COVID-19 threatens global food security, impacting access for vulnerable populations.
The economic impact of COVID-19 on the agrifood system and global food security was studied. The researchers looked at how the pandemic affected agri-food markets and food security in the short term. They used models to predict different scenarios, like changes in GDP, labor supply, and trade preferences. The study found that COVID-19 had a smaller impact on agri-food production compared to other industries. Food prices dropped due to the crisis and low oil prices. While food availability was not greatly affected, food access became harder, especially for unskilled workers. Policies are needed to address these challenges.