COVID-19 AND SOCIO ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF SUB SAHARAN AFRICAN DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The impact of COVID-19 on socio economic wellbeing of Sub Saharan African district of southern Cross River State Nigeria has been investigated. The pandemic adversely affected the literacy level due to closure of schools; also, people’s livelihoods/food systems.  The theoretical framework was the Sustainable Livelihood template. It adopted the methodology of survey research design and drew evidence from 600 respondents. Majority of them, 65.6 percent were males, 39.67 percent in the age bracket of 35-40 years, 63.33 percent were married; majority being 47.66 percent engaged in farming; almost all respondents 95.84 percent were Christians with 51.33 percent completing secondary education. Data were analyzed using Chi-square inferential statistical tools to test: whether an association exists between COVID-19 and socio economic wellbeing in terms of literacy; association between COVID-19 and socio economic wellbeing in terms of people’s livelihoods/ food systems; an association between COVID-19 and socio economic wellbeing in terms of people’s health. Findings revealed that the people have experienced reduced income, decreased wellbeing due poor health status, reduced access to services such as -education and health. People have also experienced increased vulnerability and reduced food security. The paper recommended that different forms of support are key, including healthy school meals, shelter and food relief initiatives, support for employment retention and recovery, and financial relief for businesses, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are necessary.