The Main Concepts of the Productivity and the Effects of COVID-19 on the Agricultural and Food Sector Productivity

This chapter begins by elucidating the fundamental concept of productivity, with a consideration of the advantages and disadvantages inherent to it. In this context, the concept of productivity was defined, various classifications were presented, and methods of measurement were discussed in detail. Subsequently, the vital importance of the agricultural and food sectors was underscored. Subsequently, the effects of the global pandemic on agricultural and food sector productivity were examined, as the crisis precipitated a decline in both supply and demand, exerting a considerable influence on the international commercial system. The global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has imposed significant restrictions on the mobility of people across countries, which has contributed to labor shortages in agricultural sectors. Furthermore, the disruption of the food supply chain has led to an increase in food losses. For certain products, the combined effects of supply-side disruptions and demand-side reductions have resulted in a reduction in farm incomes. In general, the majority of major economies have experienced a recession as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the OECD estimates, the pandemic could result in a decline in annual GDP growth of up to two percentage points. In conclusion, the negative effects of the pandemic on the food and agricultural sector have been confirmed by several studies. In the final section, recommendations and future implications for policymakers were proposed.