Do Livestock Sales Following Insecurity‐Related Shocks Improve Food Security? Evidence From Rural Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT This study investigates the combined effect of insecurity‐related shocks and livestock sales on the food security of rural households in Burkina Faso. Using data from 3855 households collected through the 2023 National Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Survey, the analysis employs an ordered probit model alongside instrumental variable approach. The findings indicate that insecurity shocks significantly increase the likelihood of selling small or young livestock. While this strategy improves food security for the most vulnerable households, it fails to preserve the fragile balance of marginal food security. The results also show that literacy and access to public transportation are positively associated with the likelihood of choosing this strategy. Additionally, current food consumption status among rural households is influenced by gender, literacy, and mobile phone ownership. Results suggest that resilience and food security in regions affected by terrorist violence depend on policy interventions that promote restocking, enhance transport access, and deliver tailored, gender‐responsive support. Crucially, these interventions must prevent the over‐selling of young animals to safeguard herd renewal and long‐term resilience.