Nutritional Status in Ghana and Its Determinants Social Dimensions of Adjustments in Sub-Saharan Africa

摘要

Social indicators for Ghana reflect the cumulative impact of economic mismanagement since independence as much as current policies. The report presents data based on the Ghana Living Standards Survey first year (1987-88) which indicate that levels of malnutrition in Ghana remain relatively high compared to other African countries. The nutritional status of children is nevertheless improved compared to a variety of data covering the period 1982-86. Econometric analysis also revealed strong effects of household composition and intergenerational effects through the mother's height. Many of the long term impacts of current economic policies, although introduced for reasons other than nutrition, will likely affect nutrition through this income relationship. A revival of Ghana's once noteworthy educational system may also affect nutrition via income, rather than directly shifting the effectiveness of input utilization. (Copyright (c) 1990 The World Bank.)