Food Intake in Asian Countries During

The Covid-19 Pandemic

Probability and Statistics (IT1212)

Name Student ID

W.M.M.C Jayarathna SA22407634

Student Details ( Student should fill the content)
Name W.M.M.C Jayarathna
Student ID SA22407634
Scheduled course details
Course code IT1212
Course title Probability and Statistics
Assignment Details

Nature of the Assessment Assignment – Individual Report

Topic of the Case Study GIVEN
Learning Outcomes covered YES
Word count 3000 words
Due date / Time 12th May 2023
Declaration
I certify that the attached material is my original work. No other person’s work or ideas have been used
without acknowledgement. Except where I have clearly stated that I have used some of this material
elsewhere, I have not presented it for examination / assessment in any other course or unit at this or any other
institution
Signature Date 12th May 2023
Result (Assessor use only)

Marks for the Report Marks for viva Final Mark

For Assessor use: Assessment feedback

Strengths

Area for improvements

Name & Signature of the Assessor : Date :

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the food supply chain in Asian countries.
This abstract provides an overview of the challenges faced by the food industry in maintaining a
stable supply of food during the pandemic. The disruption in transportation and logistics has
affected the timely delivery of raw materials and finished products, leading to shortages of certain
foods in the market. The closure of borders and travel restrictions have also impacted the import
and export of food, caused price hikes and reduced the availability of certain items. Additionally,
the pandemic has led to changes in consumer behavior, with a shift towards online food ordering
and home cooking, which has affected the demand for certain products. Governments have
responded with measures such as providing financial assistance to farmers and food producers,
easing import restrictions, and implementing safety measures to protect workers in the food
industry. Despite the challenges, the food supply chain has proven to be resilient, with innovations
such as alternative distribution channels and new business models emerging in response to the
changing environment.

1
Acknowledgment
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to my
Probability and Statistics lecturer at SLIIT Academy. The knowledge and skills that I have gained
under your guidance have been invaluable, and I am truly grateful for your dedication and hard
work in teaching and mentoring me.

2
Table of Contents

Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ 1

Acknowledgment ............................................................................................................................. 2

Chapter 01 ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5

Background .................................................................................................................................. 5

Food supply in the world ............................................................................................................. 9

Impact Of The COVID-19 On Food Supply In The World ....................................................... 10

Significance of Research............................................................................................................ 11

Objectives of the Study .............................................................................................................. 11

Chapter Framework ................................................................................................................... 12

Chapter 02 ...................................................................................................................................... 14

Literature Review........................................................................................................................... 14

Chapter 03 ...................................................................................................................................... 16

Theory and Methodology ............................................................................................................... 16

Data Collection Method ............................................................................................................. 16

Structure of the Questionnaire ................................................................................................... 16

Chapter 04 ...................................................................................................................................... 18

Animal Product .......................................................................................................................... 18

Vegetal Products......................................................................................................................... 20

Fruits Product ............................................................................................................................. 22

Fruits and Vegetal ...................................................................................................................... 23

Animal and Vegetal .................................................................................................................... 24

Animal and Fruits ...................................................................................................................... 24

Cereals........................................................................................................................................ 25

Pulses ......................................................................................................................................... 26

Difference Of Cereals and Pulses .............................................................................................. 27

3
 Spices ......................................................................................................................................... 28

Starchy Roots ............................................................................................................................. 30

Tree nuts ..................................................................................................................................... 31

Chapter 5 ........................................................................................................................................ 33

Discussion and Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 33

Reference ....................................................................................................................................... 34

R-Cord............................................................................................................................................ 35

4
 Chapter 01

Introduction
Background

The COVID-19 virus has had a significant impact on countries around the world since it was first
identified in late 2019. The virus has spread rapidly, leading to a global pandemic that has affected
millions of people and caused significant disruptions to economies and societies. One of the most
significant impacts of the COVID-19 virus has been on public health. The virus has a high
transmission rate, and it can cause severe respiratory illness in some people. As a result, many
countries have implemented measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and mask mandates
to slow the spread of the virus and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. The pandemic
has also had a significant impact on the global economy. Many countries have experienced a sharp
decline in economic activity due to lockdowns and other restrictions. This has led to widespread
job losses and financial hardship for many people. Governments around the world have
implemented various economic stimulus measures to try to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
The pandemic has also highlighted existing inequalities in many countries. The virus has had a
disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, such as people living in poverty, older
adults, and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, many countries have
struggled to provide adequate healthcare services and resources, particularly in low-income
countries. Overall, the COVID-19 virus has had a significant impact on countries around the world.
While vaccines have provided some hope for the future, it will likely take years for the world to
fully recover from the pandemic's social, economic, and health impacts.

