Migration and child growth in rural Guatemala

Type Journal Article - Food Policy
Title Migration and child growth in rural Guatemala
Author(s)
Volume 36
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2011
Page numbers 16 -
URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VCB-514FW41-1/2/e22e046ca5130947858d9e48a370cef3
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between migration and child growth in the rural highlands of Guatemala, a region with substantial international migration outflows, significant remittance inflows, and some of the highest rates of child undernutrition in the world. Using cross-sectional survey data, a double-difference approach based on child growth patterns that controls for the selectivity of migration is used to assess the impact of migration to the US on Height-for-Age Z (HAZ) scores and stunting prevalence of children. HAZ scores for children in households with a migrant to the US are conservatively estimated to be 0.5 standard deviations higher and the prevalence of stunting is approximately 6 percentage points lower. Descriptive evidence suggests the possible channels through which migration may operate are improved food security and reduced morbidity.

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