The new coronavirus, which has been prevalent since the end of 2019, not only directly threatens life and health, but also requires restrictions on the movement and contact of people as a measure to prevent the spread of infection, so people's lives around the world are required.・ It has a great influence on social activities.The stable supply of food, which is the most basic and important national responsibility, continues to be uncertain all over the world.

The United Nations (UN) specialized agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and related organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) have raised food shortages caused by measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. It continues to argue that countries around the world need to cooperate to avoid it.On the other hand, vaccination has been progressing rapidly since the beginning of 2021, and policy making, economic activities, research and educational activities assuming post-corona have also started.

Under these circumstances, how should each of us citizens act in order to provide a stable supply of safe and nutritious food, and what is the international contribution required of Japan? For about 2013 years from 7, he worked to strengthen relations between Japan and FAO as the director of the FAO Liaison Office in Japan, and obtained a doctorate from Nagoya University Graduate School. Mr. Akira Shiraishi, who has worked at FAO and has been working as an assistant professor at Kyoto University Graduate School since this spring, talked to him.

 


 

Circumstances of new coronavirus in African countries

Shiraishi: According to Johns Hopkins University statistics, as of May 2021, 5, the cumulative number of infected people and deaths in the world is about 24 million and 1.67 million, respectively, and the number of new infected people is still high. There are over 346 people.In Japan as well, the number of newly infected people has been changing at around 60 recently, and it has been decided to extend the state of emergency in large cities including Tokyo.The whole of Africa may be a little too big, but please tell us about the situation in Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Borico: In both Comoros and Madagascar, which are classified as the poorest countries * among the four countries, the collection of statistical data on the new coronavirus is very delayed, and the information released by the government is also unreliable. There are many.The fact is that we don't know the exact number of infected people and the number of deaths, but I think the situation is worse than when I arrived in September 4.There were few at the time, but now there are infected people, including staff at the Madagascar office and their families.Numerically, the cumulative number of infected people is about 2020 in Madagascar (total population of about 9 million) and about 4 in Comoros (about 2700), but the actual number of infected people is 4-. It's not strange to have five times as much.In addition, because the medical system is fragile, if the number of infected people rises further, medical care will collapse and the response to other diseases such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will be seriously damaged. It is likely to reach.

On the other hand, vaccination has started in Mauritius and Seychelles, and the response to infected people is being carried out step by step.Recently, however, the number of infected people in the country has started to increase again by resuming the tourism industry, which is an important source of income, and accepting tourists from overseas.With the development of the international transportation network, the whole earth has become regarded as one village, and it is impossible to control the infected people only in one's own country. It is important to make an effort to control the infection.

Shiraishi: What is the status of vaccination in Comoros and Madagascar?

Borico: In both countries, vaccination has not yet begun, mainly for political reasons. Vaccinations procured by individual organizations are permitted for UN agency staff, including FAO, and the FAO Madagascar office plans to start vaccination in early June.It is presumed that the Madagascar government will probably decide to provide it to its own people by looking at the effects of the vaccines used by UN agencies.Regarding Comoros, we know that it was possible to obtain the vaccine itself.However, false information dissemination and political pressure on social media have prevented the country's government from starting vaccination.We hope that governments will make appropriate decisions based on scientific evidence from credible sources.

* The World Bank divides the world's countries and regions into four income groups, high-income countries, middle- and high-income countries, and low- and middle-income countries based on the per capita gross national income (GNI) calculated using the Atlas method. , Classified as a low-income country. According to the latest classification released in 1, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles are classified into low- and middle-income countries, low-income countries, high-income countries and high-income countries, respectively.

 

Africa's Food Security in Corona and Post-Corona

Shiraishi: Next, please tell us about the food security situation in Africa in the corona epidemic and post-corona.

Borico: While the world population is increasing, the hungry population has decreased for 2005 years from 10 in all African countries, but due to the effects of climate change, conflict, economic stagnation, etc., the population will increase from around 2014/2015. [Refer to the graph on the right].Under such circumstances, the food security of African countries is in a very severe situation due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.In particular, there are problems such as the impact on more vulnerable households and the scarcity of food available.

In addition, even if they are available, foods with problems in safety and nutritional value are on the market, and it is important to cooperate with the entire region and the world to tackle food security problems.Statistical data show that food prices have risen 38% and corn, which is part of the staple food, has risen 80% across African countries, resulting in an imbalance between supply and demand. I understand well.However, now that the movement of people and goods is restricted, some farmers cannot wholesale the produced food to supermarkets and restaurants, and the amount of food waste is increasing. be.

Click the image to see the enlarged image.


Changes in the hungry population ratio from 2000 to 2019 in Madagascar and Mauritius (created based on FAOSTAT)

 

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