By: Chadwick Digo

Counties and towns across Kenya have been on different versions of lockdown for over a month, with heightened border restrictions and controls on the movement of labor.

Last month(March, 15th, 2020), the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) 2019 Middle East and Africa regional report was released. The GFSI was developed by The Economist Intelligence Unit providing a common framework for understanding the root causes of food insecurity. It revealed the state of food security systems in the region by measuring the three core pillars of food security: affordability, availability and quality and safety.

Sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya demonstrate high levels of commitment to addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture, such as through the adoption of early warning measures. However, food safety nets have inadequate coverage across most of counties in Kenya, leaving many vulnerable households food-insecure.

According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), farmers earnings are lost as they struggled to manage, store, and transport their produce to the market. In 2017, over 1.9 million tonnes of food went to waste, even as millions of Kenyans grappled with starvation fuelled by debilitating drought. While in 2019 maize, Kenya’s staple food, was the hardest hit, with farmers losing Sh29.6 billion to post-harvest wastage, including rodents and poor handling. The harvest was also affected by  aflatoxin, a toxin produced by fungi due to exposure to moisture. This high levels of food loss do limit food availability. Other reports document that our ASAL counties reported the lowest dietary diversity and the highest micronutrient deficiencies.

Intensifying urbanisation and population growth in Kenya further constraints food systems and increases climate risk in the region.

With the COVID-19 crisis, food security this year could be even more of an issue for the most vulnerable in Kenya. Lockdowns could also cause supply chain issues and prevent people from working in the agriculture industry. In this case, production and supply of staple food crops, such as maize and other cereals depending on the region, including millet and sorghum eaten as well as vegetables, might be affected, if the pandemic outbreak continues for a prolonged period of time.

Previously, the pandemics like Ebola, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) all had negative impacts on food and nutrition security, particularly for the most vulnerable, including children, women, the elderly and the poor.

There are two main ways in which the food supply chain can be challenged in Kenya. One is the labor effect. So, people are restricted from getting to their jobs at farms or food processing plants, which will have an impact on the food supply, not only in terms of food being able to be sent to markets and harvested, but also in terms of the type of foods, or grains, or fruits, or vegetables, that farmers might grow. The other big impact will be on logistics. Not only has demand fallen and labor been restricted, but it’s harder for trucks and planes and ships to get to their destinations. And that could also have an effect on the supply chain.

COVID-19 is already impacting the distribution of food in Kenyan counties. Lower-income members of the community, such as domestic or day laborers, who are not able to do their jobs during this period, will be especially hard hit, with them not being able to buy as much food as they previously would have. Children that rely on going to school to receive daily, nourishing meals are also impacted in areas where there are lockdowns or tighter border controls.

Counties that are usually assumed least food secure in Kenya. Today, they may be food insecure for several reasons. One is that they don’t spend as much of their GDP on  agriculture research and development. There’s not as much as a food safety net for their public. And also, the quality of their food; not as much diversity in the type of food that is consumed and also not as much protein. So, that could be affected in a time like this.

Compared to the last global food crisis, in 2007 to 2008, the mitigating factors are a bit more beneficial. The price of staple foods that are consumed in Kenya, such as maize, hasn’t spiked. Although, there will be some of the counties holding or imposing export limits, they haven’t been as restrictive as before. Ministry of Agriculture Kenya, restricted the import of maize and other food commodities, but they have now loosened that policy. The price of oil is also very low this time around, meaning that for economies that import a lot of oil, there is more of a currency buffer to spend on other things, including support and subsidies for the most vulnerable, as well as the ability to purchase more food.

Domestic and international trade disruptions in Sub-saharan countries may trigger food market panic, which could exacerbate temporary, artificial food shortages, leading to price spikes and disruption of the markets, hence a multilateral approach to the crisis is far much needed at this time.

We have to see the execution by our policy makers both in the national and county governments, trying to address this and to make sure that Kenya has sufficient food. Counties that can export food, will do it in order not to create an artificial shortage and contribute to the panic. What we really need now is smart policies in order to make sure that we don’t create this artificial shortage.

The short-term implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on government policies, such as lockdowns and the restriction of movement, I believe could lead to longer-lasting consequences, if not managed sensibly.

