Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
The economic effect of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on food access/demand can lead to food price changes This study was designed to evaluate the covid-19 influenced differences in food commodity prices. The study design captured eight urban markets in eight Nigerian states. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed. The number of sample points for each measure and commodity ranged from two to four per selected market. Local measures of commodities sold by traders were obtained and weighed using a calibrated weighing scale. The price equivalent of the weighted portions were obtained for three designated intervals; pre-covid-19 lockdown (September, 2019), peak of nationwide lockdown (May-June, 2020) and post covid-19 lockdown (March, 2021). Results revealed that cereals/grains significantly increased (4.87-23.53%) during the lockdown and even further (38.68-65.16%) after the lockdown. Yam, sweet potato and cassava flour (alagbo) experienced a double increase in the post-lockdown (96.32-117.5%) price. The market price for legumes/nuts increased during the lockdown (4.51-47.37%) and worsened post-lockdown (27.82-155.26%). Vegetables recorded a huge leap in price within the lockdown period (64.39-197.98%) than post-lockdown (-8.95% to 66.22%). Same was observed for goat meat (lockdown price – 30.0%; post-lockdown -12.38%). Egg and milk recorded a mild upsurge in the price during the lockdown (12.69-16.46%) and post-lockdown era (18.28-29.86%). Other essential commodities such as oil, salt and sugar experienced price upsurge as well (lockdown; 3.82 -17.07; post lockdown; 0.31-21.9%). Food prices increased during the lockdown and worsened afterwards, efforts to eliminate food system disruptions will boost food production and enhance physical accessibility
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University