**5. Discussion**

Aggregation of these empirical research results aimed at the identification of the influence of environmental (ecological) factors on a country's food security in short- and long-run perspectives allows the confirmation of trends and cohesions identified by other scientists. Specifically, Sola et al. [71] analyzed 132 articles about the influence of access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking on food security measures. Researchers mentioned that, in general, most of the scientists argued that this factor has a positive impact on food security and nutrition. However, there are no numerous empirical pieces of evidence of it. However, our research results allow us to quantitatively clarify such an impact: An increase of the factor by a point results in the strengthening of a country's food security by 0.0105

in the long run. Moreover, the FAO [72] also actively supports the idea that access to clean fuels leads to better nutrition and less environmental damage.

In addition, our empirical results about the impact of access to electricity in rural areas on food security also correlate with the FAO's findings. Namely, in publication [72], it is mentioned that access to electricity is crucial for a country's food security because electricity is necessary at each stage of foodstuff production. Moreover, access to electricity in rural areas might become a driver of agricultural productivity, efficiency, and food security.

In turn, Wambua, Omoke, and Telesia [73] found empirical pieces of evidence that lack of arable lands and other familiar resources are preconditions of food insecurity in Kenya. Mbuthia, Kioli, and Wanjala [74] highlighted the importance of the other resource factors. Namely, they revealed that the prohibition of cutting trees (forest areas) has a positive influence on household food security. Thereby, our research results form empirical evidence of the relationships that were previously identified at a theoretical level.

Moreover, Wambua, Omoke, and Telesia [73] also revealed that using animal manure or industrial fertilizers allows an increase in agricultural crops. Hence, the authors pointed out that households using fertilizers for agricultural issues did not face the problem of food insecurity even in periods of unfavorable weather and climate conditions (based on 66 households' self-assessment). In our research, the hypothesis about the long-run positive impact of fertilizer consumption on a country's food security measures was also confirmed.

In the research, it was revealed that CO2 emissions have a negative influence on a country's food security, as was also highlighted in other research by Sibanda and Ndlela [54], Dkhili and Dhiab [55], Maˇcaityte and Virbaši ˙ ut¯ e [ ˙ 56], and Odermatt [57].

Finally, empirical findings about the positive influence of renewable energy output on a country's food security were also proved by other scientists' and international organizations' reports, such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) [75]. Namely, it is noted in the report that the increase of renewable energy has crucial importance because of several reasons:


In terms of the practical implications of the empirical research results, they might become a background for the development of states' economic, social, and environmental policies in order to ensure countries' food security. Moreover, it also might be useful for the identification of the strategic and operational priorities of public policy.

In terms of further research perspectives, it might be noted that certain environmental determinants may be relevant to the general level of food security, but may not have a statistically significant effect on its components. Therefore, it is also important to identify specific environmental stimulants and inhibitors in terms of ensuring food availability, food access, food stability, and food utilization.
