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Pawlak K, Malak-Rawlikowska A, Hamulczuk M, Skrzypczyk M. Has food security in the EU countries worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic? Analysis of physical and economic access to food. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302072. [PMID: 38630700 PMCID: PMC11023501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to provide an ex-post assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity in the EU-27 countries expressed by physical and economic food access. We analysed trade and price effects, together with food insecurity and malnutrition indicators. Actual levels of the indicators were compared with their pre-pandemic magnitudes and/or with counterfactual levels derived from predictive models. We also aimed to compare the objective statistics with the subjective consumers' perception of their households' food security. Our research indicates that the EU food trade was more resilient to COVID-19 impacts than the trade in non-food products, while food trade decreases were of a temporary nature. This did not affect the trade balance significantly; however, the import reduction threatened the physical food access in most EU countries. Regarding economic food access, the results indicate that the increase in food prices was offset by the increase in disposable income. It may suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the deterioration of economic access to food in the EU countries. However, the prevalence of severe food insecurity in the total population or the proportion of households reporting inability to afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent increased in 2020-2021 compared to 2019. This means that the comparative analysis of the real data on prices and households' income, as well as consumer financial situation and food consumption affordability, does not offer a clear answer concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food security of EU households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pawlak
- Department of Economics and Economic Policy in Agribusiness, Faculty of Economics, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agata Malak-Rawlikowska
- Department of Economics and Organisation of Enterprises, Institute of Economics and Finance, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Hamulczuk
- Department of International Economics and Agribusiness, Institute of Economics and Finance, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Skrzypczyk
- Department of International Economics and Agribusiness, Institute of Economics and Finance, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Shillie PN, Balgah RA, Ngwa BM, Akumbom P. COVID-19 and food security risk in Nkambe Cameroon: perceptions, drivers and household response measures. SN SOCIAL SCIENCES 2023; 3:98. [PMID: 37304321 PMCID: PMC10245349 DOI: 10.1007/s43545-023-00683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on COVID-19 and food security risk, capturing perceptions, drivers and household response measures. Using a mixed research design, the researchers investigated food security risk in Nkambe Cameroon during peak periods of COVID-19. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 400 respondents and key informant interviews, and it was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed significant differences in the food security dynamics among COVID-19-infected and non-infected households (19% and 33%, respectively, p = 0.002), with non-infected households being more food secure than COVID-19-infected ones. Significant positive effects between variables, like age of respondent, household size, level of education and food security of affected households were identified. The regression model explains 82.8% of the food security determinants in the midst of COVID-19's peak period. Both COVID-19-infected and non-infected households responded to food insecurity through food rationing and consumption frequency rationing, instead of reducing food consumption frequency. The researchers recommend increasing the efficacy of safety nets and other social assistance programmes in the face of shocks by targeting households most vulnerable to COVID-19-induced food insecurity. Expanding this research agenda to other study sites with a gender lense can provide insights for food security policies post COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beldwin Muma Ngwa
- University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
- Higher Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bamenda University of Science and Technology, Bamenda, Cameroon
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Wallingford J, Martinez EM, Masters WA. COVID-19 mobility restrictions and stay-at-home behaviour in 2020 were associated with higher retail food prices worldwide. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2023; 37:100702. [PMID: 37234912 PMCID: PMC10201332 DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2023.100702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 policy responses have included mobility restrictions, and many people have chosen to stay at home to avoid exposure. These actions have ambiguous impacts on food prices, lowering demand for food away from home and perishables, while increasing supply costs for items where workers are most affected by the pandemic. We use evidence from 160 countries to identify the net direction and magnitude of association between countries' real cost of all food and mobility restriction stringency. We investigate the deviation of each month's price level in 2020 from that month's average price level during the previous three years and find that an increase in mobility restriction stringency from no restrictions to most restrictive is associated with an increase in the real cost of all food of more than one percentage point across all models. We then examine the relationship between retail food price levels by food group and stay-at-home behaviour around markets in 36 countries and find positive associations for non-perishables, dairy and eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wallingford
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena M Martinez
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William A Masters
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Economics, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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Hickey MD, Wafula E, Ogachi SM, Ojwando H, Orori G, Adede RO, Garraza LG, Petersen ML, Havlir DV, Balzer LB, Ayieko J. Weight Change Following Switch to Dolutegravir for HIV Treatment in Rural Kenya During Country Roll-Out. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:154-161. [PMID: 36787723 PMCID: PMC10293078 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Switch to dolutegravir (DTG) in treatment-experienced people living with HIV (PLH) is associated with excess weight gain in some settings; data are limited from rural low-income settings with low obesity prevalence. METHODS In rural Kenya, we conducted a retrospective cohort study at 8 HIV clinics and a single-site prospective cohort study including adults switching to DTG during countrywide transition to DTG/tenofovir DF(TDF)/emtricitabine as first-line HIV treatment. In the retrospective analysis, we used preswitch data to model postswitch weight trajectory had each participant not switched to DTG and contrasted observed vs. predicted postswitch weight. In the prospective analysis, we measured weight post-DTG switch and evaluated predictors of 6-month weight change. RESULTS Our retrospective cohort included 4445 PLH who switched to DTG between 2018 and 2020. Mean 12-month weight change was 0.6 kg preswitch and 0.8 kg postswitch. Among those on TDF throughout (n = 3374; 83% on efavirenz preswitch), 12-month postswitch weight was 0.7 kg more than predicted for women (95% CI: 0.4, 1.0) and similar among men (0.04 kg; 95% CI -0.3, 0.4). In our prospective cohort (n = 135, 100% female), mean 6-month weight change was +0.4 kg (IQR -1.1, 2.0 kg). Predicted gain varied by baseline food insecurity: +1.1 kg (95% CI: 0.34, 1.87) among food secure, -0.09 kg (95% CI -0.71, 0.54) among moderate insecure, and +0.27 kg (95% CI -0.82, 1.36) among severe insecurity. CONCLUSION In contrast to some reports of large weight gain following switch to DTG, we observed small weight increases in women and no weight change in men following DTG switch when on TDF throughout. Weight gain may be attenuated by food insecurity, though was modest even among food secure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Hickey
