The simultaneous occurrence of COVID-19 and the desert locust infestation in 2020 provided an opportunity to highlight potential distribution vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. In a globalized society, the world food security situation is unpredictable and it is necessary to be prepared. A paper published in Nature Food in January 2021 was inspired by the simultaneous occurrence of COVID-19 and desert locust invasion in 2020 and a scenario analysis was conducted to quantify the impact of such events and other threats on global food security.

Since last year, JIRCAS has been disseminating trends in international food trade and scientific information on desert locust. Going forward, we will continue to strive to collect and provide the latest information on global food security and transboundary insect pests.

Reference

Falkendal, T., Otto, C., Schewe, J. et al. Grain export restrictions during COVID-19 risk food insecurity in many low- and middle-income countries. Nat Food 2, 11–14 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-020-00211-7

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki (Research Strategy Office)