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Export booms and child health: Pathways of income, nutrition, and maternal care in sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Panda, Pallavi

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of export expansion on child health across 22 sub-Saharan African countries, using a natural experiment tied to a U.S. trade policy change. While theoretical models suggest links between trade and health, empirical studies focusing on micro-level impacts are scarce. Utilizing individual health data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and a cohort-level Difference-in-Differences methodology, the study reveals that the policy significantly reduced child wasting and underweight, with no observed effect on child illness. The analysis highlights that increased maternal income—boosted by greater employment opportunities and reduced asset poverty—played a crucial role. We observe higher rates of antenatal care and increased protein-rich food consumption among children. However, results show that oil-exporting countries did not experience similar benefits. These findings emphasize the importance of sectoral context in understanding the impact of export expansions and offer valuable insights for crafting policies to maximize societal welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Panda, Pallavi, 2025. "Export booms and child health: Pathways of income, nutrition, and maternal care in sub-Saharan Africa," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:152:y:2025:i:c:s0264999325002615
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2025.107266
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J82 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Labor Force Composition
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O24 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Trade Policy; Factor Movement; Foreign Exchange Policy

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