Effects of COVID 19 Pandemic on Agricultural Production and Food Security in Gursum Woreda of Somali Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Gursum Woreda of Somali Regional state of Ethiopia with objective of assessing the effect of covid 19
pandemic on agricultural production and on food security. Structured questionnaire and key informant interview were used in the data
collection. Data were collected in two rounds where Jigjiga University’s Midcareer students participated as data collectors. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 20 version software. The findings from the research shows that, poor farming system, shortage of land, high level of problem with different inputs such as fertilizer and improved seed were the main challenges to the agricultural production system of the district. On the other hands, the measure taken to limit the spread of Covid 19 by government like movement restriction worsen the conditions by inhibiting availability and accessibility of those inputs and creating labor shortage along the different farming stage. There were also challenges with respect to contact with extension workers, market access, and credit service compatible with farmers’ religion. Food security of the study area is highly affected because of availability (42.5%) and accessibility (34.6%) and others’ problems (22.6%) to food supply chain. In addition to these, pre- and post-harvest loss, lack of market access, low productivity per hectare are also the main contributing factors for food security problem. In general, pre-existing problem and Covid 19 pandemic related measures ultimately affect the production system of Gursum district which in another word affect the food security status of the study area. Therefore, government and other stakeholders should design and come up with better options to improve the food security status and ultimately the livelihood of the community highly affected by Covid 19 pandemic.