Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic: Implications and way forward in Asia and the Pacific

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all countries across Asia and the Pacific in diverse ways and to different extents, exposing and amplifying existing vulnerabilities in the food systems and value chains in the region.

Agriculture is the largest economic sector in the region, providing livelihoods to more than 266 million workers, accounting for 37 per cent of employment and contributing up to 33 per cent of GDP in some countries. Therefore, examining the impact of the pandemic on this sector is crucial for securing the livelihoods of rural people in the region and preventing a food crisis in countries that are already experiencing food and nutrition security challenges.