Rural vulnerability and institutional dynamics in the context of COVID-19: A scoping review

This study reviewed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pre-existing vulnerabilities in rural communities using the scoping review strategy. It focused on manuscripts published on the topic in 2020. There is limited evidence that rural communities are resilient to the pandemic. Reduction in household expenditures and the community food system are the only reported forms of resilience. Although local institutions are supporting rural communities in responding to the impacts of the pandemic, several institutional dynamics undermine the effectiveness of the response. The increased risk of the pandemic is likely to reduce incomes and standards of living amongst poor communities.

The study found that COVID-19 is exacerbating pre-existing vulnerability conditions (including poverty and remoteness) in rural communities. The studies included in the review revealed that rural contexts have low resilience to shocks and are therefore likely to experience long-lasting impacts of shocks because of their limited adaptive capacity. Furthermore, levels of vulnerability, resilience and capacity to respond are differentiated by geographical contexts. Africa and Asia are the most vulnerable, the least resilient and the regions with the least capacity to respond.