Policy responses to COVID-19 crisis in near east and north Africa: keeping food and agricultural systems alive, a review based on the FAO food and agriculture policy decision analysis (FAPDA) database

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused economic difficulties in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, leading to challenging and region-specific challenges for the food and agriculture systems. This report reviews and analyzes policy decisions made by 19 governments in the region from March 2020 to May 2020, based on the Food and Agriculture Policy Decision Analysis (FAPDA) database and information on disruptions of food and agriculture systems. The results show that most countries in the region implemented common policy responses targeting consumers and producers, with a divide between oil- and gas-rich countries and all other NENA countries in the magnitude of measures implemented. The report provides insights and recommendations to feed the policy debate at the national, regional, and global levels, facilitating better-targeted policy support and contributing to economic recovery with coordinated policy responses across countries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 50 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

In recent years, the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region has faced numerous economic challenges, presenting complex and region-specific challenges to the food and agriculture systems. The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic crisis exacerbated these difficulties, further exacerbating the situation. This comprehensive report conducts a thorough review and analysis of policy decisions made by 19 governments in the region during the COVID-19 crisis, spanning from March 2020 to May 2020. The analysis was conducted using the Food and Agriculture Policy Decision Analysis (FAPDA) database, complemented by information on disruptions to food and agriculture systems and related policy responses provided by regional and country offices.

The review reveals the major policy responses adopted by most countries in the region, including common approaches targeting consumers and producers. It also highlights a discernible divide in the magnitude of measures implemented between oil- and gas-rich countries and all other NENA countries. Drawing upon this consolidated analysis of the regional policy response, the report offers insights and provides general recommendations that can inform policy debates at national, regional, and global levels. These recommendations aim to facilitate better-targeted policy support and contribute to economic recovery through coordinated policy responses across countries.

The report begins by providing an overview of the economic challenges faced by NENA countries, including low economic growth, high unemployment rates, and limited access to basic services. These challenges have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant decline in economic activity, increased food insecurity, and disruptions to agricultural production and supply chains.

To address these challenges, the governments in the region implemented a range of policy responses. These responses can be categorized into three main areas: fiscal measures, agricultural support, and social protection. Fiscal measures included tax cuts, subsidies, and direct cash transfers to individuals and businesses to support economic recovery. Agricultural support included measures to increase agricultural production, improve access to agricultural inputs, and support farmers' livelihoods. Social protection measures included cash transfers, food assistance, and employment programs to support vulnerable populations.

The review also highlights the differences in policy responses between oil- and gas-rich countries and all other NENA countries. Oil- and gas-rich countries implemented more extensive fiscal measures, such as tax cuts and subsidies, to support their economies. In contrast, all other NENA countries focused more on agricultural support measures, such as increasing agricultural production and improving access to agricultural inputs.

Despite these differences, the review finds that most countries in the region implemented a mix of fiscal and agricultural support measures. However, the magnitude of measures implemented varied significantly between countries, with oil- and gas-rich countries implementing more extensive measures than all other NENA countries.

One of the key findings of the report is that the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of coordinated policy responses across countries. The pandemic has exposed the interconnectedness of the global economy, and policy decisions made in one country can have significant impacts on other countries. Therefore, it is essential for countries in the region to work together to develop and implement coordinated policy responses to address the economic challenges posed by the pandemic.

The report also offers several recommendations to facilitate better-targeted policy support and contribute to economic recovery. These recommendations include:

Improving access to financial services for smallholder farmers and rural communities: Many smallholder farmers and rural communities in NENA countries face limited access to financial services, which can hinder their ability to invest in agricultural production and improve their livelihoods. Governments should prioritize improving access to financial services, including credit, insurance, and savings products, to support these communities.

Investing in agricultural research and development: Agricultural research and development play a critical role in improving agricultural productivity and reducing food insecurity. Governments should invest in research and development programs to develop new crop varieties, improve soil quality, and develop sustainable agricultural practices.

Promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth: Economic growth should be promoted in a way that benefits all segments of society, including women, youth, and marginalized communities. Governments should prioritize policies that promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, such as gender equality, social protection, and environmental sustainability.

Strengthening international cooperation: International cooperation is essential for addressing the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. Governments should engage with international organizations.

Dimension: 300 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251341537