5
 Source 1 : www.ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations

As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, COVID-19 has caused a staggering number
of deaths worldwide. The exact number of deaths is constantly changing as the pandemic continues
to unfold, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of September 2021, over 4.6
million people have died due to COVID-19.The pandemic has affected people of all ages and
backgrounds, but certain populations have been hit particularly hard. The elderly, those with
preexisting health conditions, and those living in densely populated areas have been more
vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19.

6
COVID-19 deaths have also had significant economic and social impacts, as many countries have
implemented strict measures to slow the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, travel
restrictions, and business closures. These measures have had a profound effect on people's lives,
leading to job loss, social isolation, and mental health issues. Despite the availability of vaccines
and other medical treatments, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant threat to public health.

7
In this project, we will identify the challenges faced by the food supply industry due to the COVID-
19 outbreak and discuss possible solutions to these issues.

8
Food supply in the world

The food supply in the world is a complex system that involves various stages, from production to
consumption. It encompasses a wide range of actors, including farmers, food processors,
distributors, retailers, and consumers, and it involves the production and distribution of a vast array
of food products. Overall, the world's food supply is sufficient to meet the needs of its population,
but it is not evenly distributed. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO), about 690 million people in the world were undernourished in 2019. This indicates that
while there is enough food to feed the world's population, it is not accessible to everyone.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the world's food supply, with
disruptions to supply chains, trade restrictions, and reduced demand leading to food waste and
shortages in some areas. Climate change also poses a significant threat to the world's food supply,
with extreme weather events, droughts, and other environmental challenges affecting crop yields
and livestock production. To address these challenges, many governments, NGOs, and private
sector actors are working to improve food security and promote sustainable food systems. This
includes investments in agricultural research and development, improvements in supply chain
management, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. In conclusion, while the world's
food supply is generally sufficient, it is not equally accessible to everyone. The COVID-19
pandemic and climate change pose significant challenges to food security, but efforts are being
made to address these issues and promote more sustainable and equitable food systems. The chart
below describes how the world's food supply has changed between 1961-2011.

Source 2 : www.nationalgeographic.com/what-the-world-eats

9
Impact Of The COVID-19 On Food Supply In The World

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the food supply in the world. The
pandemic led to disruptions in food production, processing, and distribution, as well as changes in
demand and consumer behavior, all of which have affected the availability, accessibility, and
affordability of food in various parts of the world. One of the immediate impacts of the pandemic
was the disruption to global food supply chains, as transportation and logistics were affected by
restrictions on movement and trade. As a result, some countries experienced shortages of certain
food products, while others experienced surpluses of other products due to changes in demand.

Furthermore, the closure of schools, restaurants, and other food service establishments resulted in
reduced demand for certain food products, leading to a surplus of these products in the market.
This resulted in food waste and financial losses for farmers and other actors in the food supply
chain. At the same time, the pandemic had a significant impact on food access and affordability,
particularly for vulnerable populations. Many people lost their jobs or experienced reduced
income, making it harder to access and afford nutritious food. This led to an increase in food
insecurity, with the United Nations estimating that the pandemic could lead to an additional 132
million people experiencing hunger in 2020. Moreover, the pandemic has highlighted the
vulnerabilities and inequalities in the global food system, with some countries and populations
more affected than others. For example, small-scale farmers in developing countries were
particularly affected by disruptions in the supply chain, leading to a loss of income and food
security. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the food supply
in the world, affecting production, distribution, and access to food. The pandemic has highlighted
the vulnerabilities and inequalities in the global food system, and there is a need for coordinated
efforts to address these issues and build more resilient and sustainable food systems

10
Significance of Research

This report also explains about the food supply between countries in the Asian region during the
period of the existence of the COVID-19 virus and the change in people's diet due to health
problems caused by changes in lifestyle during that time.

