Understanding the Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Undernourishment: A Study of BRICS Nations

The countries that make up the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) account for a substantial share of the global economy, with Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) that mirror India’s economic landscape. However, these nations face challenges related to undernourishment, impacting health and economic growth. The prevalence of undernourishment is a critical concern, affecting various age groups and hindering optimal development. This panel data study aims to analyze the macroeconomic factors influencing undernourishment across the BRICS nations. The selected independent variables include economic growth, unemployment, health expenditure, and environmental health, with the prevalence of undernourishment as the dependent variable. Through a fixed regression analysis, the findings reveal that economic growth and health expenditure have a significant direct impact on undernourishment, with higher GDP growth rates and increased health expenditure correlating with a higher prevalence of undernourishment. In contrast, environmental health, as measured by Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, exhibits an inverse impact on undernourishment, which means higher GHG emissions are associated with a lower prevalence of undernourishment. These findings have important implications for policymakers in BRICS countries. They underscore the need for a nuanced approach to addressing undernourishment that considers the interplay of economic and environmental factors. Policymakers can use these insights to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing undernourishment rates. This may involve strategies to promote sustainable economic growth while also addressing environmental challenges.