INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 ON RICE FARMER’S INCOME IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

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.