Nutrition Economics

Principles and Policy Applications

1st Edition - November 2, 2016
Authors: Suresh Babu, Shailendra Gajanan, J. Arne Hallam
Language: English
Hardback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 0 8 7 8 - 2
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 1 1 5 0 - 8

Nutrition Economics: Principles and Policy Applications establishes the core criteria for consideration as new policies and regulations are developed, including applicati… Read more

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Nutrition Economics: Principles and Policy Applications establishes the core criteria for consideration as new policies and regulations are developed, including application-based principles that ensure practical, effective implementation of policy. From the economic contribution of nutrition on quality of life, to the costs of malnutrition on society from both an individual and governmental level, this book guides the reader through the factors that can determine the success or failure of a nutrition policy.

Written by an expert in policy development, and incorporating an encompassing view of the factors that impact nutrition from an economic standpoint (and their resulting effects), this book is unique in its focus on guiding other professionals and those in advanced stages of study to important considerations for correct policy modeling and evaluation.

As creating policy without a comprehensive understanding of the relevant contributing factors that lead to failure is not an option, this book provides a timely reference.

Part A: Introduction

Chapter 1. Why Study the Economics of Nutrition?

Abstract
Organization of the Book Chapters

Chapter 2. Global Nutritional Challenges and Targets: A Development and Policy Perspective

Abstract
Global Nutrition Challenges
Calorie-Deficient Diet
Micronutrient Deficiencies
Stunting
Wasting
Overweight and Obesity
Exclusive Breast Feeding
Lower Birth Weight
Malnutrition From a Development and Policy Perspective
How can the Global Community Organize to Achieve the Global Nutrition Goals?
Global Nutrition Goals for 2025
What Have We Learned and How Do We Move Forward?
Increasing Investments in Nutrition
The Role of Continued Documentation of Evidence
Increasing the Commitment to Nutrition
Monitoring and Tracking Nutrition Progress
Investing in Open Data Systems
Recent Global Initiatives
Policy Process and Best Practices
Local Ownership and Leadership
The Role of Civil Society
Multisectoral Approach
Emerging Challenges
Research Gaps
Conclusions
Exercises

Chapter 3. A Conceptual Framework for Investing in Nutrition: Issues, Challenges, and Analytical Approaches

Abstract
Problems of Poverty, Hunger, and Malnutrition
Causes of Malnutrition: A Conceptual Framework
Rationale for Investing in Nutrition
Nutrition and Other Development Objectives
Nutrition Challenges and Their Economic Policy Analysis
Conclusions
Exercises

Part B: Economic Analysis of Nutrition

Chapter 4. Microeconomic Nutrition Policy

Abstract
Introduction
The Household as the Decision-Making Unit
Household Equilibrium and Demand for Nutrients
Basic Concepts of Demand for Food
Derivation of Engel Curves From Income Consumption Lines
Deriving the Household Demand Curve for a Fiber-Rich Diet
Demand for Nonfood Factors for Optimal Nutrition
Production of Nutrition With Food and Nonfood Inputs
Dynamics of Nutrition Choices
Cultural Factors Affecting Food Consumption and Nutrition
Conclusions
Exercises

Chapter 5. Macroeconomic Aspects of Nutrition Policy

Abstract
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Nutritional Impact of Macroeconomic Shocks and Policies
Elements of Macroeconomic Policy and Their Implications
How Do Macroeconomic Adjustment Policies Affect Nutritional Outcomes?
Analytical Methods for Studying the Impact of Macroeconomic Policies on Nutrition
Macro–Meso–Micro Policy Linkages in the Context of Nutrition
Conclusion
Exercises

Part C: Economics of Nutrient Demand

Chapter 6. Consumer Theory and Estimation of Demand for Food

Abstract
Derivation of Consumer Demand Functions
Testing for Separability
Aggregating Consumer Demand for Policy Analysis
Duality, Indirect Utility, and Cost Minimization
Introduction to Empirical Demand Systems
Food Demand Studies in Developing and Developed Countries
Empirical Implementation in STATA
Calculating Elasticities
Conclusions
Exercises

Chapter 7. Demand for Nutrients and Policy Implications

Abstract
Introduction
Studies on Nutrient Demand
Recent Studies From Asia
The United States
Estimation of Nutrition Elasticities
Can Subsidies Improve Nutrition?
Implementation in STATA
Example 1: The Effect of a Subsidy
Example 2: Based on Jensen-Miller (2011)
Example 3: Based on Kaushal and Muchomba (2015)
Example 4: Based on Chang et al. (2015)
Conclusions
Exercises

Part D: Determinants of Nutritional Status and Causal Analysis

Chapter 8. Socio Economic Determinants of Nutrition: Application of Quantile Regression

