Impact of COVID-19 on Food and Nutrition Security in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Researchers
Gashaw Abate, Alan de Brauw, Kalle Hirvonen
Abstract
The federal and regional governments in Ethiopia have set up a number of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. Schools have been closed, social gatherings banned and restrictions on vehicle movement have been imposed. While these actions are expected to slow the spread of the virus, they may have substantial adverse effects on food and nutrition security. To gain a better understanding of these impacts, we are conducting a series of phone surveys in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. This project builds on a recent food consumption and nutrition survey fielded in February 2020. We extend this study with four rounds of phone interviews with 500 households over one month intervals. The purpose of these phone surveys is to understand how COVID-19 is affecting food and nutrition security in Addis Ababa. The phone surveys include questions about household food purchase patterns, food and nutrition security, and changes in income sources and levels. We will also ask the household's knowledge, exposure and behavioral responses to COVID-19.
Partners
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Link to Results
Food Consumption and Food Security during the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Addis Ababa
Impact Goals
- Build resilience and protect the financial health of families and individuals
- Build resilient and adaptable businesses and employment opportunities
- Improve social-safety net responses
- Promote peace and safety, and improve humanitarian response
- Reduce COVID-19 transmission rates
Project Data Collection Mode
- CATI (Computer-assisted telephone interviewing)
Results Status
Results
Results
Despite subjective income measures suggesting a large proportion of households have been exposed to job loss or reduced incomes, the authors find that relative to a survey conducted in August and September of 2019, food consumption and household dietary diversity are largely unchanged or slightly increased by August 2020. They find some changes in the composition of food consumption, but they are not related to shocks found in previous phone surveys conducted with the same households. The results therefore suggest the types of subjective questions about income typically being asked in COVID‐19 phone surveys may not appropriately reflect the magnitude of such shocks. They also imply, at least indirectly, that in the aggregate food value chains have been resilient to the shock associated with the pandemic.