EFFECTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN IBARAPA AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Livestock proven to be one of the invaluable natural resources which have contributed immensely to livelihood development, especially in rural communities across developing countries of the world, is seriously affected by Covid-19 pandemic. This study investigated the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on livestock production and marketing in Ibarapa area of Oyo State. Snow balling technique was used to select twenty five livestock farmers from each of the three local government areas in the study area to give sample size of seventy five for this study. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from seventy five respondents. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentages and mean were used in analyzing data collected. The result of the analysis showed that most of the respondents (80%) were between the ages of 31 and 50 years. On the attitude and knowledge of respondents on Covid-19, the result showed that respondents agreed that Covid-19 is real, contagious, natural and that wearing face mask in public places helps prevent contacting the disease. Marketing of produce was ranked first on farm activities that were seriously affected during the pandemic. 80% of the respondent agreed that movement restriction is one of the factors that affect livestock production during the pandemic. In conclusion, Covid-19 had adverse effect on livestock production and marketing, if care is not taken can cause food insecurity. It was recommended that Government at all levels should consider livestock farmers by giving them special loan to cover the loss they incurred during covid-19 pandemic.