COVID-19 pandemisinin Nijerya'da gıda güvenliğine etkileri

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and comprehend how they impact food security and policies. A web-based survey was used in this cross-sectional investigation. The staff of the Ministry of Agriculture in Abuja (FMARD), Nigeria were chosen as the study population since they represent a significant part of the population and are well-informed about implemented food policies in the country (n=630). Data were analyzed using Inferential and Descriptive methods. OLS regression analysis was used to estimate COVID-19 effects on Food Security and Food Policy. Most respondents were between ages 26-35 with a mean income of N172,000. For the food security model, the results revealed that Covid-19 had a significant negative impact (β = -0.111, 95% CI, -0.173 to -0.049, R2= 60.1%, F-ratio=5.9, p < 0.001), indicating that the pandemic was associated with decreased food security. Of the demographic factors, only age and years of experience (p < 0.05) were also significant predictors. In the food policy model, Covid-19 was found to have a significant negative association (β = -0.037, 95% CI, -0.051 to -0.023, R2= 57.1%, F-ratio=18.755, p < 0.001) among FMARD members. Only age and level of education (p < 0.001) were significant predictors, indicating that older members with higher education levels had a greater influence on food policy decisions. In summary, these findings reveal the negative impact of Covid-19 on food security and policy decisions within this group. It also contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding food security and policy, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and policies to address these challenges. Keywords: Covid-19, Pandemic, Food security, Food Policy, Agriculture.