Measures that can be taken in the medium-long term to mitigate the impact of the covid-19 coronavirus on the agri-food sector in Angola

Abstract

The coronavirus crisis has awakened the world to the importance that the agri-food sector has to guarantee the food supply, being essential to protect the entire production chain, including the sector's essential activities. In addition to being an essential sector for the supply of food to the population, it is an important pillar of the external sector of the economy in some countries (Maudos & Salamanca, 2020). At world level and in Angola, in particular, the agri-food sector, to alleviate the impact of covid-19, has been applying in the medium to long term safety management systems in food production. These food management systems are based on prerequisite programs that cover good hygiene practices; cleaning and sanitation; delimitation of food processing areas; control of suppliers; storage, distribution and transport. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the impact of covid-19 on the agri-food sector, as well as to identify good practices and propose measures that will mitigate, in the medium-long term, the impact on the sector, in particular, and on the Country in general. Qualitative research was carried out and the following techniques were used to collect data: natural observation and document analysis of published studies on covid-19 and its effects on the agri-food sector. Data analysis was done by examining the evidence available from all sources of information to identify correlations between the observed phenomena and the practical lessons that the Government of Angola adopted.