Socioeconomic shocks, inequality and food systems in the Global South: an introduction

ABSTRACT Food and nutrition security is increasingly understood as the most vital component of human ecosystems for transforming raw materials into foods, nutrients, and health outcomes. In addition to the distortions in the global food and nutrition systems as reflected in the triple burden of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and overnutrition, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated devastating socioeconomic crises in the Global South. Food supply chain fragilities have become more prominent due to inherent capacity shortages to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on food supply. From the global community’s perspective, scientific research innovations, disruptive technologies, and public health preparedness are some of the strategic pillars and critical drivers of post-pandemic socioeconomic recovery and resilience. As the COVID-19 pandemic signals a scientific paradigm shift towards accelerating food systems and public health innovation, a key takeaway for governments in the Global South, along with enterprises and communities, is scaling the implementation of selected social protection policy interventions towards rapidly absorbing future socioeconomic shocks while consolidating alternative pathways for a region-wide sustainable food system.