SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE COMMUNITY, IN JOS SOUTH LGA, OF PLATEAU STATE.

  • : Ms Word, Ms Word Format
  • : 70 Pages
  • : ₦3000
  • : 1-5 Chapters
  •  
  • Click to DOWNLOAD Materials

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE COMMUNITY, IN JOS SOUTH LGA, OF PLATEAU STATE.

Abstract

This research examined the socio-economic impact of covid-19 on the community, in Jos south, of plateau state, Nigeria, with a view to providing information for sustainable agricultural production even in the presence of any epidemic of disease. Data for this study was obtained through questionnaire survey, in-depth interview and direct field observation. The result indicates that the negative effects of Covid-19 on agriculture are as follows: increase in the prices of seedlings, fertilizers, herbicides/insecticides, increase in the cost of farm labour, losses in farm produce, prevent buyers from buying farm produce, depreciate the cost of poultry and dairy products, and difficulties accessing veterinary services and animal feed. The result also indicates that Covid-19 has positive effects on agriculture as follows: it led to the production of more crops, led more people into agriculture, led to increase in the prices farm produce, led to the cultivation of more lands, increase in the purchase of farm tools, increase in the supply of food items into the market, forces many people in the city to involve in agriculture, increase in the purchase of farm inputs and lastly, it forced many people who are not farmers into agriculture. It is recommended that soft loan be giving to farmers so as to encourage them to boost food production in the country, distribution of good medical facilities and personnel and free treatment to the affected persons in the rural areas to improve their healthy conditions and finally, sensitization and training of farmers on modern methods of agriculture that will involve social distancing to improve the health conditions of the farmers.

KEYWORD: Covid-19, Pandemic, socio-economic impact, Agriculture, Jos South

 

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 

  • Background of the study

The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has imposed a threat on health, economy, social relations globally. As at mid-July 2020, the disease has spread across 216 countries with a total of 13,150,645 confirmed cases and 574,464 deaths1 . In Nigeria, there has been confirmed cased of COVID-19 across the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In response to curtail the spread of the virus most countries of the world, including Nigeria have imposed restriction measure which led to total and or partial closure of the economy. In the process, economies are grinding to a halt, jobs and livelihoods are lost on scales never seen before. The impact is huge and increasing in low and middle-income countries, especially in Nigeria with over 202 million population (World Bank, 2020)2. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria, refugees and asylum seekers are faced with a myriad of challenges. The initial report of the UNHCR Sub Office in Ogoja3 indicates that the lockdown in Taraba state has affected mobility with limited access to basic needs including food and other commodities impacting livelihoods opportunities among refugees working as casual laborers in Cocoa farms and small-scale business market in different local government of Sardauna, Ussa, Takum and Gembu. In Cross River State, refugees (like other residents) are having to pay double for transportation due to the measures put in place during the ongoing pandemic. In Benue the cost of living has gone high considering the increase of food commodities including rice and gari. Many refugees are unable to access basic health and hygiene facilities in order to comply with physical distancing measures. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in a press release on 14 May 2020 highlighted that “COVID-19 is not just a physical health crisis, but it is now also triggering a mental health crisis. While many refugees and internally displaced people are remarkably resilient and can move forward despite having experienced violence or persecution firsthand, their capacities to cope are now being stretched to the limit.4 ” The High Commissioner noted further that given the widespread socio-economic damage inflicted by the pandemic, UNHCR is particularly concerned about the loss of daily wages and livelihoods among refugees as challenges also result in psychosocial hardship. In response to the highlighted challenges and to ensure action that will minimize or mitigate risks, which may expose the affected population to more harm; UNHCR in collaboration with partners assessed the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the refugees (in urban, settlements and in host communities), IDPs and returnees to facilitate a better understanding of the potential range of impacts of the COVID-19 and the likely responses. The goal is to utilize the Information and results from the assessment to establish post COVID-19 evidenced based re-programming and advocacy, in the medium and long term.

 

  • Statement of the problem

The study of past epidemics provides useful insights on the likely socio-economic consequences of a pandemic as COVID-19. However, since no two epidemics are exactly alike, the current pandemic (COVID-19) obviously differs fundamentally from past epidemics such as SARS, Spanish flu and H5N1 avian influenza. COVID-19 has had a rapid global spread because of closer international integration and transmission through carriers without symptoms which is very different from dynamics of past epidemics. Most studies on the economic impact of past epidemics have revealed their impact solely on GDP growth.

It is enough to conclude on the recorded hardship during COVID-19 pandemic as a basis for re-programming but rather a better understanding of the socio-economic status of the affected population among other concerns need to be well understood. The context of the crises differs in dimensions. For instance, the urban centres are likely to be more affected in terms of price inflation while rural communities may be faced with incidence of poor health facilities and social treatment to cope with the rising challenge of the pandemic. In addition, variation in the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the affected group is enough to establish the need for re-programming. While some may be better informed about the pandemic and the preventive measures, others may be at disadvantage. Similarly, while few households may be able to cope with the economic shock, others may find it extremely difficult to survive the crises. In view of the underlining variations, severity and depth of the impact of the pandemic among community, in Jos South LGA, of Plateau State. Each of the outlined objective was assessed based on UNHCR socio-economic and livelihood indicators with a view to provide an understanding of the impact of the pandemic in terms of the socio-economic status of the people. This research therefore seek to access the socio-economic impact of covid-19 on the community in Jos, Plateau State

 

 

1.2 Objective of the study

The main objective of this study is to Examine the socio-economic impact of covid-19 on the community in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

  • Specific Objectives
  • To access the socioeconomic background of community, in Jos South LGA, of Plateau State.
  • To determine socio-economic impact of covid-19 among Community in Jos South LGA, of Plateau State.
  • To determine the various coping mechanism adopted by Community in Jos South LGA, of Plateau State.

 

1.3 Significance of the study

This study will provide an insight into the socio-economic impact of covid-19 on the community in Jos, plateau State. This study will help the administrators to ascertain the level of damages the covid-19 caused. Furthermore, the study will again be helpful for researchers, students and lecturers. Government official, policy makers and economic administrators will benefit from the recommendation of the study.

1.4 Research questions

The following research questions were formulated for this study;

  1. What is the socioeconomic background of community, in Jos South LGA, of Plateau State?
  2. what is the socio-economic impact of covid-19 among Community in Jos South LGA, of Plateau State?
  3. What are the various coping mechanism adopted by Community in Jos South LGA, of Plateau State?

 

1.5 Scope of the study

The study will cover ten communities in Nigeria with particular focus on communities in Jos Plateau..The choice of Jos is because the increase socio-economic activities in the area

  1. Limitaions

Among the limitation of this study is the fact that only communities in Jos Plateau are covered due to financial constraint. Second is the difficulty in gathering data and information, much of which is considered sensitive. The researcher was also limited by the reluctance of some respondents to complete them at all.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE COMMUNITY, IN JOS SOUTH LGA, OF PLATEAU STATE.

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Reply