Objectives of the Study

• During the period of Covid 19, the supply of vegetable food is being discussed among the
countries of the Asian region.
• During the period of Covid 19, the supply of animal feed is discussed among the countries
of the Asian region.
• During the period of Covid 19, the supply of fruits is being discussed among the countries
of the Asian region.
• To discuss changes in diet and its impact on human health during the Covid 19 period.

11
Chapter Framework

.
Chapter 01

Chapter 01 discusses the impact of covid-19 on the

economy and the world's food supply.

Chapter 02

Chapter 02 discusses the literature review.

Chapter 03

Chapter 03 discusses how the data was obtained and the

structure of the questionnaire.

Chapter 04

Chapter 04 discusses the possible results from the data

set.

12
Chapter 05

Chapter 5 presents the discussion and conclusions.

13
 Chapter 02

Literature Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the food supply chain in Asian countries,
disrupting production, distribution and retail. This literature review provides an overview of the
pandemic's impact on the food supply chain. According to a study by The Economist Intelligence
Unit (EIU), the pandemic has had a severe impact on the food supply chain in Asia, with disruptions
at every stage from production to consumption. Lockdowns, border closures, and social distancing
measures have disrupted transportation and logistics, causing delays and shortages of food
supplies. In addition, the closure of food processing facilities and reduced labor availability due to
lockdowns have disrupted production, leading to a decrease in food availability.

In response to these challenges, Asian countries have taken several measures to maintain their food
supply chains. One of the primary measures taken is the promotion of domestic food production.
For instance, in India, the government launched the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" program, which aims to
promote self-reliance and local production in various sectors, including agriculture. Similarly, in
Japan, the government has launched a program to encourage the production of vegetables and fruits
domestically. Several Asian countries have also introduced policies to facilitate the transportation
and distribution of food. In China, the government introduced "green channels" for the
transportation of agricultural products, reducing transportation time and ensuring the timely
delivery of food supplies. In Vietnam, the government has implemented measures to facilitate the
movement of goods and to ensure the smooth operation of logistics and supply chain networks.

In addition, several Asian countries have introduced policies to support the vulnerable sections of
the population who are most affected by the pandemic. For instance, in Indonesia, the government
launched a food assistance program for the poor, while in India, the government distributed free
food grains to the needy. Several studies have also highlighted the role of technology in maintaining
food supply chains during the pandemic. In Singapore, for instance, the government launched an
online food delivery platform to facilitate the delivery of food supplies. In China, online grocery
sales increased during the pandemic, with consumers using e-commerce platforms to purchase
food supplies.

14
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the food supply chain in
Asian countries. However, these countries have taken various measures to mitigate the impact of
the pandemic on the food supply chain, including promoting domestic production, facilitating
transportation and distribution, and providing support to vulnerable sections of the population. The
use of technology has also played a significant role in maintaining the food supply chain during
the pandemic.

15
 Chapter 03

Theory and Methodology

Data Collection Method

The above illustrated data set has been collected through the site keggle.com. Research Design,
Preliminary Data Analysis, Descriptive Analysis and Analyzing Demographic Data all the parts are
provided by the website from which the data was obtained.

Structure of the Questionnaire

I use hypothesis testing for the structure of the questionnaire in this report. Hypothesis testing is a
fundamental statistical technique used to make inferences about a population based on a sample of
data. It involves formulating two competing hypotheses: the null hypothesis and the alternative
hypothesis. The null hypothesis states that there is no significant difference between the sample
and the population, while the alternative hypothesis states that there is a significant difference.

The goal of hypothesis testing is to determine whether the evidence in the sample supports the null
hypothesis or the alternative hypothesis. This is done by calculating a test statistic, which measures
the difference between the observed data and the values predicted by the null hypothesis. If the test

16
statistic falls within a critical region, which is determined by the level of significance and the
degrees of freedom, then the null hypothesis is rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis.

