| Child Malnutrition and Climate in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Analysis of Recent Trends in Kenya |
| Authors: |
Kathryn Grace, Frank Davenport, Chris Funk, and Amy M. Lerner |
| Source: |
Applied Geography, Volume 35, Issues 1–2, Pages 405–413 |
| Topic(s): |
Child health
Climate
GIS/GPS
Nutrition
|
| Country: |
Africa
Kenya
|
| Published: |
NOV 2012 |
| Abstract: |
In Kenya – where undernutrition rates are high and the population-environment balance is delicate – the risk of declining food availability has become increasingly concerning as indications of drying trends threaten current food systems. The purpose of this research is to determine if climate variables are related to rates of childhood stunting in Kenya. Specifically we use multi-level regression models at the cluster/household level to evaluate the correlation between surface temperatures, rainfall levels and stunting among children aged one to five. Our results suggest that as Kenya continues to experience warming and drying, malnutrition rates will increase. We propose that investments in infrastructure and expansion of education can mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. |
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