Impacts of COVID-19 on food production, environment and the economy: Review

Abstract

The world is hit by another pandemic that has created a global threat. The Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the entire human existence. The virus has taken over 1 million lives within 10 months. Governments are scrambling with different laws and regulations such as shelter-in-place orders, curfew, social distancing, mask-wearing, cancellation of public events, and traveling bans. These guidelines have helped reduce the spread and transmission of the virus in many countries, including some states in America. However, the virus has not only impacted lives, it has severally touched the agriculture, economy, and environment as well. This paper reviews the historical, origin, and mode of transmission of the COVID-19 and its impacts on human activities. On food production, it has created massive food insecurity around the world, especially in developing economies, resulting to collapse of small businesses and rising unemployment. Similarly, the environment has been largely impacted by improving ambient air quality and contributing to global waste management problems. Overall, the rate of increase in both atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) dropped. On the other hand, the planet has seen over 200 metric tons of medical waste per day since the outbreak of the virus. Finally, doctors, scientists and farmers need to work together to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on human survival in all aspects. Therefore, this paper provides review of the COVID-19 pandemic, its effect on humans, environment, economy, agriculture, employment, and the potential mitigations to address the challenges of the pandemic in the near future.