COVID-19 DISRUPTS FARMERS’ ACCESS TO MARKETS AND LIVELIHOOD

Thursday, May 21st, 2020 | By

Rural farmers and producers are struggling to bridge the production and market gaps in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
According to farmers in Kiboga and Kyankwanzi districts that Community Green Radio interacted with, despite continued normality with their agricultural activities, the lock down has drastically limited the market for farm produce since buyers can’t go to distant markets and sellers can’t look for better markets.
They say, this, in addition to closure of markets, shops and hotels, has reduced revenues and impacted on daily wage workers and petty traders, making it difficult for farmers to buy inputs and sustain their livelihoods.
“Our livelihood is being affected by Covid-19 pandemic making it difficult to access sustainable income for our families. Before the country underwent the routine preventive measures of the curfew that starts from 7pm-6:30am, the lockdown and social distancing, some farmers used to carry out day to day vending and hawking of food stuff to earn a living,” explains Asuman Ssembatya, the Chairperson for Nabidondolo listeners’ club in Kyankwanzi district.
Charles Lubega another farmer from Wattuba Sub County says many farmers are finding it difficult to sell at a profitable price, especially perishable goods.
“By this time I would be selling fresh beans, tomatoes and even matooke sending them to Kampala vendors but most of the vendors that used to buy from me are crying of lack of money in addition to the COVID 19 measures,” explained Mr. Lubega.
However, Sara Kamyuka, a prominent matooke farmer in Kapeke Sub County in Kiboga district says farmers should think of new approaches to find markets and sell their produce like using Community Green Radio to look for customers and engaging in home deliveries.