Understanding the role of village fund and administrative capacity in stunting reduction: Empirical evidence from Indonesia

Abstract

The Indonesian government launched various programs to handle stunting cases, including village funds. This paper examined the effects of village fund programs and village apparatuses’ capacities to combat stunting based on aggregate data at the district level in Indonesia. Using descriptive data analysis and fixed effect panel regression, we observed that village fund programs could significantly reduce Indonesia’s stunting prevalence, especially outside Java. It also revealed that the increasing education of regional leaders does not necessarily positively impact leaders’ skills in handling stunting. At the same time, the number of village officials has a statistically significant influence on reducing stunting prevalence. It advised that the village budget fund can support national priorities in tackling the prevalence of stunting. Furthermore, it is essential to build the capacity of the village head for increasing awareness of health activities, especially early prevention of stunting, in addition to an adequate number of officials.

Effect of a Short Course on Improving the Cadres’ Knowledge in the Context of Reducing Stunting through Home Visits in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…After controlling for age, education, occupation, and years of experience, multivariate analysis reveals that the short course has a significant effect. Previous research showed that most cadres had good knowledge about the early detection of malnutrition in children [ 35 , 36 ]. Furthermore, the level of education also contributes to the increase in their capacity, knowledge, ability, and skills in monitoring growth and development [ 7 , 15 ].…”

“…Mothers’ positive responses to home visit interventions motivate cadres, and the mutually reinforcing reciprocal relationship between cadres and mothers aids in the effective achievement of a reduction in stunting [ 6 ]. Obviously, stunting prevention measures require financial resources, which can be supplied from the village fund [ 36 ].…”

The Analysis of Logic Model Components from Nutrition Care Village Activity to Assist Stunting Reduction in Lamongan District

“…to broader research, which creates ambiguity and variable insensitivity. Likewise, the involvement of the village fund budget requires a detailed, broad, and comprehensive analysis study from each village in their respective working areas 20 . It is because the nutrition care village is a part of community empowerment, in which empowerment is one of the objectives from the village fund.…”

Revenue and Expenditure Budgets and Village Development Index to Reduce Stunting: A Case Study from Indonesian Provinces

“…Spending on stunting more than doubled after the 2014 Village Law was passed (Dirkareshza & Sihombing, 2021;Rossevelt, 2022). Preliminary comparisons of the 2016 village budget and 2019 village expenditures reveal that villages have increased their investment in stunting-related sectors (Indra & Khoirunurrofik, 2022).…”

“…Village-scale municipal governments are undertaking preventative measures (Indra & Khoirunurrofik, 2022). According to the Village Law, village authority in the APBDes (Village Revenue and Expenditure Budget) comprises the fields of village administration, village development implementation, community development, community empowerment, and unanticipated expenditures.…”