Agricultural tariffs and stunting in low- and middle-income countries

Details

Supervisors

Van den Broeck, Goedele

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en sciences agronomiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Only a few studies demonstrated the influence of tariffs on nutrition and food security. Historically, tariffs have not been designed in order to face the nutritional targets. The contribution of tariffs to nutrition is discussed. Therefore, this thesis empirically investigates the impact of agricultural tariffs on stunting prevalence using a sample of 73 low- and middle-income countries from 2000 to 2020. Stunting is a broad and growing concern that requires ensuring access to sufficient, affordable, nutritious and good quality food. This study contributes to literature for the following reasons. Firstly, while some studies focus on macro-level indicators, stunting prevalence includes the dimension of inequalities, accessibility, utilisation and stability of food supply providing a better understanding of the issue. Secondly, stunting induces short- and long-term effects of concern. Knowledge on this subject and its factors of influence must be improved to alleviate its impact Thirdly, the study focuses on all food products, with a differentiated analysis based on four product groups: cereal-based products, fruits and vegetables, animal-based products, and “others”. Fourthly, it emphasizes the differences between the income groups of countries: low income countries (LIC), lower-middle income countries (LMIC), and upper-middle income countries (UMIC). The main conclusions are: (a) For the overall low- and middle-income countries, none of the agricultural tariffs have an influence on the prevalence of stunting. Similar results are found in LIC; (b) In LMIC, high tariffs on the overall food and on animal-based products contribute to stunting prevalence reduction; (c) In UMIC, low tariffs on animal-based products and high tariffs on ”others” products contribute to stunting prevalence reduction. The results of this study suggest that middle income countries may benefit from increasing food tariffs despite the recommendations of the World Trade Organization. However, shaping tariffs according to food groups and their nutritional qualities is needed.