The impact of COVID-19 on food security in Nigeria: A mini-systematic review

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant global disruptions, particularly affecting income, employment, and production. These disruptions have contributed to an anticipated rise in global food insecurity, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Projections by the USDA Economic Research Service, alongside reports from the FAO and IFPRI, suggest that the pandemic will have profound regional and global effects on food security, driven by macroeconomic shifts and market disruptions. The primary objective of this study is to explore the impact of COVID-19 on food security in LMICs. It aims to examine the socio-economic and socio-cultural consequences of the pandemic on food security and provide recommendations for policy development to address these challenges. To achieve this, a systematic-review methodology was employed, focusing on documents published between 2019 and 2024. These documents were identified through electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and the Directory of Open Access Journals. After removing duplicates and unreliable sources, 10 papers were selected, with an emphasis on studies relevant to LMICs. The findings reveal several key insights. First, the majority of the reviewed studies indicated a significant increase in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, this rise in insecurity appears to be closely linked to disruptions in food markets and loss of income due to pandemic-related restrictions. However, the studies also highlight some resilience, as certain subpopulations managed to maintain food security despite the challenges. Additionally, while some studies compared food insecurity across rural and urban areas, the results were mixed, with no clear consensus. Similarly, studies examining the effects of the pandemic across different socioeconomic groups yielded conflicting outcomes. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities in global food systems, showcasing disparities that must be addressed to ensure food security. This research provides valuable insights for rethinking and restructuring food security policies to make them more robust, sustainable, and better prepared for future global crises such as pandemics.