One of the challenges for the next few months will be to make sure that farmers and workers in farms and plantations can access the fields in order to prepare the next harvest. It is about policy management, making sure we can have farmers in the field, making sure that we have the health package, the test, in order to make sure that the crew that are working can really do their job. Because if people cannot work, we will have a problem on primary food supply that is not yet the issue.

 

1,398 thoughts on “Food Insecurity could affect Human Nutrition During COVID-19”
  1. I get pleasure from, cause I found exactly what I used to be looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  2. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  3. Hi there, I found your web site by the use of Google at the same time as searching for a comparable matter, your site got here up, it appears good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  4. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your site. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested. Kudos!

  5. Hi I am so excited I found your blog page, I really found you by mistake, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I dont have time to browse it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the superb b.

  6. Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.

  7. Howdy! I know this is kind of off-topic but I had to ask. Does building a well-established blog like yours take a massive amount work? I’m completely new to operating a blog but I do write in my diary everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

  8. I used to be recommended this website by way of my cousin. I am now not sure whether this submit is written through him as no one else understand such specific approximately my problem. You are amazing! Thank you!

  9. Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

  10. Good day! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

  11. Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my weblog so i got here to go back the prefer?.I am trying to find things to improve my site!I assume its ok to use some of your concepts!!

  12. I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and exposure! Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my personal blogroll.

  13. It is perfect time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have read this publish and if I may I want to recommend you few fascinating things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles relating to this article. I wish to read more things approximately it!

  14. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a applicable deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided bright transparent concept

  15. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

  16. My brother suggested I would possibly like this website. He used to be totally right. This publish actually made my day. You cann’t consider just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!

  17. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author. I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will come back in the future. I want to encourage continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend!

  18. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  19. First off I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing. I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Cheers!

  20. Thank you for another great article. Where else may just anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect means of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such information.

  21. Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks

  22. My brother suggested I would possibly like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t believe just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!

  23. Онлайн казино радует своих посетителей более чем двумя тысячами увлекательных игр от ведущих разработчиков.

  24. Это лучшее онлайн-казино, где вы можете насладиться широким выбором игр и получить максимум удовольствия от игрового процесса.

  25. magnificent submit, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  26. Не знаете, какой подрядчик выбрать для устройства стяжки пола? Обратитесь к нам на сайт styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по залитию стяжки пола любой площади и сложности, а также гарантируем высокое качество работ и доступные цены.

  27. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff prior to and you’re simply too great. I really like what you’ve got here, really like what you’re stating and the way during which you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful site.

  28. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  29. Нужная услуга для идеальной отделки интерьера- это механизированная штукатурка стен. На mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru предлагаются только самые качественные услуги.

  30. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your blog. It appears like some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This might be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before. Thanks

  31. Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

  32. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.

  33. Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any ideas? Many thanks!

  34. You’ve made some good points there. I looked on the web to find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

  35. Hi there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  36. В Lucky Jet каждый полет может принести победу! Игра доступна на официальном сайте 1win, где вы можете испытать удачу и развлечься, делая ставки.

  37. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  38. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  39. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!

  40. Someone necessarily help to make critically articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I amazed with the research you made to create this actual post amazing. Wonderful process!

  41. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. kudos

  42. Cuando sospechamos que nuestra esposa o esposo ha traicionado el matrimonio, pero no hay evidencia directa, o queremos preocuparnos por la seguridad de nuestros hijos, monitorear sus teléfonos móviles también es una buena solución, que generalmente te permite obtener información más importante..

  43. I’ve read several good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you set to create such a fantastic informative site.

  44. Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and ur latest features.
    Learn more

    Graffitientferner von Scheidel sind Spezialprodukte des weiteren auf das jeweilige Anwendungsgebiet aufeinander abgestimmt.

    Graffitientferner lösen oder unterwandern die
    nach entfernenden Sprühlacke oder Stifte zumal können dann mit gezielt ebenso rationell entfernt werden.

    Die iSolar-Bürsten lassen sich mit Hilfe der Teleskopstangen sowohl vom Dach denn sogar vom
    Hubsteiger aus einfach außerdem sicher
    fluorühren

    Du hast dich Wohl schon einmal gefragt wann du deine Solaranlage reinigen solltest.
    Wir bieten dir wann es Sinn macht eine Photovoltaik-Prädisposition nach reinigen außerdem Oberbürgermeister
    es sinnvoll ist Dasjenige selber zu zeugen.