Abstract
Introduction
Safe Water, Sanitation, Mothers’ Education, Children’s Diets, and Nutrition
Are Nutritional Outcomes Age-Specific?
Double Burden and Socio Economic Determinants in Indonesian Households
Policy Issues for Reducing Under-Nutrition: An Example
Generating Analytical Results for Policy Discussions
Quantile Estimation Using STATA
Conclusions
Exercises

Chapter 9. Intra-Household Allocation and Gender Bias in Nutrition: Application of Heckman Two-Step Procedure

Abstract
Introduction
Economics of Intra-Household Behavior
Models of Intra-Household Decision-Making
Are Girls Eating More? A Review of Selected Studies
Policy Applications of Studies on Intra-Household Resource Allocation
Generating Analytical Results
Implementation in STATA
Conclusions
Exercises

Chapter 10. Economics of Child Care, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Health: The Application of the Blinder–Oaxaca Decomposition Method

Abstract
Introduction
Conceptual Approach
What Do We Know: Policy Lessons?
Child Malnutrition and Rights to Water and Sanitation
The Asian Enigma
Child Care, Fertility, and Malnutrition
Health Care and Nutrition
Ecohealth Approaches: Maharashtra, India, Cameroon, and Lebanon
Panagaria–Gillespie Debates and Policy Considerations
Analytical Methods
Implementation in STATA
Conclusions
Exercises

Part E: Program Evaluation and Analysis of Nutrition Policies

Chapter 11. Methods of Program Evaluation: An Analytical Review and Implementation Strategies

Abstract
Introduction
Analytical Methods
Implementation in STATA: Test Scores and Free Lunch
Implementation in STATA: IV Estimation, Test Scores, and Free Lunch
Example: Test Scores and Free Lunch
Implementation in STATA
Implementation in STATA
Example
Conclusions
Exercises

Chapter 12. Nutritional Implications of Social Protection: Application of Panel Data Method

Abstract
Placing Social Protection Programs in a Larger Development Context
A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating Social Protection Programs for Nutritional Outcomes
Designing and Implementing Social Protection: What Is the Best Approach?
What Does the Current Literature Show?
Safety Net in Ethiopia: Policy Lessons
Brazil’s Bolsa Familia: Cash Transfers Are Not Enough
Nutria-Cookies, Child Labor, and Safety Net Programs in India
Bangladesh Social Protection With a Behavioral Change Component
Safety Nets and Nutrition in India
The Great Recession and the Social Safety Net in the United States
Analytical Methods
Empirical Example in STATA
Conclusions
Exercises

Chapter 13. Economics of School Nutrition: An Application of Regression Discontinuity

Abstract
Introduction
What Do We Know From Existing Literature?
Lessons From the Evaluations of the International Agencies
How Many Kids Are Fed in Schools?
The Bottom Line
The Importance of School Feeding Programs
The Challenges With School Feeding Programs
School Feeding Programs in the United States
Do School Breakfast Programs Work?
School Feeding Programs Global Evolution
Analytical Results: Application of Regression Discontinuity
Implementation in STATA
Conclusions
Exercises

Part F: Economics of Triple Burden: Under-Nutrition, Over-Nutrition, Micronutrient Deficiencies

Chapter 14. Economic Analysis of Obesity and Impact on Quality of Life: Application of NonParametric Methods

Abstract
Introduction
The Economic Effects of Obesity on Human Capital
Health Costs of Obesity
Causes of Obesity in America
How Safe Are the Safety Nets in the United States?
Income Effects and Childhood Obesity
Obesity in Suburbia
Urban Sprawl, Remoteness, and the Built Environment
Can Higher Gas Prices Reduce Obesity?
Urban Sprawl and the Walmart Effect
The Built Environment: Obesity, Parks, and Recreation
The Built Environment: Junk Foods, Vending Machines, Video Games, and Grades
Food Deserts
Fast-Food and Obesity
Policy Challenges: Will Fat-Taxes or Soda-Taxes Work?
Peer Effects, Social Networks, Dating, and Obesity
Obesity in Other Developed Countries
Other Obese Groups
Policy: Should We Worry About Obesity?
Does Public Opinion Sway Policy?
Policy Angle From Behavioral Economics
The Moral Hazard Problem and Policy Headaches
Can Nutrition Labeling, Packaging, Advertising, Law, and Education Help?
Nonparametric Regression in STATA: Testing Obesity and Food Insecurity
Conclusions
Exercises

Part G: Special Topics in Nutrition Policy

Chapter 15. Agriculture, Nutrition, Health: How to Bring Multiple Sectors to Work on Nutritional Goals

Abstract
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Dietary Diversity
Bio-Fortification
Nutrition Value Chains
Connecting the Sectors Through Multi-Sector Programming
Conclusions
Exercises

Chapter 16. Designing a Decentralized Food System to Meet Nutrition Needs: An Optimization Approach

