Work

Soil aridification, precipitation, and infant health: Evidence from Africa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: While research has studied the effects of climate variation on child nutrition, the role of soil moisture and degradation in shaping child well-being remains relatively understudied. Combining climate and infant health data from Africa, we show that rainfall’s health benefits are mediated by potential evapotranspiration (PET), highlighting the importance of soil-retained moisture. Infants born in areas of greater PET face higher risks of being underweight at birth and of mortality under age five. Moreover, rainfall becomes less relevant for child health in regions experiencing stronger aridification. We find suggestive evidence that reliance on agriculture, as well as crop productivity and composition, are key mediating channels. These findings underscore the need to account for soil aridity, alongside temperature and precipitation, when assessing the economic and health impacts of climate, and call for policy action to improve soil and water resource management in developing countries.

Source: Global Environmental Change

DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2026.103234

Authors: Jacopo Lunghi, Maurizio Malpede, Marco Percoco

Institutions: RFF-CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment, CMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, University of Pavia, Bocconi University

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $6,440