The impact of droughts, flooding, and climate variability on malnutrition
Citation: Lieber M, Chin-Hong P, Kelly K, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the impact of droughts, flooding, and climate variability on malnutrition. Global Public Health. 2022;17(1):68–82.
Language: Abstract and full text available in EN.
Free to view: Yes.
Funding sources: Nothing noted.
What is this? In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors searched for studies that examined the relationship between proxy factors for climate change (drought, flooding, and climate variability) and malnutrition. They restricted their searches to studies published in English during or after 2000, and those that relied on clinical metrics such as stunting, wasting, or undernutrition. They included 22 studies from India (7), Ethiopia (3), Kenya (2), Bangladesh (1), Lesotho (1), Mali (1), Mexico (1), Mozambique (1), Pakistan (1), and four studies that reported results from multiple countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
What was found: The authors found a strong positive relationship between drought, flooding, and climate variability, and at least one clinical metric of malnutrition.
Implications: To reduce the adverse influence of droughts, flooding, and climate variability on malnutrition and population health, the authors recommended adaptation strategies such as sustainable agriculture and education for women and girls.
Other considerations: The authors of the review discussed their findings in the context of place of residence, gender, education, age, and socioeconomic status.
This summary was prepared by Kimberly Morren, checked by Sneha Bhadt, and finalized by William Summerskill.