INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 ON RICE FARMER’S INCOME IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2024
Authors
Kafayat Yemisi Belewu
Caleb Ibukunoluwa Adewale
Mohammed Awal Zubair
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
the Institute of Agricultural Economics, University of Belgrade.
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on agricultural productivity
and the livelihood of farmers in developing countries. Observed research sought
to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the income of rice farmers
in Kwara State, Nigeria. 120 respondents were selected for this study using a
multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Average treatment effects,
and Likert scale were used to address the main objectives. Results showed that the
COVID-19 lockdown affected the income of the rice farmers during and after the
lockdown, with a 6% decrease in the income of rice farmers during the lockdown as
compared to before the lockdown and a 17.7% decrease after COVID-19 lockdown
as compared to during COVID-19 lockdown. Furthermore, inadequate funds,
flood, and high cost of labor were found to be the highest barriers to mitigating the
influence of COVID-19 on rice production. Performed study recommends that a
well-structured and carefully planned response strategy be developed for situations
like the COVID-19 pandemic, including the establishment of alternative income
sources for farmers in the event of a future recurrence or similar crisis. Additionally,
policies should be implemented to ensure adequate access to credit for rice farmers,
supporting increased production and improving their overall income.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, farmers’ income, rice production, average treatment effect