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Women’s off-farm employment and dietary quality in rural Africa

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  • Mutsami, Chrispinus
  • Parlasca, Martin C.
  • Qaim, Matin

Abstract

Most households in rural Africa are involved in smallholder farming, but off-farm employment is an important additional income source for many. Previous research has analyzed links between off-farm employment and wellbeing, but mostly at the household level, not considering that household members may be affected differently. In particular, gender gaps in employment, nutrition, and other wellbeing dimensions are widely observed. Here, we use survey data collected in Tanzania and Zambia to examine how women’s off-farm employment influences their individual-level dietary quality. Regression estimates with instrumental variables show that women’s off-farm employment improves their dietary diversity, including more frequent consumption of nutritious foods such as meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. We also explore potential mechanisms, including changes in household income, women’s agency, and time allocation. The main results hold across various robustness checks, suggesting that improving women’s access to off-farm employment can help increase household income and reduce widespread gender gaps in rural Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Mutsami, Chrispinus & Parlasca, Martin C. & Qaim, Matin, 2025. "Women’s off-farm employment and dietary quality in rural Africa," Discussion Papers 355423, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ubzefd:355423
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.355423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Community/Rural/Urban Development; Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety;

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