Nutrition and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa: a causality test using panel data
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between nutrition and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
A 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.
Findings
The 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/value
This is the first study to consider causality between nutrition and economic growth in the region.
Keywords
Citation
Ogundari, K. and Aromolaran, A. (2017), "Nutrition and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa: a causality test using panel data", International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 174-189. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDI-12-2016-0076
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited