Read IFPRI's latest annual report, on food systems, and consider each link in the food value chains that could be broken. That's where pressures are being brought to bear by Covid-19 impacts; i.e. via health effects (reducing labour flow and productivity), income effects (job losses reducing spending), diet effects (shifts in spending due to constrained access and/or moves to buffer calorie intake versus micronutrient-rich foods, and agricultural supply effects (hampered seasonal labour flows, impaired access to inputs, as well as SME job losses in the value chain). In other words, 'think' food system and focus in on the potential weak links, and that's where you'll likely see negative effects of the pandemic.

Farmers can't supply their products to the market since local Unions and transpirtation systems are already mute, thereby the food security is highly affected by the pandemic.

Thanks Endashaw.

Read IFPRI's latest annual report, on food systems, and consider each link in the food value chains that could be broken. That's where pressures are being brought to bear by Covid-19 impacts; i.e. via health effects (reducing labour flow and productivity), income effects (job losses reducing spending), diet effects (shifts in spending due to constrained access and/or moves to buffer calorie intake versus micronutrient-rich foods, and agricultural supply effects (hampered seasonal labour flows, impaired access to inputs, as well as SME job losses in the value chain). In other words, 'think' food system and focus in on the potential weak links, and that's where you'll likely see negative effects of the pandemic.

As interesting question.In South Africa food parcels were requested and delivered to both urban and rural areas - with some rioting happening. Informal markets were closed and outbreaks of COVID 19 were associated with supermarkets in some areas. Small scale farmers were allowed to sell and transport agricultural products- but informal buyers were lacking although illegal merchandising of tobacco and alcohol was happening . Auction sales of livestock opened in stage 3. of lockdown. School feeding recommenced this week and will probably have an impact on food security, although not all children are yet back at school.

Check out my publication with Sofia Boza on "Strengthening Local Food Systems in Times of Concomitant Global Crises: Reflections From Chile"[attached here]Two quick points: 1) this was written well before the social crisis that is happening now in the United States (as of May 2020); 2) yes this article might be about Chile, but really we use Chile as an example as to how COVID-19 is impacting food security, agricultural value chains and other public health nutrition problems. Wherever you are, we leave you with a tool in this article that can help you visualize these linkages between concomitant crises and food system impacts. The idea is that you will create a blank Table 1 and Fill it in based on your own context and/or contexts of interest.

Thanks Rebecca. I will download and do so.

Thanks Rebecca, I have downloaded and read this. The problems are similar to those found in Africa. As I have been around for several decades ( about 5 of them) working as a vet in low income and informal systems, I am actually VERY in favour of the removal of exports because they only make the very rick even richer and stifle the family farmer. In my experience, empowerment of family farmers is through allowing markets that are close to consumers. Large scale farmers can assist in supplying local vendors and local producers can also compete. Some regulation is needed to prevent banditry and maintain food safety and hygiene ( now with COVID 19, that includes occupational hygiene and safety) but short food chains are MUCH safer than long food chains as there are fewer food safety critical control points in short food chains. The other advantage is that the poor can take a basket to the weekly market and cycle or walk home. I have seen very good local markets in Europe ( Especially France) and the UK . We also have very good farmers markets in parts of South Africa. In my opinion, a row of local shops selling groceries and fresh vegetables/ fruit are FAR FAR better than supermarkets which are more like entertainment hubs and very risky during COVID-19 as they are not open to the fresh air. In Africa, those markets where there are Food Safety rules in place are safe and maybe upgrading outdoor markets and preventing overcrowding would be a good way forward. In South Africa, with COVID-19, we are seeing a great increase in good quality LOCAL fresh produce instead of fancy imported produce at a horrific cost.

Prof McCrindle, the perspectives that you provided earlier was also very useful.

Hi,

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Saludos