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79. CGIAR COVID-19 Hub: Information dissemination hub to address food insecurity and regional economic risks caused by the pandemic
As the unprecedented crisis in our society and economy due to the global COVID-19 pandemic is becoming a reality, the risks in food, nutrition and water sharing to public health especially in low and middle-income countries have become apparent. It is estimated that 140 million people in the world will be extremely poor and millions will suffer starvation and food shortages without immediate assistance.
The CGIAR system promotes international agricultural research, organizes various researches conducted around the world and their achievements in order to reduce food security and regional economic risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the accompanying food insecurity and regional economic risks, the CGIAR COVID-19 Hub was launched on June 23, 2020 to share its existing and emerging knowledge and experience that would help countries around the world to take appropriate measures.
The CGIAR COVID-19 Hub focuses on research and related activities on (1) food systems, (2) one health including human, animal and environmental health, (3) comprehensive approach to food security and nutrition security, and (4) policies and investment for crisis response, economic recovery and improved future resilience.
Using the information, each country and partner institution will not only regain the same food system as before, but will also help them to rebuild a better food system to reduce poverty, improve food and nutrition security, and develop improved natural resources and ecosystem services.
The 15 research institutes that belong to the CGIAR system have provided many tools and databases that can be used by the government of each country through the collection of information and cutting-edge research that have been conducted in the emergency response phase of COVID-19. Among these achievements, the CGIAR COVID-19 Hub provides tools to visualize the impact of COVID-19 on food prices, food exports, and crop production, as well as researches on transmission of viral diseases in livestock and gender-sensitive public programs.
Reference
CGIAR System. RESPONDING TO COVID-19: CGIAR’S CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL RESPONSE, RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE
Contributor: MURANAKA Satoru (Crop, Livestock and Environment Division)