in Togo. The Food and Agriculture Organization's Food Insecurity Experience Scale is used to capture food security in this study. The chi-square test and probit model are used. The results of the study show that about 36% of the respondents were in food security; 49% were in moderate food insecurity and 14% were in severe food insecurity. We found that, whatever the respondent's level of education, there was a positive effect on the respondent's food security. Compared to respondents with a primary level of education, having a college degree increases the probability that the respondent is in food security by 10.3%. This probability increases to 17.9% when the respondent has a high school education level. Finally, the study shows the existence of significant heterogeneity in the determinants of food security according to the gender of the individual. To this end, any policy aimed at investing in the formal education of the Togolese population while favoring vulnerable groups is desirable, particularly for women.