International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Adegbola JA, Ogunremi OB, Aina OB, Owojaiye OB, Achime KC, Akinola-Soji B and Pessu PO

abstract
Nigeria’s first case of the highly communicable and deadly disease COVID-19 was formally documented in February 2020. The Federal Government of Nigeria thus introduced restrictions as control measures because at the time no vaccines or definite treatment existed. Fundamentally, this investigation was borne out of the assumption that postharvest value chain actors experienced disruptions which are fall outs of the restrictions. A cross sectional research design with a micro approach estimation methodology was used in 18 states across the 6 geopolitical zones. Data were obtained through questionnaire and interview guide, key informant interview, and focus group discussions (FGDs). A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents. Firstly, 16 states with high incidence of COVID-19 with formal restriction were purposively selected. Secondly, 6 key agricultural commodities in terms of their widespread trade and consumption were selected. Lastly, respondents were randomly selected from a pre-determined list obtained from Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) of the selected states, and relevant associations. A total of 96,000 respondents were sampled across 5 postharvest value chain actors. Data components were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that restriction environment was detrimental to output, access to market, food demand and supply, food prices, finance, labour demand and supply, sources of inputs, standard of living, and postharvest activities in general. Finally, the restrictions should not be seen in the light of negativities only, for it brought about increased intimacy among family members among others.