Food Security Challenges Emanating from COVID-19

Abstract

Food security is a multidimensional notion and it can be achieved at individual, domestic, regional,
countrywide and global levels. This is achieved when all individuals, at all times, have physical and economic
access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food to fulfill their intake needs and food choices for an active and
healthy life. As a result of COVID-19, global activity has witnessed an exceptional decline. The physical
distance, school closures, trade restrictions, and country lockdowns for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic
have led to escalated nutritional challenges globally. Food insecurity is defined as the persistent concern about
access to sufficient and affordable food at all times. Food insecurity causes stress in people. This review aimed
to evaluate the extent of disruption and break in the chain of continuity of food security as a result of the COVID-
19 pandemic. The review perused peculiar causes of food insecurity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
along with measures to counter them for the attainment of sufficient food security. This review article
methodology was inclusive of the utilization of three search engines. These included PubMed, Google as well as
Google Scholar. The keywords included food security, food chain, challenges as well as COVID-19, and health
outcomes. Articles were included based on being published from the year 2008-2023. Out of 66 articles, 50
were included (75%). The food availability having deteriorated due to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected food
security globally leading to various adverse health outcomes. Also, this has added to the burden of hunger and
malnutrition across the globe. A special focus on agriculture can aid in dealing with the shortage of food. The
COVID-19 pandemic has culminated in tremendous detrimental repercussions on food security. Food chain
improvement and efficiency can be of pivotal importance in connection with the food security challenges
having ensued following the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to cite this: Junejo S, Javaid Q, Lateef M. Food Security Challenges Emanating from COVID-19. Life and Science. 2024; 5(4): 573-. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.574