Informing Evidence-Based Policymaking: A Rapid Multi-Country Survey on the Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Smallholder Farmers

Ethiopia India Kenya Pakistan Rwanda Uganda Zambia Agriculture

Informing Evidence-Based Policymaking: A Rapid Multi-Country Survey on the Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Smallholder Farmers

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Researchers

Tomoko Harigaya, Hannah Timmis, Kaitlyn Turner, Claudia Carbajal Morelos, Daniel Mokrauer-Madden, Jessica Zhu, Torsten Walter, Maya Woser, Victor Perez  

Abstract

Informational deficits constrain the ability of governments, service-providers and funders to make evidence-based decisions about how best to respond to the evolving needs of rural populations, and challenges to food security in developing countries, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Precision Agriculture for Development (PAD) proposes to conduct a multi-country survey of up to 11,000 smallholder farmers, and a sample of agro-dealers, to assess the impact of the pandemic and mitigation efforts. PAD is uniquely positioned to conduct this work given the organization’s existing operational footprint, experience in designing and administering digital informational services, and research capabilities. PAD will make the findings of the proposed survey publicly available whenever possible to inform decision making, research and policy formulation in the public interest.

Project Outcomes of Interest

i) current conditions in agricultural markets and the extent of disruptions experienced by farmers and agro-dealers, including changes in market access, prices, and goods availability; (ii) farmers’ food security and changes in food availability; and (iii) the availability of information about coronavirus and related public health advice, as well as farmers’ responses to that information

Partners

Precision Agriculture for Development

Key Findings

 

  • Farmers report a decrease in labor activity, including not being allowed to work on their or others' fields. However, most farmers report being able to purchase the inputs that they need, such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides. 
  • Farmers appear relatively optimistic about agricultural outputs, with regards to expected harvest amounts and selling prices. 
  • Farmers report several challenges to food security, particularly citing high prices of staple foods. 
  • Farmers are aware of key symptoms and prevention methods. The main concern cited is overwhelmingly contracting COVID (either self or a household member). 

Link to Results

A results dashboard is available here, and a blog post discussing the findings in Kenya is available here. 

Impact Goals

  • Build resilience and protect the financial health of families and individuals
  • Build resilient and adaptable businesses and employment opportunities
  • Improve social-safety net responses
  • Reduce COVID-19 transmission rates

Project Data Collection Mode

  • CATI (Computer-assisted telephone interviewing)

Link to Data Collection Instruments

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ijjb2d_JRQxVG1FAUiclLRn6flv5-8j7PlW2kqdInJI/edit?usp=sharing&urp=gmail_link

Results Status

Results