The Cycle of Poverty
As is apparent in the above image, developmental impairment both mental and physical, contribute to the inescapable cycle of poverty. It is poverty, which causes malnutrition , and it is malnutrition and its adverse side effects, which ultimately cause poverty; “malnutrition adversely affects mental development, physical development, productivity, the span of working years – all of which significantly influence the economic potential of man” (Vorster). It is human capital, which allows one to escape the cycle of poverty and it is malnutrition that often robs young individuals of their potential for human capital.
Not only this but malnutrition leads to decreased education. One study focused on education in relation to nutrition and weight of children found that “stunting was associated with a reduction in schooling of 1.8 years” (Martorell et al) and also associated with a much higher chance of failing a grade. It was found that each standard deviation of weight gain (0.7kg) within the first two years of life corresponded with half a year more of schooling and a higher probability of passing.
Other studies show the effects of supplements on development and ultimately a greater chance of escaping the cycle of poverty.
In Jamaica undersized babies (9-24 months) who were developmentally behind were given nutritional supplements. It was found that after just 24 months “kids who received better nutrition and more stimulation had virtually caught up developmentally with children who started in life at a normal height” (World development report 2006 11). The gap in cognitive ability closed and the children who had received supplemental were given a better chance at life.
In a similar study, Guatemalan children were split into two groups. One group was given a supplemental drink called Fresco, while the other group was given a more caloric and nutritious supplemental drink called Atole. Those children that drank Atole not only grow on average 2.4 centimeters taller than the children in the other group, but those with Atloe also “had a greater likelihood of completing primary and some secondary school, had higher scores on reading comprehension and cognitive tests, and, among women, completion of more grades in school” (Eric Munoz 3). These effects lead to improved economic circumstances as well. Those children who had received atole during their first two years of life “earned an average of $870 more annually…In a country where annual per capita income is just $2,440, this represents a significant gain” (Eric Munoz 3). Clearly, these simple nutritional supplements had a direct effect on not only improving cognitive ability, but the overall lifestyles of these individuals, bringing them further from the poverty that they had been born into. Indicating once again, the horrific effects that malnutrition can have on a group of people and why it is so important that we take action.
Not only this but malnutrition leads to decreased education. One study focused on education in relation to nutrition and weight of children found that “stunting was associated with a reduction in schooling of 1.8 years” (Martorell et al) and also associated with a much higher chance of failing a grade. It was found that each standard deviation of weight gain (0.7kg) within the first two years of life corresponded with half a year more of schooling and a higher probability of passing.
Other studies show the effects of supplements on development and ultimately a greater chance of escaping the cycle of poverty.
In Jamaica undersized babies (9-24 months) who were developmentally behind were given nutritional supplements. It was found that after just 24 months “kids who received better nutrition and more stimulation had virtually caught up developmentally with children who started in life at a normal height” (World development report 2006 11). The gap in cognitive ability closed and the children who had received supplemental were given a better chance at life.
In a similar study, Guatemalan children were split into two groups. One group was given a supplemental drink called Fresco, while the other group was given a more caloric and nutritious supplemental drink called Atole. Those children that drank Atole not only grow on average 2.4 centimeters taller than the children in the other group, but those with Atloe also “had a greater likelihood of completing primary and some secondary school, had higher scores on reading comprehension and cognitive tests, and, among women, completion of more grades in school” (Eric Munoz 3). These effects lead to improved economic circumstances as well. Those children who had received atole during their first two years of life “earned an average of $870 more annually…In a country where annual per capita income is just $2,440, this represents a significant gain” (Eric Munoz 3). Clearly, these simple nutritional supplements had a direct effect on not only improving cognitive ability, but the overall lifestyles of these individuals, bringing them further from the poverty that they had been born into. Indicating once again, the horrific effects that malnutrition can have on a group of people and why it is so important that we take action.