How is the pandemic affecting food security across the globe? Listen here to find out.

FAO Podcast: The global impacts of COVID-19

The pandemic's impact across the Pacific has been immense. For many countries in the region, imported foods constitute half of a person's food intake. If the pandemic continues, and the global and local supply chain is affected, it will disrupt the region's food systems, explains Eriko Hibi, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific and Representative to thirteen Pacific States.

Interview: Charlotta Lomas, FAO.
Photo: FAO.

The audio is free for radio broadcasters to download, broadcast and publish. Credit must be given to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Contact: FAO-Audio@fao.org

COVID-19: Food security in the Pacific

August 19th marks World Humanitarian Day, a day to commemorate the humanitarian workers worldwide who are protecting and saving the lives of millions. 2020 has been a particularly challenging year as a result of the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this podcast we hear from Meshack Malo, FAO representative for South Sudan.

Interview: Charlotta Lomas, FAO.
Photo: ©FAO/Stefanie Glinski

Read the publication online: http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb3548en

COVID-19: Impacts on humanitarian work in South Sudan

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to tackle global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and inequality. Many experts advocate for strengthening healthcare systems and economies and to making ecosystems more resilient. While the pandemic has impacted forests and forest communities in numerous ways, forests also offer solutions for recovery. Ewald Rametsteiner, Forestry Deputy Director at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), explains why the forestry sector is key for the response to COVID-19.

Producer: Charlotta Lomas, FAO.
Photo Credit: FAO/Giulio Napolitano.

Read the publication online: http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb1556en

COVID-19:  Building back better with forests

In Pakistan, women are major contributors to the country's agricultural production and food security. Yet women are often unpaid for their work and face barriers in many aspects of their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing inequalities, especially for rural women. Mina Dowlatchahi, FAO Representative to Pakistan, explains how FAO is supporting them. 

Interview: Charlotta Lomas, FAO.
Photo Credit: ©FAO/Virginija Morgan

COVID-19: The gendered impacts of the pandemic

FAO's COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programme aims to mitigate the immediate impacts of the pandemic while also strengthening the long-term resilience of food systems and livelihoods. FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol details the plan and calls for a global coordinated response to the crisis. 

Producer: Charlotta Lomas, FAO.
Photo ©FAO/Giulio Napolitano

Read the publication online: http://www.fao.org/partnerships/resource-partners/covid-19/en/

COVID-19:  Rebuilding for a better world

FAO Podcasts, a multilingual audio series produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, addresses pressing global issues including hunger, poverty, agriculture, and sustainability. With content available in English, Spanish, and French, our dedicated audio team ensures these vital conversations are accessible to a global audience. Our three distinct formats - the concise FAO Brief, insightful FAO Talks, and the deeply human documentary pieces - serve as your gateway to understanding and participating in these critical global discussions. Tune in, enrich your perspective, and join us in shaping a more sustainable future for all.

The FAO of the UN leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. We help developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all. Since our founding in 1945, we have focused special attention on developing rural areas, home to 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry people. FAO's activities comprise four main areas:

1. Putting information within reach.
2. Sharing policy expertise.
3. Providing a meeting place for nations.
4. Bringing knowledge to the field.