Livestock shortage amidst COVID-19: A case of Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has increased food security risks in many parts of the world due to strict quarantine measures and lockdowns which have affected all stages of food supply chains. Brunei is not an exception. Prior to the pandemic, the poultry sub sector has performed better than others in the agriculture sector and was reportedly able to meet close to 100% of local demand for eggs and chicken. However there have been shortages of meat products such as chicken, lamb and processed meat in Brunei amidst the pandemic. This paper aims to review the contributing factors of these shortages. Some of the factors identified were increased of demand, cost of logistics, and cost of feed and unstable weather caused by climate change. The government has a big task ahead in not only resolving the immediate shortages but also to manage future risks. Farmers and local livestock producers require greater policy support in order to boost local production and effectively address obstacles along the supply chain in a coordinated manner. Local livestock producers must also continuously improve their competitiveness by learning and adopting new technologies in the field of agriculture not just to meet current demands but also for time to come.