Malnutrition and poverty : magnitude and policy options

Abstract

The global dimensions of malnutrition are described, and the economic impact of intervention by governments is evaluated. Based on average calorie consumption data from the mid-1960s, it is estimated that 56 percent of the population in the LDCs had calorie deficient diets while another 19 percent had deficits of less than 250 calories per day. With per capita income in all income groups growing at approximately the current rate for overall per capita income growth, and per capita food supply growing just enough to meet the demand generated by the income growth, the total calorie deficit would remain unchanged by 1990. The marginal propensity of spending of on infants' diets from additional family income is extremely low. Alternative policies aimed at improving the nutritional status of the urban target population may be classified as country wide or target group oriented policies. One countrywide policy, a general price subsidy, is considered in terms of cost effectiveness. The target group oriented programs that are examined include a food price subsidy, a food stamp program, and a straight income transfer. Only policies deliberately designed to reallocate food or income can eliminate undernutrition. Statistical tables are appended.