Investigation of Effective Factors on Food Security in Iran

Attention to food security in Iran is one of the main objectives of the rural development and agricultural programs and the government is doing the relatively wide range of actions to improve that. Food security is a very widespread concept and is determined by interacting a range of biological، economic، social، agricultural and physical factors. Food security is a goal that other important economic objectives are latent behind it، each one is very important. In this study the factors affecting the food security in urban and rural households examined during the period of 1983-2010. To do this، first aggregate food security index for urban and rural households and other indicators used in the study was calculated. Then، by using the approach of Johansen - Juselius the econometric analysis was carried out. Results show that the crop diversification variable، Per capita income and imports of agricultural products have significant and positive impact. Gini coefficient and the policy of government support to agriculture have significant and negative impact on food security of urban and rural households. Prices of agricultural products in rural areas have positive impact and in urban areas has negative impact on food security.