Perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production: an implication for food security in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Risk perception is a subjective psychological construct that is influenced by cognitive, emotional, social, cultural, and individual differences, both within and between individuals and across countries. Although the impact of COVID-19 on short- and long-term food security is difficult to predict, some risk factors and lessons from previous pandemics can be identified. The goal of this study is to assess rural farmers’ perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on crop production and its implications for food security in West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 634 small-holder farmers in the west Arsi zone district. From November 1–30, 2020, data was gathered through interviews with local farmers. Data was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. Six trained expert agricultural workers were used as data collectors and supervisors, respectively, and both were trained. The questionnaire had been pre-tested. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 was used to analyze the data. To identify factors associated with risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic on crop production, binary and multivariable logistic regression were used, with statistical significance determined at a p-value of 0.05. RESULTS: This study found that among farmers in West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, about 32.5% reported having perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production, and that age greater than or equal to 57, female sex (AOR,1.48 95% CI (1.03–2.12)), primary Educational status (AOR,2.85(1.78–4.58)), and permanent employed occupation of the house head (AOR, 2.27(1.24–4.17) were found to be independent predictors of perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic on crop production among farmers in West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. CONCLUSION: Perceived risk of COVID-19 on crop production was high and varied across age groups, sexes, educational attainment levels, and the occupation of the head of the household.