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The Covid-19 pandemic and policy responses to contain its spread had severe impacts on people’s livelihoods and food security. It exposed weaknesses and inequities in social protection systems, food production and distribution, job security, and economic policies, with those already marginalised and vulnerable most affected.
Lockdowns, the closure of borders, and the shutting or scaling down of businesses and public offices led to economic recessions, loss of livelihoods, and pushed millions of people to the brink of poverty and destitution. The pandemic majorly impacted on households’ production and access to quality, nutritious food due to losses of income combined with increasing food prices and restrictions to movements of people, inputs and products. Women and those working in informal economies were hardest hit in both rural and urban areas as a result of deep-rooted inequalities. These effects continue four years on with the Global Report on Food Crises 2023 identifying the lingering socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic as one of the key factors in driving up acute food insecurity. The socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic have negatively affected poor people’s resilience, resulting in longer recovery periods and an inability to cope with future shocks.
Drawing on research supported by the Covid-19 Responses for Equity (CORE) Programme – which is supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) – this guide highlights key lessons and priority actions that need to be taken to respond to food and livelihood security challenges for food systems to become equitable and resilient. This includes supporting immediate needs; building flexibility, resilience and inclusion into food systems and social protection, and developing economic policies that are equitable and gender responsive.
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