1) Growth alone is not sufficient to improve nutrition outcomes, as some countries have seen nutrition deteriorate despite economic growth. 2) The impact of growth on nutrition depends on a country's economic structure and population characteristics, with agricultural growth more important for nutrition in early stages of development and economic diversification gaining importance later. 3) Complementary policies and targeted programs focused on health, education, and nutrition are needed along with growth to effectively reduce malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, especially among children.

1. Growth is Good,
but is not Enough to Improve Nutrition
Olivier Ecker, Clemens Breisinger, Karl Pauw
Development Strategy and Governance Division
International Food Policy Research Institute
2020 Conference: Leveraging Agriculture for Improving Nutrition and Health
February 10-12, 2011; New Delhi, India

2. The Dis(Connection) of Growth to Nutrition
 Growth is generally good for nutrition, but some countries have
seen nutrition deteriorate despite growth.
 In what way and to what extent does growth contribute to
nutrition outcomes, and how can policies be designed to better
leverage growth for nutrition improvements?
Proportion of undernourished people (% of population) Proportion of stunted children (% of children under five)
Bangladesh
Malawi Yemen
Guatemala
India
Bangladesh
Yemen Egypt
Malawi
Guatemala
India
Egypt
Annual GDP per capita (constant 2000 US$) Annual GDP per capita (constant 2000 US$)

3. Complementary Case Studies
Yemen Malawi
 Oil-based economy with a small  Agriculture-based economy
agricultural sector with limited diversity
 Extremely widespread child  High risk of chronic
malnutrition micronutrient malnutrition
Policy simulations: Agr. vs. non-agr. growth; staple-based agr. growth
vs. broad-based agr. growth

4. Results and Policy Implications (1)
 Growth leads to reduced calorie deficiency.
 Depending on a country’s economic structure and the
characteristics of the malnourished population, agriculture or
non-agricultural growth can be better for improving nutrition.
 The role of growth in
improving nutrition Proportion of
deficient people
Malawi
Broad-based agriculture growth
National GDP /
Agriculture VA
shifts during the (% of population)
60
(optimistic scenario)
(2010=100)
180
development process: 50 170
At early stages of 40
160
150
development 30 140
agricultural growth is 20
130
critical, then 10
120
110
economic 0 100
diversification gains 2010
Calorie deficiency
2015
Iron deficiency
2020
Vitamin A deficiency
in importance. National GDP Agriculture VA

5. Results and Policy Implications (2)
 Neither agricultural growth nor non-agricultural growth is sufficient
to improve child nutrition and reduce micronutrient malnutrition.
 Any policy reform needs to be accompanied by strategic
investments and targeted programs to tackle child malnutrition and
micronutrient deficiencies effectively.
 Investments in the Proportion of
deficient people /
Yemen
Manufacturing and service sector-led growth
National GDP /
Agriculture VA
health and education 60
stunted children (2010=100)
(optimistic scenario)
200
sectors, nutrition and 50 190
180
health information 40
170
and education 30
160
150
campaigns, and 20
140
130
programs focused on 10
120
child and maternal
110
0 100
health and nutrition 2010 2015
Calorie deficiency (% of population)
2020
Child stunting (% of children under five)
are needed. National GDP Agriculture VA