Source 3 : www.kristakingmath.com

Hypothesis testing is used in a wide range of fields, including medicine, economics, psychology,
and engineering. It allows researchers to make decisions based on empirical evidence and to draw
conclusions about the population of interest. However, it is important to recognize that hypothesis
testing is only one tool in the statistical toolkit and that it has limitations and assumptions that must
be carefully considered when interpreting the results.

17
 Chapter 04
Animal Product

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant

impact on the animal food product industry,
including the production and processing of meat,
dairy, and other animal-based food products.
One of the primary impacts of the pandemic on
the animal food product industry has been
disruptions to supply chains. With transportation
and logistics affected by restrictions on
movement and trade, many producers have
struggled to get their products to market. As a result, some farmers have had to reduce their
production or even cull their animals, leading to significant financial losses. The closure of
restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments has also had a significant impact on the
animal food product industry, as many of these establishments are major purchasers of meat, dairy,
and other animal-based products. With the closure of these establishments, demand for these
products has fallen, leading to a glut in the market and a drop in prices. In addition, the pandemic
has led to changes in consumer behavior, with many people becoming more concerned about the
safety of animal-based products and their potential role in the spread of the virus. This has led to
increased demand for plant-based and alternative protein products, which has further impacted the
animal food product industry. The pandemic has also highlighted the working conditions of those
employed in the animal food product industry. Many workers in meat processing plants and other
facilities have been at increased risk of contracting the virus due to working near others. This has
led to calls for improved working conditions and increased safety measures to protect workers. In
conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the animal food product
industry, with disruptions to supply chains, changes in demand, and concerns over worker safety
and the role of animal-based products in the spread of the virus. As the pandemic continues to
evolve, there is a need for the industry to adapt and innovate to meet changing consumer demands
and ensure the safety and well-being of workers.

18
19
Vegetal Products

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the world's vegetable products industry,
affecting both production and demand. The global outbreak of the virus and the subsequent
lockdown measures in many countries have caused disruptions in the supply chains, resulting in a
decrease in production and a rise in the prices of many essential goods. One of the most significant
impacts of the pandemic has been on the agricultural workforce, particularly on migrant laborers
who play a critical role in planting, harvesting, and processing vegetables worldwide. Many
countries have implemented travel restrictions and quarantine measures, which have made it
difficult for these workers to travel to their workplaces, leading to labor shortages and reduced
productivity. Moreover, the closure of restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses
worldwide has resulted in a decline in demand for fresh vegetables and other perishable items. On
the other hand, the demand for frozen and canned vegetables has risen as consumers have started
stocking up on non-perishable foods. The pandemic has also had an impact on the global trade of
vegetable products, with many countries imposing export bans and restrictions on essential goods.
This has led to a decrease in the availability of certain vegetables and an increase in prices in some
parts of the world. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in
the vegetable products industry worldwide, affecting both production and demand. The industry is
facing challenges that require innovation and adaptation to ensure the supply of essential vegetable
products to consumers while protecting the health and well-being of the agricultural workforce.

20
21
Fruits Product

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the global fruit products industry, affecting
production, distribution, and consumption worldwide. The pandemic has caused disruptions in
supply chains, resulting in a decrease in production and an increase in the prices of many essential
fruits. The closure of international borders, transport restrictions, and quarantine measures have
caused significant challenges in the industry, leading to labor shortages and reduced productivity.
The shortage of agricultural labor has resulted in a decline in fruit production in some countries,
which has led to price hikes and scarcity in some parts of the world. The pandemic has also had a
considerable impact on the demand for fruit products, with the closure of restaurants, hotels, and
other hospitality businesses worldwide leading to a decline in demand for fresh fruits. On the other
hand, the demand for frozen and canned fruits has risen as consumers have started stocking up on
non-perishable goods. The global trade of fruit products has also been impacted by the pandemic,
with many countries imposing export bans and restrictions on essential goods. This has resulted in
a decrease in the availability of certain fruits and an increase in prices in some parts of the world.
Moreover, the pandemic has brought a shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping and
contactless delivery, leading to increased demand for e-commerce platforms for fruit products. In
conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in the fruit products
industry worldwide, affecting both production and demand. The industry must adapt to the new
normal and find innovative ways to ensure the supply of essential fruit products to consumers while
safeguarding the health and well-being of the agricultural workforce.

