A Critical Review of UN, Food and Agriculture Organization (2020) brief on Addressing Inequality in times of COVID-19
Overview
The article, Addressing inequality in times of COVID-19, by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO) looks at how COVID 19, has contributed to economic inequality between and within countries. It looks at how developed countries with better economic equality and lower poverty rates, can handle the pandemic vis a vis developing countries.
Critical Reflection
The main agenda of the article is to show the extent that the existing economical inequalities and poverty have adversely affected the capability of different nations in handling the virus. The inequality will cause long-term effects to the marginalized and the vulnerable in the communities, (FAO, 2020) looks at critical researches on the social, economical, and political effects that the pandemic has posed to the poor and economically challenged countries. The research is also looking at the possible short term and long term policies that various organizations and governments can put in place to help protect the vulnerable.
The author(s) critically looks at the various inequalities that exist in our society to bring out the impact COVID19 has had on humanity. This brief, has been able to identify the two most important economical inequality that affects society as income and wealth inequality. According to the article, FAO(2020, p.3)“Income inequality between countries has reduced since 1980, driven by rapid economic growth and increasing incomes in Asia, especially China, combined with slower growth in Western Europe.”
Research Methodology
FAO has established two very crucial research questions in their article. The question is:
- What is the impact of COVID 19 on economical inequality and poverty?
- What policies can be put in place to help mitigate the effects of COVID 19?
Research for this article was based on statistical and analytical research that had been done before on the same topic. By using (World Inequality Lab, 2017)the article can articulately and give figures and numbers to support their arguments. Other institutions also contribute and are used in the article to justify the research. (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs,2016) in their submission states that,“ Inequality is also characterized by social marginalization and exclusion. Social exclusion manifests primarily through unequal access to resources, limited political participation and voice, and the denial of opportunities.”
Evaluation
The article has been able to answer the research questions that it laid down to answer. In this brief, FAO has been able to give a clear explanation as to why there are economic inequality and exclusion in both the developed and developing countries. The author(s) have managed to indicate and give recommendations that they deem fit in solving the questions raised by the paper. The article has been able to use a qualitative research method with data collected from various institutions to support the arguments. The study was done On a large scale set up given the broad area of focus and topic covered.
Implication of policies
FAO suggests various policies to be implemented. First, there should be a social protection system, that allows the less variable to be shielded from the harsh implications of the pandemic(p.2). The policy will go a long way in protecting the vulnerable and by doing so, uplifting their lives. The article recommended that there should be in pace, emergency, and recovery policy targeting health services that are just and without prejudice whatsoever.
This policy has great benefit to the fight against COVID19. The ease of access to medical services reduces the chances of transmission and mortality rates. FAO recommends for High-income countries, International Financial Institutions (IFI) and regional economic bodies to mobilize adequate resources in support of lower-income countries to avoid continues implications on agriculture, food security, nutrition, food systems, and broader sociology-economic development. FOA,(2020,p.2) This policy will assist developing countries and cushion them from the effects of the pandemic.
Conclusion
Economic inequality and poverty are still serious challenges to today’s well being. Actions must be taken in trying to alleviate and make the lives of the poor and vulnerable conducive during this time. FAO with its policy-making role is key in ensuring that all marginalized people are taken care of.
Reference
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation. (2020, June 18). Addressing inequality in times of COVID-19. http://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1275260/