EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SELECTED CROP FARMERS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study evaluates the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on selected crop farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 300 households from 36 districts/wards across the selected six (6) LGAs of Taraba State. The analytical tools used for the study includes descriptive statistical tools (percentages, mean, maximum and minimum,) and inferential statistics (Z tests and farm budgeting technique). The result shows that majority (66.3% and 78.3%) of the respondents were male and married respectively. Only 29.3% of the farmers had secondary education and 29.0% had primary education. The farmer’s level of education may likely upscale the farmer’s access to information on awareness of Covid-19 preventive measures. However, a mean of 46 years and 18 years were reported for farmer’s age and farming experience, respectively. Average household size of respondent was put at 9. The results show that 45.3% of the respondents had their sources of information about coronavirus from mass media (television, newspapers, radio and GSM calls from friends and relatives). It was disclosed that 64% of the respondents said Covid-19 pandemic brought about hike in prices of food items and 22% said coronavirus led to scarcity of food items in local market. The result further shows that there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the yield of crops produce (Maize, Rice, Yam and Groundnut). The reduction in yield of crop may attributed to restrictions in movements and social distancing. The cost and return analysis show that total variable cost of production per hecter of Maize (N105,169.80k), Rice (N109,626.94k), Yam (N73,190.48k)  and Groundnut (N105,750.67k) has slightly increased and farmers recorded lower margin. It can be concluded that the major source of information about of COVID-19 pandemic was mass media and the effect of COVID-19 pandemic has reduced yield of major crop produce (Maize, Rice, Yam and Groundnut). The study recommends short-term and long-term economic recovery package for farmers, include cash and food grants for immediate support for economic recovery during period of COVID-19 Pandemic.