Navigating the Nexus of Food Insecurity, Anxiety, and Depression in the Face of Climate Change: A Longitudinal Study in Rural Kenya

Objective: This study aims to address critical gaps in understanding the bidirectional relationships between food insecurity, anxiety, and depression in Meru County, Kenya. By employing a cross-lagged panel analysis, we seek to clarify these temporal dynamics, contributing to the design of targeted interventions that integrate food security and mental health in the context of climate change. Methods: A cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted using data from 362 adult participants in a community-based empowerment program (2023) in Meru County, Kenya. Participants completed self-report measures of food insecurity, anxiety, and depression at two time points, 11 weeks apart. Results: Food insecurity (T1) predicted subsequent anxiety and depression (T2), controlling for within-variable, within-time, and control-variable correlations. Village-level food insecurity (T1) was correlated with significantly higher anxiety (T2). Additionally, anxiety (T1) predicted higher subsequent food insecurity (T2). Conclusion: Food insecurity and anxiety have a complex bidirectional relationship. Interventions that address food security, mental health, and the psychosocial factors that promote adaptation to food-insecure environments are essential for promoting the well-being of individuals and communities in the face of climate change.