Perceived effects of COVID-19 on smallholder farmers’ agricultural production practices in Ethiopia

Abstract

This study analyzed the perceived effects of COVID-19 on smallholder farmers’ agricultural production practices in the South Wollo and Oromo Administrative Zones of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 270 randomly selected respondents from September 5 to October 10, 2020. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The severity of problems is analyzed using a four-point Likert scale. The quantitative data were analyzed using mean and one sample t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The one sample t-test result revealed that the respondents' level of agreement is statistically and significantly different from neutral in all cases at the 95 and 99% levels of confidence. These immediate problems caused the smallholder farmers to develop concerns about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Smallholder farmers in Jige faced challenges like a lack of markets, collaboration issues, delayed agricultural activities, spoilage of produce, labour issues, and increased input prices. The government and development practitioners should prioritize timely agricultural input delivery through cooperative unions, transfer of information and advisory services, and the marketing of agricultural products using alternative strategies. This research contributes evidence-based information for decision-makers to devise appropriate and locally adaptable policy documents for the given policy recommendations.