Rapid assessment of the impact of Covid-19 on agriculture and the food system in South Africa: final report

Abstract

This report is a consolidation of individual reports emanating from 4 different research activities which sought to understand the impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic on agriculture and the food system in South Africa, and to explore solutions to minimise the impacts of the pandemic and similar future shocks. Research activities undertaken included reviews of literature and relevant documents, secondary data analysis, key informant interviews at the national and subnational levels, and an informal food trader survey. Whilst several challenges were encountered during data and information collection across all the techniques used, the study was able to draw comprehensive insights on the impacts of the pandemic vis-a-vis different aspects of agriculture and the food system, and to come up with concrete recommendations towards addressing the impacts of the pandemic and future similar shocks.