Potential Impacts of Covid-19 on Agriculture and Socioeconomic Aspects of Farming Community in Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Since the first Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases detected in Ethiopia on March 3, 2020, the pandemic has posed a great challenge, as it causes many adverse effects on agricultural activities and thus on food and nutrition security, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. The sector is more vulnerable to the pandemic and can threaten the livelihoods of small holder farmers and urban community as well as the supply to the agro-based industries leading to social and economic crises. The current desk review was conducted to help decision making at all levels of administrations and other stakeholders who are involved in supporting the agriculture and food systems in Arsi zone and the region at large. Relevant information from recent journal articles, organizational reports, newsletters and various expert blogs related to the current pandemics were gathered, in addition to expertise view. This paper presents the possible effects of COVID-19 on crops and livestock production and health, food value chain, nutritional security, natural resource conservation and socio-economic aspects of the farming community in Arsi zone with identification of possible strategies for overcoming the impact of the current pandemic. The spread of the virus particularly affects the farming activity and market access of small holder farmers to sell their products or buy essential inputs. This could create huge problem to agricultural production and food systems leading to the socio- economic crisis in the country. Therefore, the national, regional and zonal authorities should take proper steps to maintain well functioning of farming system and agri-food value chains.