Relating Seasonal Hunger and Prevention and Coping Strategies: A Panel Analysis of Malawian Farm Households. Issue 10 (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, C. Leigh; Reynolds, Travis; Merfeld, Joshua D.; Biscaye, Pierre
• Is Part Of: Journal of development studies. Volume 54:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1737
• Page End: 1755
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: Economic development -- Periodicals; Economic history -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Développement économique -- Périodiques; Histoire économique -- 1945- -- Périodiques; Pays en voie de développement -- Conditions économiques -- Périodiques; 338.91
• DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2017.1371296
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0388

Abstract

Abstract: Relative to chronic hunger, seasonal hunger in rural and urban areas of Africa is poorly understood. This paper examines the extent and potential correlates of seasonal hunger in Malawi using panel data from 2011–2013. We find that both urban and rural households report seasonal hunger in the pre-harvest months. Certain strategies to smooth consumption, including crop storage and livestock ownership, are associated with fewer months of hunger. In addition, we find that Malawian households that experience seasonal hunger harvest their crops earlier than average – a short-term coping mechanism that can reduce the crop's yield and nutritional value, possibly perpetuating hunger.