A Multi-Phase Assessment of the Effects of COVID-19 on Food Systems and Rural Livelihoods in Tanzania

Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of 2019, the pandemic has brought both social and economic impacts to global communities, although to varying degrees. Since the onset of the pandemic, different regions have responded in various ways by taking different measures to fight the pandemic and its effects. In Tanzania, the first case was recorded on 16 March 2020 and, to contain the spread of the virus, on 17 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced measures including the closure of all education institutions, the suspension of public gatherings and international passenger flights, and mandatory quarantine for individuals entering Tanzania. However, in June 2020, the government announced the easing of the restrictions after observing a significant decrease in the COVID-19 infection rate and, despite a subsequent ‘second wave’ of the virus, the government declined to re-institute movement restrictions. This decision led to the implementation of non-tariff trade barriers which were imposed on cargo carrying grain and other exports to neighbouring countries, especially Kenya. The situation became so bad that diplomatic intervention had to be sought. In order to understand the resulting socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in Tanzania, data were collected in three waves during mid-July2020, October 2020 and February 2021. This paper presents a synthesis of the results of these three survey rounds.

Assessing impacts of COVID-19 and their responses among smallholder farmers in Brazil, Madagascar and Tanzania

“…In this case, it was not an attempt of the farmers to align with universal COVID-19 preventive measures because the majority did not believe that COVID-19 was in the country. The Tanzanian study by Boniface & Magomba (2021) reveals that all respondents reported that not only had no members of their household shown any COVID-19 symptoms, but they were also unaware of any confirmed cases in their villages. About 97% of respondents said they were able to access health services since the relaxation of restrictions on movement.…”

“…About 97% of respondents said they were able to access health services since the relaxation of restrictions on movement. The fear with regards to COVID-19 had significantly decreased and many did not consider it a serious threat to their health or wellbeing ( Boniface & Magomba, 2021 ). The study by Boniface & Magomba highlights different approaches taken by Tanzania, in contrast to many other countries.…”