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Understanding the link between gendered access to agricultural land and household nutrition outcomes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Author

Listed:
  • Janvier Mwisha-Kasiwa

    (Departement of Economics, University of Goma)

  • Cédrick Kalemasi-Mosengo

    (Departement of Economics, University of Kinshasa)

  • Oasis Kodila-Tedika

    (Departement of Economics, University of Kinshasa)

Abstract

Using data from the DRC Demographic and Health Survey, this study examines the empirical linkages between access to agricultural land and nutritional outcomes by examining gender differences. Results suggest significant effects of access to agricultural land on nutritional outcomes in the full sample, in the male and female-headed households’ subsamples as well. However, gender differences are reported. Access to agricultural land appears to be a significant determinant of improved children dietary diversity among female-headed households (FHH), it is also associated with a significant increase in the children height-for-age z-score in the maleheaded households (MHH). Moreover, access to agricultural land positively affects the women’s likelihood of having a normal body mass index the male-headed households; and finally, the study finds that accesses to agricultural land is linked with a significant decrease in the risk of women anaemia among the female-headed households. Since then, we argue that access to agricultural land by MHHs may be beneficial for long-term nutrition indicators while it is more beneficial for short-term nutrition measures among FHHs.

Suggested Citation

  • Janvier Mwisha-Kasiwa & Cédrick Kalemasi-Mosengo & Oasis Kodila-Tedika, 2023. "Understanding the link between gendered access to agricultural land and household nutrition outcomes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)," Working Papers of The Association for Promoting Women in Research and Development in Africa (ASPROWORDA). 23/017, The Association for Promoting Women in Research and Development in Africa (ASPROWORDA).
    • Handle: RePEc:aak:wpaper:23/017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Access to agricultural land; dietary diversity; nutrition status; gender; DRC;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • Q15 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Land Ownership and Tenure; Land Reform; Land Use; Irrigation; Agriculture and Environment

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