Comparative Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on Agricultural Production and Marketing in Nigeria
As the global population decreases due to the Covid-19 pandemic and possible hunger in most developing countries of the world, it is noteworthy to say animal products suffer consumption as an average individual just wants to survive without considering the nutritional requirement of the body system for functionality and production. Humanity has observed various pandemics throughout history, where some of them were more disastrous than the others to humans. We observe a very hard time once again fighting an invisible enemy; the novel COVID-19 (stay home, stay safe slogan). The nationwide lockdown in the country has revealed the various lacunae in the agricultural marketing system; supply chain disruptions exposed critical infrastructure gaps and governance issues regarding the competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Many poultry farmers across the country have suffered severe losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic control measures imposed by the government. The situation has impacted their livelihoods negatively, with many closing down their businesses. Broiler production is one of the paramount areas of poultry farming that has generated employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed citizens of Nigeria. This sector has also cushioned the effect of malnourishment in terms of animal protein sources faced with the country. It has however, contributed to the increase of the gross domestic product of the nation and as well eased the livelihood of her citizens until recently, that the world was struck with the covid-19 pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic has brought difficult situations for citizens of nations across the globe. The effects, however, may be more severe for others, especially those in the Third World countries, who are in desperate situations, and whose conditions may well further deteriorate if not put into consideration. The covid-19 pandemic therefore, made a need to examine the effect of covid-19 on broiler production and marketing in Nigeria. Also, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an upsurge in the availability of these products, making it hard for farmers to get them out to markets due to the lockdown orders and sudden high cost of feed and feed materials. This, in turn means there is little/no profit for animal producers at this crucial time.
