Food insecurity, malnutrition, and child developmental and behavioral outcomes in Ghana

In this chapter, an overview of the related problems and determinants of food insecurity and malnutrition, both globally and in the context of Ghana, is presented. Then, the consequences of food insecurity and malnutrition on child health, development, and behavioral outcomes in the country are explored. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of policy, programming, and research solutions implemented to date to confront issues of malnutrition and food insecurity in Ghana. In sum, this chapter focuses on three learning objectives: (1) define food insecurity and malnutrition and describe the situation and trends globally and in Ghana; (2) identify key consequences of food insecurity and malnutrition on child health, development, and behavioral outcomes globally and in Ghana; and (3) characterize policy, program, and research solutions that have been applied in Ghana for achieving food security and reducing malnutrition.