INFLUENCE OF COVID 19 LOCKDOWN ON GARRI SUPPLY IN AHOADA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE

Abstract

The study examined the influence of covid-19 lockdown on garri supply in Ahoada West Local Government Area of

Rivers State. Specifically, the study describe the socio-economic characteristics of garri dealers, identify the sources

of garri supply; determined the effect of covid-19 lockdown on garri supply; and identified the challenges of direct

supply. Multi stage sampling technique was employed in selecting the sample size for the study. Data was collected

using the structure questionnaire administered to 150 Respondents. Descriptive statistics such as tables, means,

frequency and distribution table and percentages were used to achieve objective (i), (ii) and (iv), while likert scale

was used to achieve objectives (iii). Result indicate that majority of the garri suppliers fall within the active age

range 41-50 with 45.3% regarding sex of the Respondent, female (66.7%) dominated the garri supply business in

the study area. Majority (70%) of the Respondents were married upon which they supported their households.

Regarding religion, households’ size and educational level, majority of the Respondents indicated Christianity (76,

43.3 and 36.7%) respectively. Also, 31.3% of the Respondents had 6-10 years of experience. Finding of the study

further shows that majority (43.3%) of the Respondents (garri supplier) sourced their garri from within the local

government. Moreso, finding of the study indicated that majority (33%) of Respondents affirmed that garri supply

was low as a result of the effect of covid-19 lockdown. The challenges faced by the garri supplier in the study area

were fluctuation of price, poor road network, high transportation cost, lack of storage facilities, high cost of the raw

materials, climate change and methods of farming as indicated was the major constraints to expanding the scale of

their garri supply business as they all had a mean scores that is the criteria mean which is (≥ 2.50). Among others,

indicated that Rodents/Pest infestation and market structure or building were not serious, constraints encountered

by the garri dealers. The constraints mentioned above were the challenges to garri dealers that were identified.

There is need for government to come up with policy reform that will facilitate price stability of garri and other

agricultural produce. Basic infrastructural facilities such as good roads network, can fail marketing cost and credit

facilities to meet the financial need of the suppliers should be provided to enhance marketing efficiency