AN ANALYSIS ON THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN ACHIEVING FOOD PRODUCTIVITY AND SECURITY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Ramces M. Dili

ABSTRACT

Abstract— The COVID-19 pandemic threatens global political, economic, and food security. All efforts to stop the virus spread are likely to have a significant impact on the agricultural supply chain at all levels. Despite being the lowest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), the agricultural sector has been adversely affected, particularly the flow of agricultural commodity, supply and demand.There is still a food shortage, despite the government’s efforts to stabilize the sector. In this paper, the researcher investigated the impact of COVID-19 on food security in the Philippines by responding to two main research questions: (1) What was the state of food security in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic? and, (2) How will COVID-19 affect agriculture, food prices, and agricultural production and consumption in the Philippines? The findings of the study revealed that putting in place all precautionary and safety measures, such as strict restrictions, quarantine protocols, and mobility restrictions, has a potential negative impact on the country’s food security. Despite the country’s vast and fertile land, the agriculture sector in the Philippines appears to be faltering. Around one-third of the worker force is employed in agriculture. This paper argued that more sophisticated machinery should be developed to replace the numerous gaps in the Philippines’ diminishing food supply, notably in agricultural commodities. Furthermore, because agricultural workers make up a small percentage of the workforce, increasing the sector’s growth will result in inclusive growth. In addition, close collaboration with relevant in-country agencies helps in aligning commodity selection with research and development priorities, is very important.

Keywords - Agricultural sector, COVID-19 pandemic, food security, supply chain, sustainability

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