Impact of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) on Groundnut Production in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Atoma C. N.; Ovharhe O.J.; Ohwinono, J.

Atoma C. N. Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro PMB 5, Delta State, Nigeria
Ovharhe O.J. Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba Delta State, Nigeria
Ohwinono, J. Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba Delta State, Nigeria

Keywords: COVID-19, Groundnut Production, Agriculture, Agricultural extension, Pandemic

Abstract

The overall purpose of this study was to examine the differences between agricultural extension activities before and during the pandemic among groundnut growers in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data from the respondents of one hundred and eighteen (118) sample size. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were used to analyses data gathered. The main findings deduced were large proportion of the respondents were within the age range of 31-40 (32.8%) years. Most females gender household heads. 55.1% of the respondents which were found actively engaged in groundnut production in the area with large family size ranging from 1 – 4. The results obtained revealed that COVID-19 affected food security in groundnut production ( = 2.29), transportation and distribution ( = 2.54) and prices ( = 2.30) with weak extension activities before ( = 2.32) and during ( = 2.92) the pandemic. There were poor conduct of demonstration plots, ( = 1.80) and poor farm visit for technical supports ( = 1.83). The most major challenge imposed by COVID-19 was increase in hunger, malnutrition and death rate ( = 1.92). The greatest adjustment mechanism adopted by farmer during COVID-19 was acceptance of palliatives from government and non- governmental organization ( = 2.41). It was concluded that groundnut production, marketing, income availability and extension activities were below threshold levels during Covid-19 pandemic. It is recommended that adequate buffer funding should be provided during any pandemic to boost extension activities and reduce the effect of food shortages.

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