How important is ICT for reducing undernourishment in Africa?

Abstract

This paper makes a contribution to the literature on the relationship between undernourishment and ICT. There are very few studies on this topic, and existing studies have not yet looked at the channels through which ICT affect undernourishment. We use a stochastic impact model extended to the population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) regression model to estimate both the effect and transmission of ICT on undernourishment in 45 African countries from 2000 to 2017. The empirical results show that ICT use measured by internet and mobile phone penetration reduces malnutrition. Furthermore, the mediation analysis reveals that ICT not only have a direct positive effect on undernourishment but also a positive indirect effect through their impact on per capita income, education, health, and access to clean water. However, the total effect is positive and indicates that ICT are useful in reducing undernourishment in Africa. In addition, these results have also shown us that variables such as education, public spending on health and access to drinking water are useful in reducing malnutrition in Africa. However, per capita income and the level of inflation exacerbate malnutrition on the continent. To enhance the beneficial effects of ICT on malnutrition, governments should design policies to improve access to water, education, and health care; better distribution of national wealth.

Keywords

• ICT
• Undernourishment
• Africa, Mediation