The impact of COVID-19 and coping strategies used by small-scale farmers: a case study of buffalo city metropolitan, Amathole and O.R Tambo - district municipalities of the Eastern Cape

ABSTRACT

Livestock farming plays a vital role in food supply, job creation, promoting economic transformation and financial capital. Covid-19 pandemic negatively influenced livestock production through reduced access to markets, medicines, extension services and animal health services. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of covid-19 and coping strategies used by small-scale farmers in three municipalities. Eleven farms were purposively selected and a total of 30 farmers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. The results showed that the participation of females (12%) in farming was low compared to males (88%). Lower participation by the youth was alarming with 92% of farmers were above 35 years of age and 50% having a matric. Landownership;40% were private farms, 30% rely on communal land and 30% on lease agreements. The findings showed that the majority of farmers kept livestock for cash sales (60%) meat (19%) and prestige (10%), respectively. Reduced access to markets (50%) and animal health services (19%) were the most highly ranked constraints. Farmers mentioned that they had lost marketing opportunities and income due to the suspension of traditional ceremonies and initiation schools by government restrictions. Approximately 50% of farmers acknowledged the government's intervention in the form of vouchers to cushion the impact covid-19. Due to stringent restrictions, 66% of farmers used cell phones, and 13% went used online to gain access information in order to cope with challenges imposed by the pandemic. In conclusion, the study revealed that small-scale farmers were socially and economically affected by the pandemic.