Preventing child malnutrition: Health and agriculture as determinants of child malnutrition

摘要

Food is the most basic of children's needs and is central to their health, growth, and development. As noted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, malnutrition is the underlying cause of more than half of all children's deaths worldwide. This study investigates the effects agricultural production and health systems have on the incidence of chronic malnutrition in children while controlling for other relevant factors. A multivariate statistical analysis of 137 developing countries reveals that the level of a country's agricultural infrastructure is an important determinant of the rate of chronic malnutrition in children. In addition, total health expenditures, improved water and sanitation, and large medical staffs, along with improved women's status and child care practices are associated with a reduction in child stunting rates.