The coronavirus pandemic could cost Africa as much as $4.8 billion (R80 billion) in lost agricultural exports and affect the livelihoods of 10 million farmers, McKinsey & Co. has said.
Disruptions ranging from canceled flights to the closure of chocolate factories in Europe have limited exports of crops ranging from nuts to roses, according to the consultancy firm.
Livelihoods will be affected through “job loss or price reductions,” McKinsey said.
Agricultural exports from the continent are worth between $35 billion and $40 billion annually.
The outbreak in Africa, which has about 190,000 confirmed infections and over 5 000 deaths, could also disrupt preparations for the next planting season and hamper efforts to curb an invasion of crop-eating locusts in East Africa.
