THE IMPACT OF MICRONUTRIENTS ON LABOR PRODUCTIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM RURAL INDIA

Micronutrient malnutrition, particularly of iron, is widespread on the South Asian subcontinent and economic losses due to reduced productivity of afflicted population groups are believed to be substantial. This paper examines the impact of micronutrient intake on productivity of house-hold engaged in agricultural labor in India by applying a two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation technique. The micronutrient under investigation is iron. The results indicate that productivity, measured in wages is indeed affected through insufficient intake, and that wages would on average be 5 to 17.3 percent higher, if households would achieve recommended intake levels of the micronutrient discussed here. The results demonstrate that policy interventions that aim at enhancing micronutrient intake can be regarded as investments in improved productivity and higher household incomes. Enhancing micronutrient intake will contribute significantly to overall economic growth and development.Micronutrient malnutrition, iron, productivity, India, Labor and Human Capital,

Patterns and determinants of dietary micronutrient deficiencies in rural areas of East Africa

Micronutrient malnutrition is a large public health problem in many developing countries, but its dimensions and determinants are not yet clearly understood, especially with respect to sub- Saharan Africa. Based on 24-hour recall data from rural households in Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, this study analyzes dietary patterns to provide a comprehensive picture of the risk of micronutrient deficiencies, with particular emphasis on bioavailable vitamin A, iron and zinc intakes. The results confirm that micronutrient deficiencies are widespread and positively correlated with calorie deficiency. Regression analysis suggests that income growth will bring about important nutritional improvements. However, more targeted interventions are needed, especially for controlling vitamin A deficiency. Promising avenues include basic education, women empowerment, promotion of home gardens, awareness campaigns and vitamin A biofortification. Spatial differences within and across regions indicate that detailed knowledge of local conditions is imperative for designing and targeting effective food and nutrition policies.micronutrient deficiency, determinants, nutrient intake, dietary patterns, East Africa, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Changing Consumer Buying Habits in Developing Countries: A Disaggregate Demand Analysis for Fruits and Vegetables in Vietnam

Food systems in developing countries are currently undergoing a rapid transformation, with important implications for local farmers, wholesalers, and retailers. While supply side aspects of this transformation have been analyzed previously, issues of consumer demand have received much less attention. This paper analyzes changing consumption habits for fresh fruits and vegetables in Vietnam, using household survey data and a demand systems approach. Demand for products from modern supply chains particularly modern retailers and non-traditional imports is highly income elastic. Also, supermarket expansion impacts on consumer demand. This implies a continued restructuring of the food sector in the further process of economic development.transformation of food systems, supermarkets, food safety, non-traditional imports, South-East Asia, Vietnam, Demand and Price Analysis,

Increasing Income through Fruit and Vegetable Production Opportunities and Challenges

This report, presented by Thomas Lumpkin, Director General of AVRDC, discusses the current context of global horticulture production and its potential for increasing income. The challenges for developing the horticulture sector are considered in relation to market systems, post-harvest systems and food security and genetic resources. The issue of the environmental impact of horticulture production is addressed with an emphasis on the need for farmers to have access to information on price, quality and safety standards. Capacity building, institutional partnerships and an enabling environment for horticulture production all need to respond to the knowledge intensive nature of horticultural production, ensuring an effective flow of both long-term technical information and dynamic market information. The opportunities provided by horticulture production for women to increase their incomes and for households to improve their health and nutrition are also raised as important factors in reducing rural poverty. This report was discussed at the Stakeholder Meeting at AGM2005

Vitamin A and iron consumption and the role of indigenous vegetables: a household level analysis in the Philippines

Micronutrient malnutrition is a public health problem in many regions of the developing world. Severe vitamin A and iron deficiencies are of particular concern due to their high prevalence and their serious, multiple health effects on humans. This paper examines dietary patterns and nutrient intakes, as well as their socioeconomic determinants among households in the Philippines. Since promotion of indigenous vegetables is often considered as an avenue to reduce micronutrient malnutrition, special emphasis is placed on analyzing the contribution of this particular food group to household vitamin A and iron intakes. We use a sample consisting of 172 resource-poor households located in peri-urban areas of Laguna Province. A 24-hour food consumption recall allows for detailed, meal-specific examination of diets. Results of the dietary analysis suggest that fish is of major importance for vitamin A and iron intakes. But also vegetables, and especially indigenous vegetables, play an essential role for balanced household diets. In order to determine socioeconomic factors influencing vitamin A and iron intakes, we employ an econometric model, which shows that deficiencies are strongly associated with low household incomes and poverty. Thus, poverty alleviation will help reduce the problem of micronutrient malnutrition in the medium and long run. However, in the interim, more targeted interventions will be needed. Our results suggest that promotion of indigenous vegetables can play a role in this respect, especially among the poor, who can often not afford sufficient amounts of animal products

Vitamin A and iron consumption and the role of indigenous vegetables: a household level analysis in the Philippines

Micronutrient malnutrition is a public health problem in many regions of the developing world. Severe vitamin A and iron deficiencies are of particular concern due to their high prevalence and their serious, multiple health effects on humans. This paper examines dietary patterns and nutrient intakes, as well as their socioeconomic determinants among households in the Philippines. Since promotion of indigenous vegetables is often considered as an avenue to reduce micronutrient malnutrition, special emphasis is placed on analyzing the contribution of this particular food group to household vitamin A and iron intakes. We use a sample consisting of 172 resource-poor households located in peri-urban areas of Laguna Province. A 24-hour food consumption recall allows for detailed, meal-specific examination of diets. Results of the dietary analysis suggest that fish is of major importance for vitamin A and iron intakes. But also vegetables, and especially indigenous vegetables, play an essential role for balanced household diets. In order to determine socioeconomic factors influencing vitamin A and iron intakes, we employ an econometric model, which shows that deficiencies are strongly associated with low household incomes and poverty. Thus, poverty alleviation will help reduce the problem of micronutrient malnutrition in the medium and long run. However, in the interim, more targeted interventions will be needed. Our results suggest that promotion of indigenous vegetables can play a role in this respect, especially among the poor, who can often not afford sufficient amounts of animal products

THE IMPACT OF MICRONUTRIENTS ON LABOR PRODUCTIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM RURAL INDIA

Micronutrient malnutrition, particularly of iron, is widespread on the South Asian subcontinent and economic losses due to reduced productivity of afflicted population groups are believed to be substantial. This paper examines the impact of micronutrient intake on productivity of house-hold engaged in agricultural labor in India by applying a two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation technique. The micronutrient under investigation is iron. The results indicate that productivity, measured in wages is indeed affected through insufficient intake, and that wages would on average be 5 to 17.3 percent higher, if households would achieve recommended intake levels of the micronutrient discussed here. The results demonstrate that policy interventions that aim at enhancing micronutrient intake can be regarded as investments in improved productivity and higher household incomes. Enhancing micronutrient intake will contribute significantly to overall economic growth and development