Migration and nutrition of the left behind: Evidence from Ghana

This paper investigates the effect of migration on the nutritional outcomes of the left behind—individuals who previously co-resided with a migrant. Utilizing longitudinal data from Ghana and employing a combination of kernel matching and difference-in-differences, I find that internal migration negatively impacts the nutritional status of left-behind individuals, particularly children. Although remittances do not reliably offset these negative effects, they can potentially contribute to improved outcomes for left-behind children in the long run. The primary channel driving the adverse nutritional impact on left-behind children is the short-term disruptive effect caused by migration, which may lead to a negative income shock. This shock could have lasting consequences for children’s growth trajectories. • Internal migration in Ghana negatively affects the nutritional status of the left behind, especially children. • The short-term disruptive effect of migration, likely causing a negative income shock for the household of origin, is the key underlying mechanism. • While findings indicate positive effects from remittances in the long-term for children, short-term adverse effects could also hinder their growth.