Does China's overseas agricultural aids contribute to global food security?

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of China's overseas agricultural aids on food production in recipient countries. An empirical analysis was conducted using country-level panel data from 2000 to 2022. Through the difference-in-differences (DID) model, the results confirm that China's overseas agricultural aids have a positive and significant effect on increasing food production in recipient countries. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact of overseas agricultural aids on food production is more pronounced in countries with higher poverty rates and those that are closer to China in terms of institutions or culture. Moreover, different aid mechanisms have varying effects. Further analysis of these mechanisms indicates that China's overseas agricultural aids primarily promote food production through two key channels: total factor productivity in agriculture and agricultural capital stock per capita. The findings of this study provide valuable guidance for optimizing overseas aid strategies and promoting sustainable agricultural development in recipient countries.