Trends of food insecurity and malnutrition in low income countries after COVID-19: a scoping review

The COVID-19 pandemic has widely affected the global economy, resulting in a rise of unemployment, recession, and inflation. Further, it appears to have an adverse impact on different sustainable development goals (SDGs) including poverty, zero hunger, clean water, food security, good health, and wellbeing. This scoping review therefore aimed to highlight the post pandemic effects of COVID-19 on food insecurity and malnutrition in low-income countries. Further, this paper will highlight the major factors contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition after COVID-19. Our review found that the recent pandemic significantly affected the food security and millions of people appeared to be in a vulnerable position to fulfill their basic need for food leading to severe malnutrition. Since low-income countries are particularly exposed to severe economic effects at the time of this global emergency, they face disproportionate challenges in ensuring food security and adequate nutrition. Several contextual factors, such as economic fallout, limited resources, weak infrastructure, and poor governance, are making these countries more vulnerable to adverse consequences. To better tackle the future pandemics, low-income countries need to develop comprehensive policies and interventions that might support immediate progress to achieve SDGs, food security and to reduce malnutrition in low-income countries.