22
Fruits and Vegetal

There is no significant change in the supply of fruits and vegetables in Asian countries during the
COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. Before the epidemic, the supply of fruits
and vegetables was approximately 75% per year.

A. Construct a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis to see if this is true or false.

H0 : µ = 70

Ha : µ ≠ 70

B. Before the pandemic, the supply of fruit and vegetables was approximately 95% confidence
level. x̄ = 78 / s =2.5 / n = 50

78−70
Z=
2.5/√50

8
Z=
2.5/5√2

8
Z=
0.3535533906

Z = 22.627417

23
Animal and Vegetal

Animal and plant supply is similar in Asian countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. If both
animal and plant sources are 48% of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic,

A. formulate a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis for this

H0 : µ = 48

Ha : µ ≠ 48

Animal and Fruits

There has been a significant change in the supply of animals and fruits in Asian countries during
the COVID-19 pandemic. If the change in the supply of animals and fruits during the COVID-19
pandemic is 39% of the population,

A. formulate a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis for this.

H0 : µ = 38

Ha : µ ≠ 38

24
Cereals

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global cereals products industry,
affecting production, distribution, and consumption worldwide. The pandemic has caused
disruptions in supply chains, resulting in a decrease in production and an increase in the prices of
many essential bowls of cereal. The closure of international borders, transport restrictions, and
quarantine measures have caused significant challenges in the industry, leading to labor shortages
and reduced productivity. The shortage of agricultural labor has resulted in a decline in cereal
production in some countries, which has led to price hikes and scarcity in some parts of the world.
The pandemic has also had a considerable impact on the demand for cereal products, with the
closure of restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses worldwide leading to a decline in
demand for some cereals. On the other hand, the demand for long-shelf-life cereals such as rice,
pasta, and flour has risen as consumers have started stocking up on non-perishable goods. The
global trade of cereals products has also been impacted by the pandemic, with many countries
imposing export bans and restrictions on essential goods. This has resulted in a decrease in the
availability of certain cereals and an increase in prices in some parts of the world. Moreover, the
pandemic has brought a shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping and contactless
delivery, leading to increased demand for e-commerce platforms for cereal products. In conclusion,
the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in the cereals products industry
worldwide, affecting both production and demand.

25
Pulses

Pulses are a category of legumes that are harvested for their edible seeds. They include chickpeas,
lentils, beans, and peas, and are a key source of protein and other important nutrients for people
around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global pulses
market, both in terms of production and consumption. On the production side, the pandemic has
disrupted supply chains and labor markets, leading to reduced harvests in many parts of the world.
In some regions, such as India and Canada, farmers have struggled to access inputs like fertilizer
and seeds, which has resulted in lower yields. Additionally, restrictions on movement and trade
have made it difficult for producers to transport their products to market, leading to price
fluctuations and supply shortages in some areas. On the consumption side, the pandemic has led to
changes in dietary habits and demand for pulses. With many people spending more time at home
and cooking more meals, there has been an increased interest in plant-based protein sources like
pulses. However, economic uncertainty and job losses have also led to reduced purchasing power
in some areas, which has affected demand for pulses in certain markets. Overall, the COVID-19
pandemic has had a complex and multifaceted impact on the global pulses market. While there
have been challenges in terms of production and supply chain disruptions, there has also been
increased interest in pulses as a nutritious and sustainable food source. As the world continues to
grapple with the pandemic, these trends will likely continue to evolve and shape the future of the
pulses industry.

