Quantifying the Impact Covid-19 has on the Right to Food in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Written by Pat Mc Mahon

8th April 2022

This document examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the right to food in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting how global disruptions to health systems, supply chains, and livelihoods significantly increased food insecurity.

It shows that the pandemic disproportionately affected already vulnerable populations, with many households experiencing reduced access to nutritious food due to income loss, market instability, and restrictions on movement. Pregnant women, children, and informal workers were particularly impacted, exposing and deepening existing inequalities in food systems.

A key focus of the paper is the concept of the “right to food,” emphasising that access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food is a fundamental human right that was severely compromised during the crisis. It also highlights the limitations of emergency responses, which often failed to fully protect the most at-risk groups.

The document argues for stronger, rights-based food systems that prioritise equity, resilience, and preparedness, ensuring that future shocks do not lead to widespread violations of basic food security and nutrition needs.

Read about it here.