COVID-19, Systemic Crisis, and Possible Implications for the Wild Meat Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Wild animals play an integral and complex role in the economies and ecologies of many countries across the globe, including those of West and Central Africa, the focus of this policy perspective. The trade in wild meat, and its role in diets, have been brought into focus as a consequence of discussions over the origins of COVID-19. As a result, there have been calls for the closure of China’s “wet markets”; greater scrutiny of the wildlife trade in general; and a spotlight has been placed on the potential risks posed by growing human populations and shrinking natural habitats for animal to human transmission of zoonotic diseases. However, to date there has been little attention given to what the consequences of the COVID-19 economic shock may be for the wildlife trade; the people who rely on it for their livelihoods; and the wildlife that is exploited. In this policy perspective, we argue that the links between the COVID-19 pandemic, rural livelihoods and wildlife are likely to be more complex, more nuanced, and more far-reaching, than is represented in the literature to date. We develop a causal model that tracks the likely implications for the wild meat trade of the systemic crisis triggered by COVID-19. We focus on the resulting economic shockwave, as manifested in the collapse in global demand for commodities such as oil, and international tourism services, and what this may mean for local African economies and livelihoods. We trace the shockwave through to the consequences for the use of, and demand for, wild meats as households respond to these changes. We suggest that understanding and predicting the complex dynamics of wild meat use requires increased collaboration between environmental and resource economics and the ecological and conservation sciences.

Investigating the risks of removing wild meat from global food systems

“…Prohibitions may be socially illegitimate and difficult to enforce, even with alternatives. 23 , 24 , 25 Brazilian Amazon Ubiquitous and high High Very Low Rural and indigenous food system would struggle to adapt. Reliance on fishing may increase, agricultural expansion may occur to supply urban consumers.…”

“…Economic shocks may be the biggest risk, for female traders/wholesalers. 24 , 30 , 31 USA Low overall, relatively high in some areas High High Food system can adapt overall; though impacts would be felt by some rural and relatively food-insecure groups. Agricultural expansion may occur, the hunting industry – and revenues generated for conservation – would suffer large economic losses.…”

“…Importantly, due consideration should also be given to the broader macro-economic shocks caused by COVID-19, and how these will influence wildlife markets and food systems. 24 Global food systems may become less resilient due to impacts on supply chains and agricultural production, which may increase reliance on wild meat as a safety net in some areas, and potentially increase the negative consequences of prohibiting its consumption. Policy responses to COVID-19 should be holistic and future-proof, to ensure they support recovery from the current social and economic crisis, and set the world on a pathway to sustainability.…”

One welfare impacts of COVID-19 – A summary of key highlights within the one welfare framework

“…In addition to this, it is important to also consider the One Welfare impacts that such ban could have. This include: impact on those who rely on it for their livelihoods ( McNamara et al, 2020 ), the wellbeing of indigenous communities ( Zavaleta-Cortijo et al, 2020 ), the welfare of wildlife animals that may no longer be captured illegally in the absence of a legal trade or the environment where such wild birds and mammals live where ecosystems and biodiversity might also be impacted. It is also essential, as noted by Walzer, 2020 , to pair changes of this nature with relevant educational and social marketing measures concerning wildlife usage.…”

Will the COVID-19 outbreak be a turning point for China's wildlife protection: New developments and challenges of wildlife conservation in China

“…Strong enforcement is particularly needed when the economic impact of COVID-19 is still felt by local communities. The rural and indigenous communities are more likely to resort to natural resource extraction and wildlife-related shadow economy when other job options are exhausted ( McNamara et al, 2020 ; Roe et al, 2020 ).…”