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