EFFECTS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN FAMILIES IN THE DISTRIT OF PEMBA (MUXARA)– MOZAMBIQUE

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of coronavirus (Covid-19) on agricultural production of families in the district of Pemba (Muxara) in Mozambique. The social isolation during a pandemic has changes the dynamics of families in production processes and agricultural income. Adequate and timely planning by the Government, productive sectors and families minimizes the disastrous effects of the pandemic.The research is explanatory with a quantitative approach. From the universe of the population of Muxara (5,872), 200 interviews were applied through a questionnaire. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, agricultural processes, difficulties and agricultural productivity of families before and during Covid-19 were collected. The statistical analyzes of the sample (n=200) showed greater involvement of women in agricultural production, most of them are adults and without knowing how to read and write. The agricultural production depends on rainfall and is carried out in smaller plots manually, few have access to seeds, improved fertilizers and technical assistance. The agricultural productivity of corn and cassava crops, achievable by most peasants, is below half a ton per hectare, but during the pandemic 48% of respondents were unable to finish their agricultural plots and in 52% of the interviews the productivity dropped to 0.226t/ha, a reduction of almost 50% compared to that achieved before Covid-19.