COVID-19's effects on people's health, livelihoods, and food systems

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a sharp decline in global mortality rates and poses an unparalleled threat to food systems, the workforce, and public health. Tens of millions of people are at risk of experiencing extreme poverty, and the number of undernourished people—currently projected to be close to 690 million—could rise by up to 132 million by the end of the year due to the pandemic's destructive effects on the economy and society.

There is an existential threat facing millions of organizations. Approximately 50% of the 3.3 billion people who work worldwide are in danger of losing their jobs. Workers in the informal economy are especially vulnerable because they do not have access to social security or decent health care, and they have also lost their productive assets. Many people are unable to provide for their family during lockdowns because they lack the means of earning a living. Most people who don't have money eat nothing at all or, at most, less food that isn't as healthy. 

The entire food system has been impacted by the pandemic, exposing its vulnerability. Border closures, trade restrictions, and confinement measures have made it difficult for farmers to access markets, including to sell their produce and buy inputs, and for agricultural workers to harvest crops. As a result, domestic and international food supply chains have been disrupted, and access to a variety of safe, healthy diets has been reduced. The pandemic has destroyed jobs and jeopardised the livelihoods of millions of people. Millions of women and men's food security and nutrition are in danger as breadwinners lose their jobs, get sick, or pass away. Those in low-income nations, especially the most marginalised groups like small-scale farmers and indigenous peoples, are most affected.

While millions of waged and self-employed agricultural workers work to feed the globe, they also frequently endure high rates of working poverty, malnourishment, and bad health. In addition, they frequently experience abuse and a lack of safety and labour protection. Many of them are motivated to work longer hours and in hazardous environments because of their low and irregular salaries and lack of social support, which puts them and their families at further risk. Additionally, when they lose their jobs, they could turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like child labour, predatory lending, or distressed asset sales.

Migrant agricultural labours are especially vulnerable since they have difficulty accessing government-instituted support programs and experience risks related to their living, working, and transportation. To save lives and safeguard the public's health, livelihoods, and food security, it will be essential to ensure the safety and health of all agri-food workers, from primary producers to those engaged in food processing, transport, and retail, including street food vendors, as well as better incomes and protection.

Public health, food security, and labour and employment issues—specifically, the health and safety of workers—converge during the COVID-19 pandemic. The human aspect of the crisis must be addressed by upholding workplace safety and health standards, guaranteeing access to good work, and defending workers' rights across all industries. Social protection should be expanded to provide universal health coverage and financial support for those who are most affected as part of the immediate and deliberate action to save lives and livelihoods. These workers include young people, senior workers, and immigrants as well as those in the unorganised sector and in low-paying, ill-protected positions. The plight of women needs special attention since they are disproportionately represented in low-paying occupations and caregiving roles. 

A variety of support programs are essential, such as cash transfers, child allowances, nutritious school meals, shelter and food aid programs, assistance in finding and keeping a job, and financial support for small and medium-sized businesses. Governments and employers must collaborate closely in the planning and execution of such policies.

Those nations coping with ongoing emergencies or humanitarian crises are most vulnerable to COVID-19's effects. It is essential to react to the pandemic quickly while making sure that aid for relief and rehabilitation reaches the people who need it most.

Global solidarity and assistance are desperately needed right now, especially for the most vulnerable members of our societies, especially those in emerging and developing nations. Together, we can overcome the pandemic's interconnected health, social, and economic effects and stop it from worsening and perhaps undoing development gains that have already been made in the areas of food security and humanitarian relief.

As stated in the UN Secretary-General's Policy Brief, we must seize this chance to rebuild more effectively. We are dedicated to using our knowledge and experience to assist nations in addressing crises and working towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The health and agri-food industries are confronting challenges that require the development of long-term, sustainable policies. The main focus should be on resolving the underlying issues of malnutrition and food security, combating rural poverty, especially by creating more and better jobs in the rural economy, expanding social protection for all, creating safe migration routes, and encouraging the formalisation of the informal economy.

We need to take a fresh look at the future of our ecosystem and act quickly and aggressively to combat environmental degradation and climate change. Only then will we be able to guarantee that our "new normal" is better and safeguard everyone's health, livelihoods, food security, and nutrition.