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Undernutrition Overestimated

Author

Listed:
  • Svedberg, Peter

    (Institute for International Economic Studies, Stockholm University)

Abstract

There is only one set of estimates of the prevalence of chronic undernutrition world-wide. These estimates emanate from the FAO and are claimed to be comparable across countries. In this paper it is demonstrated that the FAO has used an estimation model (and data) that induce bias in the estimated overall prevalence of undernutrition. The bias is found to be large and to compromise the comparability of undernutrition across countries. Since the international community’s efforts to reach the recently agreed objective to reduce by half the number of undernourished before the year 2015 are to be directed - and monitored - with the help of the FAO estimates, these must be thoroughly improved. Suggestions for improvements are offered in the paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Svedberg, Peter, 2001. "Undernutrition Overestimated," Seminar Papers 693, Stockholm University, Institute for International Economic Studies.
  • Handle: RePEc:hhs:iiessp:0693
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    Cited by:

    1. Svedberg, Peter, 2002. "Hunger in India - Facts and Challenges," Seminar Papers 699, Stockholm University, Institute for International Economic Studies.
    2. Zhang, Xiaobo & Rockmore, Marc & Chamberlin, Jordan, 2007. "A typology for vulnerability and agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa," IFPRI discussion papers 734, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Undernutrition; estimation methods; calorie cut-off points; comparability; developing countries.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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