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The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the deep-seated vulnerabilities and inequalities in our global food systems. While the immediate health crises have subsided, the economic repercussions of the pandemic continue to affect populations worldwide, particularly the most vulnerable1. What does the future hold? What could be the implications for agri-food systems?
The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions in global food supply chains2. Mobility restrictions, border closures, and social distancing measures impacted food production, processing, transportation, and distribution3. These disruptions resulted in shortages of agricultural inputs, as farmers faced difficulties obtaining seeds, fertilizers, and other essential supplies due to transportation and logistical interruptions4. Delays in production occurred as movement restrictions and labor shortages impacted the planting, harvesting, and processing of agricultural products5. Transportation disruptions caused by border closures and mobility restrictions made it difficult to transport food to markets, leading to shortages and price increases6. Another significant aspect was the closure of businesses and job losses, which led to a decline in incomes and an increase in food insecurity7,8, this forced many people to rely on food banks and other forms of food assistance9,10. Another significant aspect was the sustained increase in food fraud as a consequence of all the previously mentioned factors11.
These events prompted various responses to the disruptions in food supply. Among them was the diversification of distribution channels. Some agri-food companies responded to the contraction of national and international markets by diversifying their distribution methods, selling packaged products instead of whole commodities, or producing value-added products12-14. Another important aspect was the increase in automation, as some companies viewed it to reduce vulnerability to future crises and enhance efficiency. However, this shift also entails a reduction in employment opportunities for families12. It is important to highlight that the pandemic exposed existing inequities in access to nutritious and affordable food15. Marginalized populations, including low-income households, minorities, and those in rural areas, were disproportionately affected by supply chain disruptions and rising food prices15-17. In particular, vulnerable populations such as low-income households, women, children, and the elderly were severely affected17. Furthermore, the pandemic also exacerbated gender inequalities, as women, who often bear the primary responsibility for caregiving and food security, faced greater challenges18.
Regarding the impact on food assistance systems in countries where they exist, the demand for food banks-an entity not present in Paraguay-and other food aid organizations increased drastically during the pandemic, testing their capacity and resources18-20. In the case of Paraguay, Law 6603/2020 was enacted with the objective of providing support and assistance from the Paraguayan State to the community-led Ollas Populares (community kitchens) organized across the country's territory. This initiative aimed to address the negative social and economic consequences of the quarantine imposed by the Executive Branch to mitigate the health crisis caused by COVID-1921,22.
These initiatives were implemented by various organizations and institutions across 12 departments of the country. The closures and movement restrictions forced food banks to adapt their operations, leading to the elimination of traditional face-to-face interaction models and a greater reliance on home delivery services2,19,20,23. This situation led to the loss of important aspects of food assistance, such as personalized attention and users' ability to choose-an issue that was not observed in Paraguay2. Regarding policy responses and lessons learned, it is important to note that governments worldwide implemented various policy measures to mitigate the pandemic's impact on the food system24,25.
These measures included financial support to farmers, as subsidies and loans were provided to help them cope with income losses and shortages of inputs26,27.
In Paraguay, this was not implemented directly; however, other types of subsidies were provided, such as subsidies for informal workers and exemptions for users of the National Electricity Administration (ANDE) with a monthly consumption of 0 to 500 kWh (approximately G. 250,000), who were fully exempt from payment, among other forms of assistance, under Law 6809. This led to the expansion of protection programs through the enlargement of cash transfer programs and other social protection measures to reach a larger number of people in need10,26,28-30.
Simultaneously, several countries worked on facilitating food trade, implementing measures to ensure the cross-border flow of food and avoid disruptions in international trade. Furthermore, actions were taken to facilitate online interactions with public institutions and the digital collection of the documentation required for agri-food production, aiming to reduce bureaucratic processes3,31. In certain cases, the processes for requesting and approving financial aid were often slow, bureaucratic, and inefficient, which hindered timely access to assistance. The lack of coordination between different levels of government and aid agencies often resulted in duplication of efforts and inefficiency in aid distribution32.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems2,33. In the future, it is crucial to expand and strengthen social protection programs, such as cash transfers and, in Paraguay, the creation of food banks and vouchers, to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food28. There is a need for greater coverage of the social safety net, particularly for vulnerable groups8,17. A recent study on Paraguay's response to the COVID-19 pandemic highlights that the country experienced the smallest economic contraction in Latin America and the Caribbean following the global health crisis. The study also emphasizes the moderate increase in poverty levels and the rapid recovery of employment in absolute terms. This context positions Paraguay favorably to focus not only on short-term measures, such as mitigation actions or immediate assistance, but also on medium-term strategies aimed at addressing the structural reforms required for the country’s development34.
Small-scale farmers play a vital role in food production; therefore, it is essential to provide them with financial support, access to technology, and resilient infrastructure27,35. Small-scale farmers play a vital role in food production; therefore, it is essential to provide them with financial support, access to technology, and resilient infrastructure27. Policies should focus on diversifying supply chains, reducing dependence on imports, and strengthening local and regional connections18,36,37. Greater investment in small- and medium-sized meat processing facilities is needed to enhance resilience during times of crisis38. Comprehensive policies are needed to address the underlying inequalities in access to food, land, resources, and income16. Policies should consider the creation of an accurate farmer database to ensure the effective implementation of government policies and reach marginalized farmers27.
It is essential to invest in research and development to improve agricultural productivity, develop climate-adapted crop varieties, and strengthen the resilience of food systems39. Better governance of food systems at national, regional, and international levels is needed to ensure coordination, coherence, and accountability in food policies. This includes facilitating online communication and digital documentation3.
Consumers must be empowered to make informed and responsible food choices by promoting healthy and sustainable diets and reducing food waste40.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call regarding the fragility of our food systems. To ensure food security and public health in the future, we must learn from this crisis and work toward building fairer, more sustainable, and resilient food systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call regarding the fragility of our food systems. To ensure food security and public health in the future, we must learn from this crisis and work toward building fairer, more sustainable, and resilient food systems31,41.
This requires collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals to address the root causes of food insecurity and build food systems that are resilient to future crises.
