Impact of COVID-19 on vegetable supply chain and food security: Empirical evidence from Bangladesh

March 5, 2021

Alam GMM, Khatun MN

PLOS One

This study from Bangladesh aimed to discover the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vegetable supply chain, farmers’ gross margin and plans for the future. From June 8th to July 14, 2020, mobile devices were used to contact and interview 100 vegetable farmers about current prices, marketing, future plans for production, and food security. Results reveal that the pandemic caused an abrupt stop in the supply chain of food. Findings show that 53% of the farmer’s income came from produce sales which decreased during the pandemic and left farmers concerned about food security. Many families reduced their meals per day and consumed fewer healthy foods to compensate for their lower income. Authors support the need for additional financial support for smallholder farmers to keep them in the farming business and support them throughout the pandemic.

Alam GMM, Khatun MN. Impact of COVID-19 on vegetable supply chain and food security: Empirical evidence from Bangladesh. PLoS One 2021; 16: e0248120.

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