26
Difference Of Cereals and Pulses

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply of cereals and pulses in Asian countries has been
impacted in different ways. Cereals, such as rice and wheat, have generally been more readily
available and affordable than pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas. This is partly because cereals
are often produced domestically and are a staple food in many Asian countries, whereas pulses are
often imported and are not as widely consumed. However, there have been challenges in the
transportation and distribution of both cereals and pulses due to lockdowns and other COVID-
related restrictions, which have disrupted supply chains and caused shortages in some areas.
Despite these challenges, governments and organizations have been working to mitigate the
impacts of the pandemic on food supply and ensure that people have access to the food they need.

27
Spices

Spices have been an integral part of human cuisine for centuries. Spices are used to add flavor,
aroma, and color to food. They are also known for their medicinal properties. The global spices
market is a billion-dollar industry that has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The
COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in the global supply chain of spices. With the
implementation of lockdowns and travel restrictions, the transportation of spices has been severely
affected. This has resulted in a shortage of certain spices and an increase in their prices. The
demand for spices has also been affected by the pandemic. The closure of restaurants and hotels
has led to a decrease in the demand for spices from the food service sector. However, the demand
for spices from the retail sector has increased as people are cooking more at home due to the
lockdowns. The pandemic has also led to changes in the way spices are being sold. The closure of
physical stores has led to a shift toward online sales. This has presented an opportunity for spice
producers to increase their online presence and reach a wider customer base. The impact of the
pandemic on the spices market varies depending on the type of spice. Some spices such as turmeric,
ginger, and garlic have seen an increase in demand due to their perceived health benefits. Other
spices such as cardamom and saffron have seen a decrease in demand due to their high prices and
the economic downturn. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on
the global spices market. The disruptions in the supply chain and changes in consumer behavior
have led to changes in the demand and prices of spices.

28
29
Starchy Roots

Starchy roots are an essential source of food and income for millions of people around the world.
These crops, which include cassava, sweet potato, yam, and taro, are rich in carbohydrates,
vitamins, and minerals, and are a staple food for many communities. However, the COVID-19
pandemic has had a significant impact on the production, distribution, and consumption of starchy
root products. One of the main challenges posed by the pandemic is the disruption of supply chains.
Restrictions on movement and trade have made it difficult for farmers to access markets, and for
consumers to purchase and transport food. This has led to a decline in demand for starchy root
products in some regions, which has in turn affected the income of farmers and the availability of
food for households. Another issue affecting the starchy roots sector is the impact of COVID-19
on labor availability. As many countries have implemented lockdowns and other restrictions,
agricultural workers have been unable to travel to farms or have been forced to quarantine. This
has led to labor shortages and a decline in the productivity of the sector. In addition to these
challenges, the pandemic has also highlighted the vulnerability of the starchy roots sector to climate
change and other shocks. As extreme weather events and other disasters become more frequent,
the production and distribution of starchy root products may become increasingly challenging.
Despite these challenges, starchy root products remain an important source of food and income for
many people around the world.

30
Tree nuts

Tree nuts, which include almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios, among others, are an
important agricultural commodity that contributes significantly to global food security and the
economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the tree nuts industry, with some
positive and negative effects. One of the main challenges faced by the tree nuts industry during the
pandemic has been disruptions to global supply chains. The closure of borders and reduced air
travel has made it difficult to transport tree nuts from producing countries to markets around the
world. This has led to increased transportation costs, delayed shipments, and in some cases,
shortages of certain types of tree nuts. Another challenge has been the impact of the pandemic on
labor availability. Many countries rely on migrant labor to harvest and process tree nuts, but travel
restrictions and lockdowns have made it difficult for these workers to travel to and from their
countries of origin. This has led to labor shortages and increased labor costs, which have had an
impact on the price of tree nuts. On the positive side, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an
increased demand for healthy and nutritious food products, including tree nuts. With more people
cooking at home and looking for healthy snack options, sales of tree nuts have increased in some
markets. In addition, the closure of restaurants and other food service outlets has shifted demand
towards retail channels, which has benefited the tree nuts industry. Overall, the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic on the tree nuts industry has been mixed. While supply chain disruptions and
labor shortages have presented challenges, increased demand for healthy and nutritious food
products has created new opportunities for the industry.

