The COVID-19 pandemic has put local food systems at risk of disruptions along the entire agri-food value chain. Cities and local governments are currently playing a major role in limiting the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and in mitigating disruptions to their local food systems.

The role of local food production and value chains in enhancing local food systems’ resilience against COVID-19 is explored in this brief based on various resources (FAO global survey mapping local responses to the pandemic, articles published through the City Region Food System (CRFS) Programme, analyses of discussions within the Food for Cities Network).