The intersection of COVID-19, poverty and food insecurity: A challenge to the health and well-being of urban households in Zimbabwe

This paper demonstrates the intersection of COVID-19, poverty and food insecurity. COVID-19 affected many households in Plumtree town of Zimbabwe following the government-imposed lockdown restrictions. The study answers the following questions: a) What is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the poverty of urban households? b) How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the food security of urban households? c) What challenges to the health and well-being of urban households emanate from the COVID-19 pandemic? d) What responses were adopted to improve the welfare and food security of urban households? This qualitative study investigated 70 households. Results were that COVID-19 exacerbated the dimensions of household poverty. Besides, the pandemic worsened food insecurity of many households. Hence, COVID-19, poverty and food insecurity complicated the lives of urban residents. The pandemic is a threat to development and the Sustainable Development Goals. The responses to the pandemic were not effective, as they worsened food insecurity. Ways should also be found, to improve household food security following the outbreak of deadly pandemics. Also, responses towards pandemics should look beyond just addressing the pandemics. This study attempts to inform policy and practice. Government, practitioners and academia can benefit from the study. Keywords: COVID-19; Food security; Poverty; Health and well-being; SDGs