A B S T R A C T

The purpose of the research - to identify economic, social, environmental and institutional factors affecting food security in the regions of Azerbaijan, to assess their interrelationships and to form a regional model of sustainable food security.

The methodology of the research - a systematic and comparative approach, statistical analysis, correlation-regression analysis, SWOT and SPREST methods were applied. At the same time, empirical indicators covering 2015–2024 were analyzed based on data from FAO, World Bank, UN Food Program and the State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The practical importance of the research - the results of the study create a scientific basis for decision-making in the direction of optimizing the state food security policy at the regional level, diversifying agricultural production and increasing the sustainability of local markets. In addition, practical recommendations are provided for improving institutional mechanisms in the management of food resources in the regions.

The results of the research - the study showed that the level of food security differs across regions and is mainly determined by productivity, water resources management, infrastructure provision and the application of innovative agrotechnologies. Food security in economically developed regions is more stable, while in ecologically and socially weak regions it is more risky.

The originality and scientific novelty of the research - for the first time, factors affecting food security in the regions of Azerbaijan have been comprehensively analyzed, and an assessment model based on regional indices has been developed. In addition, the study proposed the concept of “regional sustainability indicators” in ensuring food security and justified the mechanism for applying these indicators in management decisions.

Keywords: food security, regional development, agriculture, sustainable production, food policy, economic factors, innovation.

http://doi.org/10.59610/bbu1.2026.1.10.