Enhancing labour productivity by improving nutrition in Kenya: micro-econometric estimates for dynamic CGE model calibration

Maria Ramos, Estefania Custodio, Sofía Jiménez, Martina Sartori and Emanuele Ferrari

No 333426, Conference papers from Purdue University, Center for Global Trade Analysis, Global Trade Analysis Project

Abstract: Kenya is particularly concerned about the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal #2 (SDG #2: zero hunger), and its associated consequences for society. Malnutrition in all its forms (stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies and/or overweight/obesity) can compromise human development and economic growth through different pathways. In this context, it is possible to identify at least two pathways through which improving FS&N could enhance labour productivity. Improving the dietary nutrients intake (calories, macro and micronutrients) could allow for better (i) learning capacity and (ii) the reinforcement of health conditions. Besides, education and good health improve labour productivity. Thus, the aim of this paper is to provide insights about the linkages between FS&N indicators and labour productivity for dynamic pathways in a CGE framework, particularly modelling baseline’s drivers about L-productivity and growth. Moreover, the estimates would also allow performing food policy scenarios to get positive impacts over nutrition and health and thus, on economic growth. Our results show that, indeed, daily micronutrients (iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins B2 and A) intakes are significant and positive to explain labour productivity improvement (wage increase), as well as education, while disabilities and/or diseases impact negatively and significantly on labour performance. We also note that in the case of vitamins C and B12 the relation is negative when all the variables are included in the regression but positive when we consider them separately. All in all, results confirm the virtuous cycle between health, nutrition, education and labour productivity.

Keywords: Food Security and Poverty; Labor and Human Capital (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 13
Date: 2022
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cmp, nep-des, nep-eff and nep-hea
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