THE EFFECT OF COVID 19 ON MORINGA FARMERS UNDER THE VILLAGE SAVINGS AND LOANS ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH-WESTERN GHANA

Abstract

This paper explored the current structure and dynamics of the village savings and loans associations operations by women and its socio-economic impact during the peak of Covid-19 on sanitation. The study adopted a mixed method design of qualitative and quantitative approach. Women groups who have operated, managed, and sustained for over the period of five (5) years were selected for the study. In all, 48 women between the ages of 18-60 years participated in the study. The study revealed that absenteeism, irregular share-buying, and nonpayment of loans behaviors are factors that were found to negatively affect the structure, dynamics, and sustainability of village savings and loans in 2021 due to Covid 19. The study also identified inadequate medical care, reduction in household incomes and nutrition gaps as key adverse effects of covid-19 on the women farmers. Some trades like Pito brewing, ‘‘Kosee’,’ Shea butter and food vending businesses are either collapsed or almost folding up due to covid-19. Communities relapsed into open defecation due to collapse of household toilets because of Covid-19 related poverty. The study concludes that rural women had challenges in contributing to the village savings and loans schemes or pay back their loans thereby threatening the solvency of the groups due to the COVID crisis. The study recommends that women farmers must be given training in financial literacy and bookkeeping. Both local and international organizations must collaborate to overcome the effects of post Covid-19 on poverty and sanitation.