What is the Food Security Impact of COVID-19 in African Countries?

What is the Food Security Impact of COVID-19 in African Countries? COVID-19 pandemic is impacting rural communities. What is coronavirus food security problem? Can African families, smallholder farmers adapt? Wayan Vota ICTworks

COVID-19 is also impacting economic livelihoods across the continent. The World Bank estimates that agricultural production in Africa could contract by 7%, directly impacting family incomes and their investment in education, health, and other necessities. Many poor and marginalized communities across the developing world may now fear hunger as a greater or more immediate threat than the coronavirus. ....

Here are 4 key takeaways on food security and economic impacts from their survey conducted in May 2020, a subset of findings from their full survey results.

1) COVID-19 has hit households’ finances significantly. 41% claim minor to major reductions in income across the six countries. The causes are varied; lockdown policies are affecting 34% of respondents, while business operations, restricted work hours, loss of customers and loss of job impact 16% of households.

2) The food security situation is alarming. 28% of the population surveyed had to reduce portion sizes and more than 22% had to skip meals in the last 7 days. This points to nearly a quarter of households surveyed struggling to meet the most basic needs, and likely points to negative consequences in terms of health, education, and well-being.

3) Access to basic supplies such as food and soap is a serious issue. 53% of households report challenges. The main causes appear to be elevated item prices (44%) and item availability (33%), as opposed to lock-down policies (11%) or fear of contagion (12%).

4) The potential impact of lost income is considerable. 32% of respondents indicated that if they were to lose all income they would only have the ability to pay for essentials like food and rent for less than one week. Another 33% indicated that they have less than one month of savings to fall back on. This has important implications for how long a lock-down can be sustained.  ...