31
32
 Chapter 5
Discussion and Conclusion

he COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on food systems globally, including those in
Asian countries. The pandemic has disrupted supply chains, leading to shortages of essential goods
and services, including food. In this context, it is important to understand the challenges faced by
Asian countries in maintaining their food supply and the measures taken to mitigate the impact of
the pandemic. One of the key challenges faced by Asian countries during the pandemic was the
disruption of supply chains. With lockdowns and travel restrictions in place, the movement of
goods and people was severely restricted, leading to a shortage of labor and transport capacity.
This resulted in a reduction in the availability of fresh produce and other essential food items,
particularly in urban areas. Additionally, panic buying and hoarding by consumers further
exacerbated the situation. To address these challenges, many Asian countries implemented
measures such as subsidies for farmers, incentives for food processors, and the provision of food
aid to vulnerable populations. In addition, some countries encouraged the development of local
food systems and promoted the use of e-commerce platforms to facilitate the distribution of food.

Despite these measures, the pandemic has had a significant impact on food security in some Asian
countries. For instance, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that the
number of people facing acute food insecurity in Asia has increased by 50 percent due to the
pandemic. In addition, the WFP warns that the pandemic could lead to a significant increase in
malnutrition and stunting in children in the region. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has
highlighted the vulnerability of food systems in Asian countries and the need for greater investment
in food security. While measures taken by governments and other stakeholders have helped to
mitigate the impact of the pandemic, more needs to be done to ensure the availability and
affordability of food for all. Building more resilient and sustainable food systems will require a
concerted effort from governments, civil society, and the private sector, and a long-term
commitment to addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity.

33
Reference

Ren, M. (2021) Covid-19 Healthy Diet Dataset, Kaggle. Available at:

https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/mariaren/covid19-healthy-diet-
dataset?select=Food_Supply_Quantity_kg_Data.csv (Accessed: 12 May 2023).

Solved: I am writing an article on how Corona has affected the livelihood and daily life,,,i need
some help can you guys give some points that can state how Corona Devastated
Everyone??!! (no date) Find Video Solutions for STEM Textbook Questions. Available at:
https://www.numerade.com/ask/question/i-am-writing-an-article-on-how-corona-has-
affected-the-livelihood-and-daily-lifei-need-some-help-can-you-guys-give-some-points-
that-can-state-how-corona-devastated-everyone-06381/ (Accessed: 12 May 2023).

Mathieu, E. et al. (2020) Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations, Our World in Data. Available
at: https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations (Accessed: 12 May 2023).

What the world eats (no date) National Geographic. Available at:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/what-the-world-eats/ (Accessed: 12 May 2023).

Who coronavirus (COVID-19) dashboard (no date) World Health Organization. Available at:
https://covid19.who.int/?adgroupsurvey=%7Badgroupsurvey%7D&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPKi
BhDvARIsACn-gzBbtQKX-
5hzDZB2nNppbaz8bVSXOTUYAYrlFiSsnwylDnslgb4eQ1oaAkBSEALw_wcB
(Accessed: 12 May 2023).

Our World in
Data Feat
ured Creator (2022) Mapped: Food
production around the world, Visual Capitalist. Available at:
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/mapped-food-production-around-the-world/
(Accessed: 12 May 2023).

Preda, G. (2022) Covid-19 world vaccination progress, Kaggle. Available at:

https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/gpreda/covid-world-vaccination-
progress?select=country_vaccinations.csv (Accessed: 12 May 2023).

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R-Cord

#Import a data set

• Food <- read.csv(file.choose(),header = T)

#Creater a dar chart

• barplot(Vegetable.Products,main = "Vegetable Products Supply",names.arg =

Food$Country, las=2,ylab = "Unit (all except Population)",col = "#E76161",cex.names =
0.5)
• barplot(Vegetables,main = "Vegetable Supply In Asian Countries",names.arg =
Food$Country, las=2,ylab = "Unit (all except Population)",col = "#A4D0A4",cex.names =
0.5)

#Creater a pie chart

• pie(fbar,labels)

#Creater a histogram

• hist(Food$Spices,main = "Spices",col = "#B04759")

35