Migrant remittances and calorie consumption: Empirical evidence from Togo

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between remittances and calorie consumption in Togo from 1990 to 2020. We use the autoregressive staggered delay model (ARDL) and arrive at the following results. First, we find evidence that remittances negatively influence calorie consumption in the short term, while in the long term, this has been the positive effect. Second, the results show that in the short term, variables such as GDP per capita inflation have a negative effect on calorie consumption. In contrast, trade openness, FDI, and corruption control have positive effects. Thirdly, in the long term, the results also show that variables such as FDI, arable land, and corruption control have a negative effect, and the level of inflation has a positive effect on calorie consumption. One of the implications of our results is that remittances should be part of any overall poverty reduction policy, given their impact on promoting food security, but in parallel with programs to educate farmers on the value of investing remittances received in their agricultural enterprise.