Background. Energy deficiency is observed to be at odds
with other food security indicators. In wealthier urban
areas, the prevalence of energy deficiency is often higher
than in poorer rural areas, whereas other food security
indicators, such as food diversity, perform much better
in urban than in rural areas.
Objective. To investigate to what extent differences
in physical activity levels influence dietary quantity and
quality.
Methods. Central to this analysis is the construction
of a household activity index, a single measure that aims
to capture the collective workload of the household. This
paper uses data from Nepal and Uganda expenditure
surveys that contain information on food consumption,
as well as detailed information on how individual
household members spend their time. Energy deficiency
numbers are adjusted by the activity index, and the
results are compared with the standard approach for calculating
energy deficiency assuming light activity levels.
Regressions are estimated to discuss demand for calories
and diversity given the activity level.
Results. Accounting for differences in activity level has
a large effect on energy deficiency figures, particularly in
rural areas. The analysis shows that a higher household
activity level significantly increases the calories consumed
but lessens food diversity, suggesting that households with
high activity levels sacrifice diversity for quantity in order
to meet their energy requirements.
Conclusions. Physical activity levels should be taken
into account when interpreting empirical differences in
food consumption levels for determining the prevalence
of food insecurity and making allocation decisions for
food security assistance