ABSTRACT
COVID-19 and the related lockdown measures have had an adverse impact on the enjoyment of the right to food and nutrition worldwide, revealing how the dominant industrial food system, pre-existing crises, and structural causes of food insecurity have made our societies more susceptible to hunger and malnutrition in times of crisis, including pandemics. Those most affected by the coronavirus and the lockdown measures have been disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including women. This chapter departs from basic concepts of the right to food. It gives an overview of the impacts that the coronavirus has had on the right to adequate food and nutrition, based especially on the testimonies of communities presented to FIAN International. Furthermore, it presents the responses by a number of communities, governments, and international organizations. Finally, it analyzes the kind of food systems transformation proposed by the rural social movements. It closes with some conclusions and recommendations on the kind of measures required to make our societies more resilient to food crises and emergencies, namely a transformation of food systems that puts the people and the planet before growth and commercial profit.
