Reducing Anemia Prevalence in Afghanistan: Socioeconomic Correlates and the Particular Role of Agricultural Assets

This paper reviewed income, anemia status in women, and livestock ownership in Afghanistan. Higher economic status, certain ethnicities, and a central geography were all associated with a reduced risk of anemia, but sheep ownership was particularly protective against anemia, even after controlling for income. The research suggests this link is likely due to sheep ownership resulting in increased consumption of mutton, which contains substantial levels of iron. Similar relationships did not seem to exist for other livestock assets, but the primary role of these other livestock assets was not providing meat, but rather milk and eggs.