Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Re: Responding to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on food value chains through efficient logistics

Dear FSN Forum Team,
 
So many thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this fascinating discussion.
 
Thought leaders and the research community have been highlighting the critical need to keep the food supply flowing globally, scaling up efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to nutritious and affordable foods and investing in sustainable and reliable food systems for long-term recovery. There is scientific evidence that good nutrition and adequate micronutrient intake boost the immune system. Ensuring this is even more vital during this pandemic[1].
 
An IFPRI blog[2] talks about the nutrition crisis, what to expect, and how to protect vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. IFPRI highlights that COVID-19 may cause significant reductions in dietary quality, with direct and indirect impacts on maternal and child health. They suggest ten key actions to protect vulnerable groups. The blog post emphasizes the use of biofortified crops as part of the solution, in the context of leveraging social safety net programs to improve dietary quality. A blog by the World Bank[3] highlights that "social safety nets for the poorest and most vulnerable are needed as part of the immediate and next phase of COVID-19 emergency assistance."
 
Biofortification is the process of naturally increasing the micronutrient content of staple crops through conventional crop breeding in order to improve the micronutrient intake, and hence the micronutrient deficiency status of populations. It specifically targets smallholder farming families who cannot afford diverse, nourishing diets, relying primarily on inexpensive but nutrient-poor staples like rice, wheat, and maize. It is a robust nutrition response to the COVID-19 outbreak, at no extra cost to governments or consumers, since integrating biofortified crops into food systems is a sustainable way to build resiliency and ensure access, specifically for the most vulnerable populations, to enhanced nutrition through staple crops. Biofortified crops are produced locally, rely on short supply chains, and are therefore more resilient to global supply shocks. Since these staple foods can be stored for an extended period of time, they are also better able to withstand the disruptions caused by the global pandemic.
 
HarvestPlus is continuing to reach smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities during the COVID crisis as follows[4]:
  • In Colombia, HarvestPlus and partners are delivering seeds by mail. They have reached 1550 smallholder farming households through these traditional mail operators. In addition, the partners provided virtual training for the farmers.
  • In Uganda, agro-dealers sell seeds at the pop-up agro-shops at churches and schools where farmers can purchase these seeds at a safe social distance, and with all the necessary precautions in place.
  • In Zimbabwe, HarvestPlus is recording farmers' feedback on the performance and taste of new biofortified varieties via phone surveys and providing necessary information about the benefits of these nutritious crops.
  • In Nigeria, HarvestPlus organized successful virtual events to engage with the key public and private sector stakeholders to come up with COVID responses/action plans and to implement and monitor these plans. These actions included innovative ways to increase the availability of quality seeds, facilitate farmers' access to seeds, assist enterprises in laying the grounds for recovery, and provide palliatives to highly vulnerable populations, in collaboration with government and partners.
 
HarvestPlus has also elevated the use of digital technologies for several delivery programs, during these pandemic days when digital solutions are today more important. For example, HarvestPlus has been linking farmers to markets, empowering the supply chain by providing agronomic updates, and enhancing the seed systems by making use of technologies such as the vitamin A sweet potato app, led in coordination with the government, in Uganda[5].
 
The focus of COVID responses aiming to enhance food systems should be on promoting nutrition, and supporting farmers and food system workers, by capacity strengthening, and helping them access seeds, fertilizers, and technology, including digital technology.
 
Links to resources:
 
on behalf of HarvestPlus,
Destan Aytekin
Knowledge Management Specialist