FOOD IN TIMES OF COVID-19 IN THE UNDER-INTEGRATED NEIGHBOURHOODS OF LIBREVILLE: SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE SHORTAGE OF LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

ABSTRACT

The various Covid-19-related closures in Gabon were an opportune time to assess the supply system of the markets in the capital Libreville. As local production is relatively low, the closure of the borders has exacerbated food supply difficulties, especially for the economically weak population living in under-integrated neighbourhoods. This problem, which was initially caused by the restriction of travel and the cessation of informal activities and ‘petty jobs', was then aggravated by the shortage or insufficiency of food and agricultural products, which led to a rise in prices. The closure of the borders, which has led to low market supply, shows the need for sustained local production. The purpose of this analysis is to assess the food situation of economically weak Librevillians during Covid-19, to draw up an inventory of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Libreville in order to propose some solutions to the insufficient supply of local products, with the aim of increasing their availability and accessibility via short circuits for a sustainable food system. This study was based on semi-direct surveys carried out in the field (2021), a study by Edou Edou (IGAD, 2012) and oriented documentation. © 2022 Societe Geographique de Liege. All rights reserved.