FOOD CRISIS AND COVID-19 ADAPTATION STRATEGIES BY CASSAVA FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
P. O. EMAZIYE *
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
O. J. OVHARHE
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The main objectives of the study were to establish the losses of cassava labour supply and output in the presence of COVID-19.
Methods: Multi-stage sampling procedures were used in choosing 315 cassava farmers utilized for the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using chi-square test and descriptive statistics.
Results: Aged illiterate persons with large household size of 11 persons dominated cassava production that were mostly women. Most cassava farmers were ill as a result of COVID-19 and respondents adaptation strategies adopted were mostly self-medication (32.1%) and traditional herbs (28.2%) methods as against health care (24.8%) method. Again, the study showed that there were losses of cassava labour supply (hours/month) and output (Kg/Ha) leading to food shortage and hunger. As part of recommendation, COVID-19 awareness campaign should be carried out periodically by medical experts. Secondly COVID-19 testing and treatment centers should be established in the rural areas.
Keywords: Adaptation, cassava, COVID-19, farmers, food.