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, & Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Erick Wafula
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Gordon Orori
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Maya L. Petersen
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Diane V. Havlir
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, & Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laura B. Balzer
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - James Ayieko
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Makate M, Makate C. Leaving No Women Behind: Evaluating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Livelihood Outcomes in Kenya and Ethiopia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5048. [PMID: 36981957 PMCID: PMC10049247 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has revolutionised our lives, bringing with it the twin crises of illness and the need for an optimal mix of policies to alleviate its impact on the population. There needs to be more evidence on the effects of the pandemic on livelihood outcomes, including an understanding of whether female-headed families in low-income countries fare worse than their male-headed counterparts during pandemics. Using high-frequency phone surveys conducted in Ethiopia and Kenya, we examine the aggregate impact of the pandemic on income and consumption losses, as well as food insecurity. The empirical analysis estimates linear probability models that relate livelihood outcomes with household headship and other socioeconomic characteristics as controls. Overall, the pandemic increased the likelihood of food insecurity while decreasing income and consumption, particularly among female-headed households. In Kenya, living in a female-headed home increased the possibility of an adult going without food by about 10%, an adult skipping a meal by about 9.9%, and a child missing a meal by about 17% in the seven days preceding the telephone survey. In Ethiopia, living in a female-headed household increased the likelihood of an adult going hungry, skipping a meal, and running out of food by about 24.35%, 18.9%, and 26.7%, respectively. Salient pre-existing socioeconomic inequalities further exacerbated the effects of the pandemic on livelihoods. The findings have important implications for public policy and preparations by governments and other organisations interested in developing suitable gender-sensitive measures to lessen the impact of future pandemics in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall Makate
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth 6102, Australia
| | - Clifton Makate
- School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway
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Okronipa H, Bageant ER, Baez J, Onyango HO, Aura CM, Fiorella KJ. COVID-19 experiences of small-scale fishing households: The case of Lake Victoria, Kenya. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.987924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe impact of COVID-19 on small-scale fishing communities is of great concern given the importance of aquatic foods in trade, nutrition and livelihoods. Using a case study of Lake Victoria, augmented by published literature, we examine the socioeconomic dynamics and severity of COVID-19 impacts on Kenyan fishing communities.MethodsA household level questionnaire was administered through phone interviews on a monthly basis from June 2020 to May 2021, including a focus group discussion in July 2021.ResultsWe find that multifold fear of COVID-19 infection and control measures were present and varied across case rates and stringency of control measures. Fishers and traders reported being affected by disease control measures that limited market access and their ability to fish overnight. In spite of these worries, and contrary to what has been reported in the published literature regarding impacts observed in the early months of the pandemic, we see stable participation in fishing and fish trading over time despite the pandemic. Food insecurity was high before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did not substantially shift with the pandemic.ConclusionOur findings suggest that Kenyan fishing and fish trading households adopted diverse strategies to cope and balance generating income to provide for their families and staying safe. Our results underscore the need to understand ways in which acute pandemic impacts evolve over time given that effects are likely heterogeneous across small-scale fishing communities.
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Hoffmann HK, Kinabo JL, Sieber S, Stuetz W, Bonatti M, Mbwana HA, Uckert GB, Matavel CE, Hafner JM, Löhr K, Rybak C. Editorial: Achieving nutrition security in Tanzania by improving production, education and economics: Methods, tools and applications. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1014741. [PMID: 36203687 PMCID: PMC9530979 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1014741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Konrad Hoffmann
- Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Harry Konrad Hoffmann
| | - Joyce Ludovick Kinabo
- Department of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Stefan Sieber
- Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany,Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Life Sciences Thaer-Institute, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Stuetz
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Michelle Bonatti
- Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Hadijah Ally Mbwana
- Department of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Götz Bernhard Uckert
- Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Custodio Efraim Matavel
- Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Michael Hafner
- Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany,CIFOR-ICRAF, ICRAF Country Programme, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Katharina Löhr
- Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany,Urban Plant Ecophysiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Constance Rybak
- Sustainable Land Use in Developing Countries (SusLAND), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany,Urban Plant Ecophysiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Han X, Guo Y, Xue P, Wang X, Zhu W. Impacts of COVID-19 on Nutritional Intake in Rural China: Panel Data Evidence. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132704. [PMID: 35807889 PMCID: PMC9268832 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced risks and challenges to global food and nutrition security. In this paper, we examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional intake of China’s rural residents using panel data and a fixed effects model. The data were collected in 2019 and 2020 and covered nine provinces and 2631 households in rural China. The results reveal that an increase of 100 confirmed cases in a county resulted in a 1.30% (p < 0.01), 1.42% (p < 0.01), 1.65% (p < 0.01), and 1.15% (p < 0.01) decrease in per capita intake of dietary energy, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant and negative effect on dietary macronutrient intake in the low-income group at the 5% level of significance. Our study indicates that the potential insufficient nutrition situation, nutritional imbalance, and dietary imbalance of low-income rural residents should be addressed appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Han
- Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.H.); (P.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Yufei Guo
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China;
- School of Economics, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ping Xue
- Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.H.); (P.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiudong Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.H.); (P.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Wenbo Zhu
- Rural Development Institute, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing 100732, China
- Correspondence:
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