Do Remittances Improve Nutritional Take-Up? Analysis of Child Nutrition in Nepal

This study examines whether remittances sent home by migrant workers in Nepal improve the nutritional status of children under five. Using national household survey data from 2010-11, the researchers measured the association between remittance income and child nutrition indicators including stunting, underweight, and wasting. The analysis found a positive association between remittances and improved nutrition outcomes, suggesting that remittance income may help households invest in better child nutrition.

Key points

• Remittances represent a significant income source for Nepalese households, with major implications for child welfare
• The study examined three key nutritional indicators: HAZ (height-for-age), WAZ (weight-for-age), and WHZ (weight-for-height)
• Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis found a positive association between migrant remittances and child nutrition outcomes
• Remittances were shown to improve living standards and reduce stunting and underweight in children under five
• The analysis used data from the Nepal Living Standards Survey III (2010/11)

Limitations

The study uses cross-sectional observational data, which can only demonstrate association rather than prove causation. The document does not provide details on effect sizes, statistical significance levels, or potential confounding factors that might explain the relationship between remittances and nutrition.