The Economic Implications of Malnutrition: The Dismal Science Revisited

The first requirements for high labor productivity under modern conditions are that the masses of the population shall be literate, healthy, and sufficiently well fed to be strong and energetic. In many countries, I feel sure, if this were achieved all else necessary for rapid economic development would come readily and easily of itself. I also feel sure that whenever this has not been accomplished.. . it is not necessary to look for other factors.. . to explain the pervasive poverty and slow economic growth.1