Interdependencies Among Poverty, Hunger, and Health Outcomes in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Wavelet Quantile Approach

ABSTRACT The study aims to investigate how progress in poverty reduction (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), and good health and well‐being (SDG 3) interact across Sub‐Saharan African economies over the period 2000–2024, using a quarterly dataset and a suite of wavelet‐based quantile techniques. This methodological design enables the analysis to move beyond average effects and to uncover how linkages evolve across different distributional states and time‐frequency scales. The results reveal strong but asymmetrical interdependencies among the three SDGs. Improvements in food security consistently strengthen poverty‐reduction efforts, particularly in lower and median quantiles, where vulnerability is more pronounced. Health outcomes also reinforce both poverty alleviation and hunger reduction, though the effects are notably stronger over longer cycles, indicating that health gains accumulate gradually. Reverse causality patterns also emerge: reductions in poverty and hunger improve health outcomes, yet these effects vary across quantiles, underscoring the need for tailored policy responses rather than uniform interventions. The findings point to clear policy priorities. Accelerating SDG progress requires integrated actions that link health, agriculture, and social protection. Strengthening primary health systems, promoting nutrition‐sensitive agriculture, and expanding social safety nets create mutually reinforcing gains across poverty, hunger, and health.