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Disentangling the Impact of International Migration on Food and Nutrition Security of Left-Behind Households: Evidence from Bangladesh

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  • Donato Romano

    (University of Florence)

  • Silvio Traverso

    (University of Florence)

Abstract

This paper explores the linkages between international migration and household food and nutrition security (FNS). First, building on existing literature, we discuss the main microeconomic channels through which international migration may affect household FNS. Second, taking Bangladesh as a case study, we estimate the overall impact of international migration on the FNS of left-behind households. Third, by disentangling the overall effect, we assess the importance of the various microeconomic channels that link international migration to household FNS. The empirical results suggest that international migration has a positive impact on the quantity, quality and variety of food consumed by left-behind households. Our findings also suggest that international migration might be considered among the possible drivers of the so-called Bangladesh paradox, i.e. the exceptional progress in health and nutrition achieved by the country during a period of relatively poor economic performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Donato Romano & Silvio Traverso, 2020. "Disentangling the Impact of International Migration on Food and Nutrition Security of Left-Behind Households: Evidence from Bangladesh," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(4), pages 783-811, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:32:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1057_s41287-019-00240-4
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-019-00240-4
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    1. Le Wen & Krishna P. Paudel & Qinying He, 2022. "Temporary Migration and Savings Rates: Evidence from China," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(6), pages 2810-2849, December.
    2. Xueting Pan & Jiaqi Huang, 2024. "Exploring Mechanisms behind Migration’s Impact on Protein Intake of Left-Behind Household Members: A Panel Analysis from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-14, May.
    3. Ahmed Raza Cheema & Adeel Saleem & Hubert Visas & Jabbar Ul-Haq, 2022. "Role of Education, Age, and Family Size on Food Insecurity in Pakistan: A Quantile Regression Analysis," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(5), pages 2576-2597, October.
    4. Moukpè Gniniguè & Essossinam Ali, 2022. "Migrant Remittances and Economic Growth in ECOWAS Countries: Does Digitalization Matter?," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(5), pages 2517-2542, October.
    5. Syed Naimul, Wadood & Nayeema Nusrat, Choudhury & Abul Kalam, Azad, 2023. "Does migration theory explain international migration from Bangladesh? a primer review," MPRA Paper 116611, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International migration; Food and nutrition security; Propensity score matching; Bangladesh;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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