COVID-19 and the food system: unpacking lessons from food traders’ responses in Tanzania

Abstract

The adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food system have underscored the vulnerabilities inherent in its various components, particularly on food trade, which experienced disproportionately severe effects. This study examines the experiences of food traders and their responses during and after the pandemic. It draws on intensive field research conducted in food markets across Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Mwanza, as well as a review of evolving academic literature on COVID-19 and food systems. The results indicate a range of experiences among food traders, highlighting both substantial negative impacts on their businesses and unexpected gains from the crisis. In response to these disruptive effects, food traders employed a variety of strategies, including altering their sources of produce and credit arrangements, relying on social networks, engaging in collective purchasing and transportation of products, and utilizing digital platforms for customer interaction, ordering, payments, and delivery. The findings emphasize the need for policies and initiatives that enhance collective action among food system stakeholders, improve communication and public awareness during crises, and establish mechanisms for financial support and other incentives. Importantly, flexible and adaptive government policies can better address evolving dynamics and ensure food system functionality and resilience.