Opinion: Inclusive food systems can help build resilience to withstand pandemics and other shocks (Reuters)

Reuters published an op-ed by IFPRI Director General Johan Swinnen. Swinnen writes, “As the world battles the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social and economic disruption it is generating, concern about the impact it will have on food systems is growing. With many countries closing borders and shuttering economic activities to slow the spread of COVID-19, the livelihoods of these people are at even greater risk. Inclusive food systems are not a panacea, but they are an essential piece of our efforts to build a more equitable and stable world (see IFPRI’s 2020 Global Food Policy Report). The spread of COVID-19 has highlighted how vulnerable we all can be to global shocks and greater inclusivity is critical for strengthening our resilience. Republished in AllAfrica, World News Monitor (Austria).