AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

GENDER DIFFERENTIALS IN PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ON FARMING HOUSEHOLDS’ FOOD SECURITY IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Akpan, Christiana Michael, Ekanem, Jemimah Timothy, and Nkeme, Kesit Kufre

Abstract
The study analyzed gender differentials in the perceived effects of Coronavirus pandemic on farming household food security in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, determined the gender perceived effects of coronavirus pandemic on food security among the respondents, examined the influence of selected socio-economic characteristics on the perception of the respondents, and examined if there is a significant variation in the perceived effect of the pandemic on food security based on gender. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 72 male and 108 female headed farming households. Primary data used for the study were obtained through a well- designed questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using percentages, mean, Independent T-test, Chi-square test, and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model. The results showed that Coronavirus pandemic disrupted farm input supply chain (male-98.6%, female-98.1%), reduced farmers income (male- 72.2%, female-80.6%), reduced workers’ availability (male-59.7%, female-82.4%) and led to food unavailability in households (male-55.6%, female-76.9%). Gender, age, and years of farming experience were found to significantly influence farmers' perception of the effect of Coronavirus pandemic on food security and, there was significant variation in the perceived effect of the coronavirus pandemic on food security based on gender. Gender mainstreaming should be considered in addressing the effects of future pandemics on farmers in the State by the intervening body.