    Flexibel einsetzbar, da die iSolar Komplettlösung immer modular Umgekehrt der jeweiligen Anforderungen zusammengestellt werden kann

    By contrast, when you click on a Microsoft-provided ad that
    appears on DuckDuckGo, Microsoft Advertising does not associate
    your ad-click behavior with a Endbenutzer profile.
    It also does not store or share that information other than for accounting purposes.

    Solltest du deine Solaranlage dennoch selbstständig
    reinigen wollen, solltest du behutsam des weiteren mild an die Sache herangehen. Hier also noch ein paar Tipps
    zur Reinigung durch sich selbst:

    At that point, Microsoft Advertising will use your full IP
    address and Endbenutzer-Detektiv string so that
    it can properly process the ad click and Lot
    the advertiser.

    Other search engines associate your ad-click behavior with a profile on you,
    which can be used later to target ads to you on that search engine or around the Internet.

    Microsoft and DuckDuckGo have partnered to provide
    a search solution that delivers Wesentlich advertisements to you while protecting your privacy.
    If you click on a Microsoft-provided ad, you will be redirected to the advertiser’s landing page through Microsoft Advertising’s
    platform.

    Etwas Wasser außerdem Dasjenige eine oder andere Vorschub aus dem Haushalt genügen meist schon, um sichtbare Erfolge bei der Reinigung
    der Disposition auszulösen. Doch was wird am werk
    ungefähr konkret benötigt ansonsten worauf ist bis anhin der Arbeit zu
    achten?

    Eine Solaranlage hat kaum beweglichen Gimmick,
    weshalb es wenn schon nicht besonders aufwendig ist, sie instand zu
    aufhören.

    Kärcher iSolar umfasst vom Wasseranschluss bis zur Bürste Aufgebraucht erforderlichen Produkte.
    Durch den modularen Gliederung des Systems kann
    je hinter Anforderung die passende Lösung synoptisch werden. So kann iSolar beispielsweise aufgebaut werden:

    Sind die schwarzen Solarflächen zu sehr aufgeheizt, trocknet
    das Mittel nach gerade und die Module zu gesicht bekommen trotz der Reinigung weiterhin verunreinigt aus.

    Günstig ist bei Walzenbürsten, dass sie vom Hochdruck angetrieben werden und zigeunern folglich selbstständig nach oben schinden – der User
    bedingung also deutlich weniger bedeutend Haltekraft aufbringen.

    Absturzrisiko: Befindet umherwandern die Solaranlage auf dem Dach,
    klettere nicht selber drauf, denn Dasjenige Sturzrisiko ist
    einfach nach obig. Sobald du unerfahren bist,
    kann Arbeit auf dem Dach sehr besorgniserregend ansonsten du solltest du zumindest immer fachmännische
    Unterstützung und Absicherung einholen. Schwindel ansonsten die
    richtige Balance hinein einer ungewohnten Höhe sind zudem
    bedenklich einzuschätzen.

    Photovoltaiknutzern ausruhen also lediglich beide
    Auswege: entweder selbst ansonsten mit nachhaltig produzierten Reinigungsmitteln an das Betrieb umziehen – oder mindestens die Reinigung seltener durchführen lassen.

    Die iSolar Bürsten werden durch den Wasserstrahl aus dem Hochdruckreiniger angetrieben,
    der begleitend pro den

    Tags heizung erneuerbare energien photovoltaik solaranlage kaminofen klimaanlage wärmepumpe sicherheit
    Übersicht solarthermie stromerzeugung gesetz bafa fluorörderung kfw fluorörderung Betriebsanleitung autark schornstein brennholz mobile klimaanlage Wellness

    An sich streichen umherwandern die Kosten dann meist überschaubar.
    Sobald du zudem bedenkst, dass eine Reinigung oftmals nicht stickstoffgasötig ist oder alle ein bis zwei Jahre
    ausreichend ist, kannst du dich Mutmaßlich mit dem Gedanken anfreunden, die Sache in professionelle Hände abzugeben.

    https://sites.google.com/view/solar-panel-reinigung

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.