The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food losses in the agricultural value chains in Africa: The Nigerian case study

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has wrecked great havoc in many spheres of life, including the educational, health, economic, and agricultural sectors. To break the transmission chain of SARS-CoV-2, public health safety measures such as social distancing, regular hand hygiene, border closure, restrictions on internal movement, and lockdown were implemented. Some of these measures have however contributed to reduced economic power, shortage of labor for agricultural production, and huge losses in the agricultural sector. To avert the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food losses in the agricultural value chain in Nigeria, much precedence should be placed on adequate stakeholder engagement. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, logistics for unhindered agricultural trade should be put in place. In addition, policy makers should implement the institutionalization and implementation of social protection system in Nigeria. To address the financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, provision of loans and grants should be commenced in an organized fashion.