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The Nutrient-Income Elasticity in Ultra-Poor Households: Evidence from Kenya

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  • Hamidou Jawara

    (University of the Gambia)

  • Rainer Thiele

    (Kiel Institute for the World Economy, University of Kiel)

Abstract

The relationship between nutrient intake and wealth of poor households continues to be an issue of huge policy relevance. In this paper, we contribute to the ongoing debate on the nutrient-income elasticity using a sample of ultra-poor households with orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. To estimate the nutrient-income elasticity for these households, we employ panel data techniques that enable us to tackle measurement error and simultaneity bias. In addition, we use semi-parametric panel data models to address nonlinearities. For most of the nutrients considered, we find that income elasticities are significantly different from zero but below unity. Caloric intakes turn out to be less income-inelastic than macro- and micro-nutrient intakes.

Suggested Citation

  • Hamidou Jawara & Rainer Thiele, 2021. "The Nutrient-Income Elasticity in Ultra-Poor Households: Evidence from Kenya," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(6), pages 1795-1819, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:33:y:2021:i:6:d:10.1057_s41287-020-00319-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-020-00319-3
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Nutrient-income elasticity; OVC households; Kenya;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • Q11 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Aggregate Supply and Demand Analysis; Prices

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