Covid-19 and food security in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 such as lockdowns and closures of borders are disrupting the supply of agri-food products to markets and consumers. This study aims to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on food security in the region of Southeast Asia and the suggestion for a more sustainable food system in the future. A systematic literature review was used as a research methodology to answer the research questions and literatures were analysed and synthesised using the content analysis approach. Among the impacts of Covid-19 was the disruption in the food supply chain, international trade interruption in agricultural products, household food consumption and the declining consumers' trust in food safety and hygiene. In order for ASEAN member states to better respond to the disruption in food supply chain there should be encouragements toward boosting self-sufficiency in food production, adopting smart and sustainable farming methods and closer regional cooperation.