Date of Graduation

Spring 5-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in International and Development Economics (MSIDEC)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Economics

First Advisor

Andrew Hobbs

Abstract

The study uses six rounds of Index-Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI) panel surveys (2009 – 2015) for Northern Kenya’s Marsabit county to investigate the impact of IBLI on child nutrition and household food security. We employ Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Instrumental Variable (IV) regressions to account for potential endogeneity in IBLI uptake. The results indicate that while IBLI uptake significantly improves the intake of key nutrients such as Vitamin A, protein, iron, and fruits and vegetables, it does not translate into significant improvements in child nutrition status, as measured by Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) z-scores. Significant negative effects of age and supplementary feeding on child nutrition, highlight the ongoing nutritional challenges faced by older children and those receiving supplementary food. These results suggest that while IBLI can enhance household food security, it alone is insufficient to address child malnutrition. Comprehensive approaches that integrate financial instruments like IBLI with targeted nutritional interventions and support systems are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in child health outcomes.

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