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Does the sectoral composition of growth affect child stunting reductions?

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  • Sébastien Mary
  • Kelsey Shaw
  • Sergio Gomez y Paloma

Abstract

This article uses a natural experiment based on random and exogenous variations in temperature to examine whether the sectoral composition of growth has an effect on child stunting reductions. Agricultural growth is central to food security strategies in developing countries, as it is often considered the most effective way to fight (child) undernutrition. The evidence base to support the putative superior role of agricultural growth is, however, relatively weak, possibly because studies have ignored growth faltering. Accounting for the latter, we find that while both agricultural and non‐agricultural growth decrease stunting, agricultural growth is significantly superior to non‐agricultural growth in this regard. The estimated impacts are large, in that a 10% increase in agricultural GDP per capita reduces child stunting by 9.6% (as opposed to 8.4% for non‐agricultural).

Suggested Citation

  • Sébastien Mary & Kelsey Shaw & Sergio Gomez y Paloma, 2019. "Does the sectoral composition of growth affect child stunting reductions?," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 37(2), pages 225-244, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:37:y:2019:i:2:p:225-244
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12349
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    Cited by:

    1. Mary, Sébastien, 2018. "Does Agricultural (Food) Trade Openness Reduce Child Stunting?," 2018 Annual Meeting, August 5-7, Washington, D.C. 274282, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    2. Sébastien Mary, 2019. "Hungry for free trade? Food trade and extreme hunger in developing countries," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 11(2), pages 461-477, April.
    3. Sébastien Mary, 2018. "How Much Does Economic Growth Contribute to Child Stunting Reductions?," Economies, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-18, October.
    4. Mary, Sebastien & Shaw, Kelsey & Colen, Liesbeth & Gomez y Paloma, Sergio, 2020. "Does agricultural aid reduce child stunting?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).

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