COVID-19 and food insecurity in Africa: A review of the emerging empirical evidence

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risks rolling back many of the efforts and global successes recorded in reducing poverty and food insecurity. We undertake a systematic search and review of the growing microeconomic literature on the association between COVID-19 and food insecurity in Africa, discussing its implications for food policy and research. Furthermore, we review the various coping strategies households employ to build resilience to COVID-19. The evidence indicates that COVID-19 is associated with an increase in food insecurity both ex-ante and ex-durante. Given the covariate nature of COVID-19 and associated control mechanisms, current evidence is short of providing clear causal learning. We provide some potential interesting areas where future efforts can be geared to improve learning on the relationship between COVID-19, food insecurity, and building resilience to shocks.

Genetic trends in the Zimbabwe’s national maize breeding program over two decades

“…Without strong adaptation measures, climate change will reduce maize yields by over 15% in the region ( Tesfaye et al., 2016 ; Zhai et al., 2021 ). Crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have further exacerbated the vulnerability of food systems to external factors, and the need to build self-sufficiency ( Tabe-Ojong et al., 2023 ). The majority of countries in Southern Africa do not produce enough maize to meet their demands annually and rely on imports.…”