Nutrition and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa: a causality test using panel data

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the causal relationship between nutrition and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachA dynamic panel causality test based on the Blundell-Bond’s system generalized methods-of-moment was used. To make efficient inference for the estimates, the authors check for the panel unit root and co-integration relationship amongst the variables.FindingsThe variables were found to be non-stationary at level, stationary after first difference and co-integrated. The results of the causality tests reveal evidence of long and short-run bidirectional causality between nutrition and economic growth, which implies that nutritional improvement is a cause and consequence of economic growth and vice versa.Originality/valueThis is the first study to consider causality between nutrition and economic growth in the region.