On July 12, 2021, the World Bank confirmed that an increasing number of countries are facing growing levels of acute food insecurity, reversing years of development gains.
Even before COVID-19 reduced incomes and disrupted supply chains, chronic and acute hunger were on the rise due to various factors including conflict, socio-economic conditions, natural hazards, climate change and pests. COVID-19 impacts have led to severe and widespread increases in global food insecurity, affecting vulnerable households in almost every country, with impacts expected to continue through 2021 and into 2022.
Why is this a consumer issue?
The United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Protection highlight access to food as an ‘area of essential concern’ for consumers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to rising food prices and a widespread loss of livelihoods, leaving many without access to affordable and nutritious food; meanwhile, the climate crisis continues to exacerbate food shortages in many parts of the world.
These problems, whether it be health crisis, food insecurity or the unavailability and unaffordability of goods are essentially the problems of ordinary individuals and in most of these instances, it is the well-being or even survival of ordinary individuals that is at stake.
Continuous efforts by the Consumer Council of Fiji
The council has statutory obligations under the Consumer Council of Fiji Act (Cap 235) “to do all such acts and things which it may necessary or expedient to ensure that the interests of consumers of goods and services are promoted and protected.”
Apart from educating consumers through advocacy and awareness, the council’s work extends to providing advice and making submissions to regulatory agencies, policymaking bodies, private sector or industry groups and international agencies.
On the issue of food insecurity because of COVID-19, the council has been working on international level with organisations such as Consumers International to bring about policy changes globally.
The council has also been conducting projects at the community level in order to share ideas and knowledge and encourage Fijians to adopt practices that promotes food security – especially in times of crises.
Government’s responsibilities to ensure food security
Government’s response to this challenge must be based fundamentally upon a recognition of the universal right to safe and healthy food especially during crisis. At the United Nations Food Summit, Consumers International identified key action areas which governments worldwide must focus on:
1. Provide food directly to vulnerable consumers – at national level, governments must take responsibility for providing food directly to all those in need of support.
2. Strengthen consumer purchasing power – the pandemic has clearly demonstrated that social protection and cash transfers can play a vital role in maintaining access to food; it is essential that these safety nets are not now withdrawn, as this would undermine any possibility of economic and social recovery.
3. Guarantee food affordability – consumers must be able to pay a fair price for food, without sacrificing their right to a healthy diet. As well as taking action to prevent price gouging and to control infl ation, governments should support the development of resilient local food systems that can provide healthy, sustainable food for all.
How is the Fijian Government doing this?
The Fijian government, through the 2021-2022 National Budget has announced initiatives and policies which has actually addressed the three key action areas listed above recommended by most of the consumer bodies around the world in order to ensure food security during the current crises. However, initiatives and policies announced by the government will only be effective if consumers use the assistance/ support responsibly. Let’s look at some of these initiatives and consumer responsibility associated with it.
1. Unemployment benefit/income support
Fijians affected by COVID-19 both in the informal and formal sector will be eligible to receive a monthly allowance of $120 for six months. First lump sum of $360 to be paid in August to cater for the fi rst three months and the second lump sum of $360 to be paid in November.
Consumer responsibility: To ensure that you provide all the required information which is accurate and true. Consumers should not try to cheat the system by applying for this benefit if they not eligible or do not need it. Consumers must also ensure that this assistance is used to cater for the highest priority needs such as putting food on the table for their families and not use it to indulge in sin goods such as grog, alcohol and tobacco.
2. Provision of food rations
With thousands of Fijians under home isolation and not being able to work, earn income or go out to do their shopping, the government has allocated $12 million to supply food (ration packs) to these consumers.
Consumer responsibility: Only request for rations if you need them. By applying for and accepting rations when you are not in need of it, you are taking essential food items away from those Fijians who are suffering and urgently need it. You are also creating additional expenditure for the government which would be used more resourcefully elsewhere.
3. Utility subsidies
As per the budget announcement, eligible consumers will receive subsidised 34.01 cents per unit of electricity for the first 100kwh they use and free water for up to 92,500 litres of water used. These initiatives will ensure that Fijians whose income are affected do not have to worry about accessing these essential goods/services and will have more disposal income which can be dedicated towards household food needs.
Consumer responsibility: Use these resources wisely and not waste it – thinking it’s free. Even though you may not pay for it, there is still associated costs which will be covered by the government.
4. Social welfare assistance
In the 2021-2022 National Budget, the government has allocated $145 million for the continuation of social welfare assistance including poverty benefit scheme, social pension scheme, disability allowance, child protection allowance, food voucher for rural pregnant mothers and bus fare for elderly and disabled people.
These welfare assistances will put cash in the pockets and food on the table of most vulnerable Fijians. It will also ensure that eligible Fijians have more disposal income which can be used to procure food or other essentials.
Consumer responsibility: Social welfare assistance is meant for disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our societies. Hence, we must ensure that this assistance reaches to those who are eligible. This can be done by ensuring the elderly, children and other eligible groups are able to apply for and access this assistance. Consumers must utilize this assistance responsibly, that is, fulfill the basic needs of their families.
5. Fiscal duty reduction
The government has also reduced fiscal duty on selected products such as liquid milk, full cream milk, yoghurt, butter, cheese, green tea, fruit juice. This initiative will ensure that consumers are able to afford these selected items such contains milk – highly demanded in most households.
Consumer responsibility: Be aware of such policies which gives them some level of relief and helping to create a fair market place by being assertive and reporting instances where traders do not pass on such benefits to consumers.
6. Reduction of fees worth $20 million
The government has also allocated $20m to cover other costs incurred by consumers. These include: stall fees for market vendors, base fees for taxis, carriers, minibuses and stand fees for buses, for driving license and defensive driving course fees for public service vehicle drivers, fi shing license fees, export charges for costs associated with Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, security license fees, sea farer certification and training fees, police clearance fee for employment and PSV licenses, medical report fee for job and medical treatment, birth and death certificate fee and accident levy.
Consumer responsibility: To provide all required documents and/ or application for these assistance in a timely manner in order to ensure that they are able to take advantage of such relief measures. Consumers must be ethical and responsible when utilizing such assistance and not take it for granted by engaging in fraudulent activities.
Apart from the major budget announcements listed above, the government is continuing other policies and initiatives to ensure food security for consumers.
Instances of these include the price control on basic food items, relaxation of duty on over 2000 items and other incentives directed to businesses in hopes that it passes down to consumers.
The council is encouraging all eligible Fijians to take advantage of government incentives responsibly and use it to meet the most immediate and high priority family needs such as putting food on their table.
For any consumer issues, Fijians are encouraged to contact the council on toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint using the Consumer Council of Fiji mobile app.