Abstract
A Practical Tool for Designing Decentralized Food Nutrition Interventions
Application of the Model to the Food System in Malawi
Conclusions
Exercises

Part H: Conclusion

Chapter 17. Future Directions for Nutrition Policy Making and Implementation

Abstract

Suresh Babu

Suresh C Babu is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Capacity Strengthening at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington D.C. Before joining IFPRI in 1992 as a Research Fellow, Dr. Babu was a Research Economist at the Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Between 1989 and 1994 he spent 5 years in Malawi, Southern Africa on various capacities. He was Senior Food Policy Advisor to the Malawi Ministry of Agriculture on developing a national level Food and Nutrition Information System; an Evaluation Economist for the UNICEF-Malawi working on designing food and nutrition intervention programs; Coordinator of UNICEF/IFPRI food security program in Malawi; and a Senior Lecturer at the Bunda College of Agriculture, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANR). He has been coordinator of IFPRI’s South Asia Initiative and Central Asia Program. His past research covers a range of developmental issues including nutrition economics and policy, economics of soil fertility, famine prevention, market integration, migration, pesticide pollution, groundwater depletion, and gender bias in development. He has published more than 18 books and monographs and 80 peer reviewed journal papers. He has been on the advisory board of World Agricultural Forum and a Coordinating Lead Author of Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. He currently conducts research on Capacity Development including Economic Analysis of Extension and Advisory Services; Reforming of National agricultural Research Systems; Understanding Policy Process; and Institutional Innovations for Agricultural Transformation. He is or has been a Visiting as Honorary Professor of Indira Gandhi National Open University, India, American University, Washington DC, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, and Zhejiang University, China. He currently serves or has served on the editorial boards of the following journals – Food Security, Food and Nutrition Bulletin, Agricultural Economics Research Review, African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, African Journal of Management, and African Journal of Food, Nutrition, and Development. Dr. Babu was educated at Agricultural Universities in Tamil Nadu, India (B.S. Agriculture; M.S. Agriculture) and at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa (M.S. Economics and PhD Economics).

Affiliations and expertise

Senior Research Fellow and Head of Capacity Strengthening, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA

Shailendra Gajanan

Shailendra Gajanan is a Professor in the Department of Economics, and is the Chair of the Department of Business Management and Education at the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford. He received his BA and MA in Economics from the Presidency College and the Loyola College, University of Madras, India. He received and MA (1985) from the University of Akron, Ohio and PhD (1991) in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the faculty of the Social Sciences Division at the University of Pittsburgh in 1991. He served previously as the Chair of the Social Sciences Division. Dr. Gajanan has served as the Program Director for Economics and has taught lower and upper level theory and policy classes in economic theory, econometrics, game theory, as well as applied classes in global hunger and environmental economics. He has also taught courses in India and West Germany. He supervises and directs International Study Abroad Programs and is slated to coordinate the Pitt-in-Himalayas in the summer of 2016. He has also served as an external evaluator on several thesis committees from universities in India and Malaysia. Dr. Gajanan’s research focuses on applied microeconomics dealing with water depletion within the commons, capacity utilization in manufacturing, the premium in the labor market for skills with English, and the impact of Category Management on product assortment in retail. He is the co-author of Food Security, Poverty and Nutrition Policy Analysis: Statistical Methods and Applications (Elsevier 2014).

Affiliations and expertise

Professor, Department of Economics, Department of Business Management and Education, University of Pittsburgh, Bradford, USA

J. Arne Hallam

Arne Hallam is a Professor in the Department of Economics, and Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University. He received his B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Brigham Young University in 1977. He received M.S. (1980) and PhD (1983) degrees in agricultural and recourse economics from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the faculty of the economics department at Iowa State University in 1983. He served as chair of the Department of Economics from 2000-2009. He served previously as Director of Undergraduate Programs and Director of Graduate Studies. He has been Associate Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences since 2009. Dr. Hallam has served as major professor for 26 graduate students and as a committee for more than 100 additional students. He has taught 24 different courses since leaving graduate school, 15 at the graduate level, including courses in economic theory, mathematical economics, statistics, and operations research, as well as field courses in agricultural economics, industrial organization, and environmental economics. At the undergraduate level he has taught a wide range of courses including economic principles, industrial organization, mathematical economics, agricultural ethics, economic development and sustainability. He has also taught courses in Egypt, India and Jordan. Dr. Hallam's research primarily relates to the economics of agriculture, resources, the environment, and energy. He is particularly interested in problems related to risk, uncertainty, asymmetric information, and the development of incentive compatible policies to enhance social welfare. Most of his recent work has to do with biomass production and utilization, water policy, and sustainability. Dr. Hallam has been a Boy Scout Leader for over 25 years. He and his wife have four children and 9 grandchildren.

Affiliations and expertise

Department of Economics and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iowa State University, Iowa, USA