Child malnutrition and climate in Sub-Saharan Africa: An analysis of recent trends in Kenya

In Kenya – where undernutrition rates are high and the population-environment balance is delicate – the risk of declining food availability has become increasingly concerning as indications of drying trends threaten current food systems. The purpose of this research is to determine if climate variables are related to rates of childhood stunting in Kenya. Specifically we use multi-level regression models at the cluster/household level to evaluate the correlation between surface temperatures, rainfall levels and stunting among children aged one to five. Our results suggest that as Kenya continues to experience warming and drying, malnutrition rates will increase. We propose that investments in infrastructure and expansion of education can mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. ► We examine child malnutrition and climate variables. ► Households with a greater dependence on rainfed agriculture may have negative health outcomes. ► Rainfall has a negative effect dependent on livelihood. ► Education and infrastructure may help mitigate the negative effects of future climate change.