The fast-spreading of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having and major impact on world economics. Agriculture is no exception.
What are the possible impacts of COVID-19 on agriculture?
- The health of the farmer
Farmers are a relatively older population compared to the general working population. According to the 2017 Agric Census, the average age of farm operators stood at 58, ten years above the other sector workers. Furthermore, 26% are 65 and above. 11.7% are 75 and older. Updated on the COVID-19 suggests persons 60 years and above have more severe cases with the virus. These suggest that preventive measures must be taken to protect this population to mitigate the impact on agriculture.
- The farm workforce
Besides the older farm workforce, the other population could also get sick from the infection, though they may be low would also impact agriculture. Lockdowns and other arrangements to control the spread will also lead to a larger portion of the agricultural workforce not available for work.
- Markets and farm prices
As the COVID-19 continue to spread in some areas, the recommendations are to keep social distancing, reduced travel, avoiding crowds, closures, and other protective practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The normal purchasing habits of consumers are likely to change and the availability of food too.
The disruption of movement will greatly impact the movement of foods and the whole agricultural value chain and likely to affect market prices.
