Fertility gap and child nutrition: Evidence from India

Abstract

Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of India, the authors examine the impact of fertility gap on child nutritional outcomes, focused on whether a child is stunted, wasted or anemic. They find that the odds of having malnourished children who are stunted, wasted or anemic are higher for women who exceed their fertility target compared to those who have achieved or underachieved it. The authors build on the literature that has emphasized the importance of lower fertility on development, and thus calls for policies that are aimed at achieving this.