Food security in the community of West African States: a study on policy decisions in the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to analyze the policy decisions taken by countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food supply. Information was drawn from the Food and Agriculture Policy Decision Analysis (FAPDA), which depicts policy decisions implemented to mitigate impacts with respect to food security. After analyzing these data in relation to the indicators of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), it was found that policy decisions were centered on the dimensions "access to food" and "availability of food". In terms of access to food, we highlight food transfer policies in kind and social protection measures policies. In terms of food availability, macroeconomic policies and policies to support food production stand out. The effects of the pandemic have heightened the risk of food insecurity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.