Briefing note on “Covid-19 and African food security”
The impacts of Covid-19 on food security are complex. While food production continues, the pandemic has profoundly affected farmers, fishers, workers and traders, and the ability of people to buy food. The interruption of food value chains, and regional and global trade, have prompted export bans and other measures to shore up food availability. Matters have been made worse by an income crisis, as lockdown regulations have limited people’s movement and ability to generate a livelihood with which to buy food. Food shortages and price spikes have occurred in places, alongside dramatic declines in purchasing power. One response has been food relief, which has been uneven and largely inadequate, alongside forms of social solidarity and social protection. Countries with existing challenges of poverty, inequality and hunger have seen these exposed in sharp relief, as the frailties of our economies and food systems are exposed.
This briefing note is based on a webinar that aired on Thursday 25 June 2020 and is available to watch on the PLAAS YouTube channel here.
