COVID-19 and Pacific food system resilience: opportunities to build a robust response

• DOI: 10.1007/s12571-020-01087-y
• Publication Date: 2020-07-20T05:28:47Z
• Authors: Penny Farrell; Anne Marie Thow; Jillian Tutuo Wate; Nichol Nonga; Penina Vatucawaqa; Tom Brewer; Michael K. Sharp; Anna Farmery; Helen Trevena; Erica Reeve; Hampus Eriksson; Itziar Gonzalez; Georgina Mulcahy; Jacob G. Eurich; Neil L. Andrew
• Keywords: Resilience; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Pandemic; Food supply

The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of Pacific food system to externalities and had far-reaching impacts, despite small number cases recorded thus far. Measures adopted mitigate risk from have severe impacts on tourism, remittances, international trade, among other aspects political economy region, are impacting systems, security livelihoods. Of particular concern will be interplay between loss incomes availability affordability local imported foods. In this paper, we examine some key pathways impact identify opportunities strengthen systems during these challenging times. great diversity Island Countries Territories in their economies, societies, agricultural potential an important guide planning interventions developing scenarios alternative futures. Bolstering regional production intraregional trade a currently import-dependent region could economy, provide health benefits consuming locally produced harvested fresh foods – as well decreasing reliance global supply chains. However, significant production, processing, storage challenges remain would need consistently overcome influence move away shelf-stable foods, particularly periods when human movement is restricted post-disaster recovery.