COVID-19: Is food security and nutrition a priority?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to almost all sectors, with agriculture supply and value chains being no exception. According to the World Food Program, more than 20 million people in the region are currently facing food insecurity and may require assistance. The Vice President of Partnerships at the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics, Nathaniel Peterson, highlighted the uncertainties surrounding food logistics, access, and pricing as a result of the pandemic, making planning difficult for both consumers and farmers. The situation is particularly dire in countries like Kenya where farmers have been planting crops without a clear picture of future market demand and prices. Peterson emphasized the critical importance of food security during these uncertain times, noting that when food security is compromised, nutritional concerns often take a backseat. Governments are making efforts to address food security challenges, but the lack of comprehensive information on food demand and supply dynamics complicates decision-making. The unpredictability in food prices and availability has created significant challenges for smallholder farmers. Traditionally, these farmers have dealt with risks related to price fluctuations, demand changes, and climate variability. However, the pandemic has introduced new uncertainties such as disruptions in milling and logistics operations, impacting farmers' ability to bring their produce to market. Recent estimates by the World Food Program suggest that the number of food-insecure individuals could rise to between 34 to 43 million in the next three months due to the pandemic. Various interventions have been implemented by local governments to ensure that markets can continue to operate safely, including the provision of hand washing stations and spacing strategies. Additionally, innovative approaches such as night markets and roadside food sales have emerged to address immediate food needs within communities. Despite the challenges, many smallholder farmers are actively diversifying their crops to enhance resilience. They are growing a mix of indigenous and cash crops to both meet market demand and ensure food security at home. While there is a growing awareness of nutritional requirements among farmers, economic considerations often drive their crop choices to secure income and provide for their families. Efforts to promote the adoption of resilient crop varieties and sustainable agricultural practices are underway, but financial constraints may hinder farmer's ability to invest in these technologies. The cost of new seeds and irrigation systems aimed at enhancing resilience may pose challenges for farmers facing cash flow constraints in the current economic climate. In conclusion, as Africa grapples with the impact of COVID-19 on food security and nutrition, it is evident that urgent action is needed to support smallholder farmers, stabilize food supply chains, and address the growing number of food-insecure individuals in the region.