A systematic literature review on coping mechanisms and food security during pandemics

Coping strategies are vital during crises, and this review synthesizes existing research on coping strategies related to food security during pandemics while identifying research gaps. The paper examines implemented and needed policies to enhance individual and household food security, particularly during pandemic, which has garnered increased global academic interest. Endnote X9, following PRISMA guidelines, analyzes data collected from ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and Scopus databases. Publications from 2019 to 2022 predominantly focus on health sciences, utilizing quantitative methods and empirical data, with an emphasis on Asia. Categorizing research based on several sub-criteria reveals pandemic impacts, outcomes, geographic locations, economic development, and basic theories employed in the previous studies. Consequences of the pandemic studied include environmental quality and socioeconomic effects. Practical implications for food security policies, including urban planning, rural vulnerability, institutional strengthening, and support for vulnerable communities, are highlighted. The government should implement targeted policies, particularly for vulnerable groups like babies, children, elderly individuals with low incomes, female heads of families, low-income community groups, farmers, fishermen, those without permanent jobs, and the unemployed.