Challenges and opportunities for the pope sector in the Andean area in the context of COVID-19

Abstract

This article seeks to provide information to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pope sector in the Andean region and its consequences for the actors in this chain, especially small producers. The situation of the popapa sector in the Andean area is first presented and, second, the effects of COVID-19 are analyzed. On average, there was no significant decrease in potato production in the region due to causes linked to COVID-19. However, problems related to the contraction of harvest sales due to transport and marketing difficulties accompanied by a decrease in prices, which affected the chain. The reduction in producers' incomes has implications first for the profitability of the crop, and may influence the effective continuation of agricultural production and future planting decisions. Secondly, the reduction in income has an effect on household food security by reducing the diversity of diet and increasing the consumption of basic, less nutritious foods, by spreading malnutrition. State support measures in countries, both in the countryside and in the city, were limited and provided temporary relief. The difficulties generated by the health crisis highlight the problems of family farming and the high vulnerability of producers. It includes some conclusions and recommendations on actions and policies required to sustain the potato chain and its actors and respond agilely to challenges and opportunities.

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