KNOWLEDGE4POLICY - Why a food systems approach is essential in times of COVID-19

As the novel coronavirus Covid-19 continues to spread, putting enormous strains on the public health systems around the world, questions have been raised about its potential impact on food supply, food demand as well as on the global economy as a whole. Contributing to the coronavirus pandemic response, the European Commission is coordinating a common European response to the Coronavirus outbreak. The spread of COVID-19 has highlighted how vulnerable we all can be to global shocks. Greater inclusivity in food systems is not a panacea for this or any other crisis, but it is a critical part of strengthening our resilience.

Related topics

Global Food and Nutrition Security

date: 07/04/2020

permalink: Main URL

COVID 19 is affecting first the developed world and gradually covering developing countries particularly in Africa.

Even though the prevention mechanism is similar, the strategies that are implemented in the developed world (such as complete lock down) may not be easy and practical to the developing nations due to poverty, food insecurity and severe acute malnutrition, and many more infectious disease.

The situation in Africa may not be the same due to the burden of HIV, TB, malnutrition and other infectious diseases. When it comes to maintaining food systems during the pandemic, Africa may have some advantages over other parts of the world such as its relatively younger workforce and more robust urban and small-scale agriculture. Nonetheless, it will certainly face significant challenges in the coming months that will require our thoughtful attention.

Food insecurity impacts will be especially severe in high-density urban poverty areas, while subsistence farming may be less affected in the short term. At question is whether farm services and farm labor will be deemed essential services and exempt from some or all quarantine restrictions.

In the short term, food exporting countries should not block exports, even as they aim to maintain national food security. In the medium to longer term, Low to Middle Income Countries and their partners should explore options to further develop domestic SME and other agribusiness capacity for processing, logistics and wholesale functions to increase incomes, employment and improve resilience to global shocks.

COVID-19 presents an opportunity to accelerate resilient, climate-smart, and healthy food systems that help people withstand these types of shocks. Governments and development partners will need to make them more inclusive. Taking a food systems approach allows countries to consider a wide range of current challenges, from food security to climate change to diet transition, and opportunities, such as digital technology and building youth skills and entrepreneurial capacity, that are most relevant to their particular contexts.