As COVID-19 now accelerates in less resilient social and economic contexts, the public health, social, and economic impacts of the pandemic – and measures to slow or stop its spread globally and locally – have undermined incomes and exposed large underlying inequalities. This is morphing into a food security and nutrition crisis, and a clear illustration of the huge costs of the ‘externalities’ of the food system.
The CGIAR research response to COVID-19 addresses four thematic areas to maximize the relevance and utility of support to policymakers and practitioners. In addition to inclusive public programs, research will also focus on food systems, One Health, and policies and investments.
Researchers across the CGIAR system will work to ensure food security and nutrition by implementing social protection, agricultural development and other inclusive programs to mitigate food and nutrition insecurity among vulnerable populations. Inclusive public program research will carry through and evolve during the different stages of the pandemic:
